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OTF — Community Building Fund – Capital Stream
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Supports capital improvements through construction, fixed equipment, and development
Grant and Funding
Overview
Provides up to $500,000 to support capital projects through construction/renovation, fixed equipment, and limited project development/management costs. Funding covers 100% of total project costs in most cases (or 80% for certain municipalities) for projects delivered over 6 or 12 months.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Renovate your business/factory
Eligible Funding
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Capital construction and renovation projects (including installations)
- Installation of large fixed equipment as part of a facility/project upgrade
- Project development and management activities directly supporting the capital project
Documents Needed
- Professional or third-party quotes/estimates (at least one; two preferred)
- Completed financial workbook (with budget notes)
Eligibility
- The request must fit the Community Building Fund – Capital Stream.
- The funding request must be at least $10,000.
- The project duration must be 6 or 12 months.
- For municipalities with a population over 20,000 (or their sport and recreation organizations), funding may be limited to 80% of total project costs.
Who is eligible?
- Municipalities
- Sport and recreation organizations of municipalities with populations over 20,000
Eligible expenses
- Construction/renovation materials and labour (including installation)
- Large, fixed equipment for installation
- Development and project management costs (up to 20% of the amount requested)
- Eligible development costs such as engineering work, architectural plans, surveying, and permits
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Refundable taxes (e.g., HST/GST where the recipient is eligible for rebates)
- Contingency costs
- Costs incurred before the grant is approved
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
1
Confirm funding fit
- Review the Capital Stream funding parameters (minimum request of $10,000; grant term of 6 or 12 months)
- Confirm the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) can fund 100% of total project costs up to $500,000, except municipalities over 20,000 population (or their sport and recreation organizations) which can request up to 80% up to $500,000
- Ensure the amount requested is only what you need because OTF funds the full amount requested
2
Define eligible project costs
- List only eligible cost categories: construction/renovation, fixed equipment, and development/project management (up to 20% of the amount requested)
- Exclude ineligible items such as refundable taxes (e.g., GST/HST rebates), contingency costs, and any costs incurred before OTF approves the grant
- If you are a municipality requesting $100,000 or more, include the required ON Builds sign cost of $10,000 within the total budget requested (maximum $500,000 including the sign)
3
Gather quotes and estimates
- Obtain at least one professional or third-party quote/estimate for the project costs
- Prepare preferably two sets of quotes/estimates to demonstrate best value for money
4
Complete the financial workbook
- Complete the Financial Workbook in the application and include only the costs to be paid by the grant request
- Add required budget notes that clearly detail each cost you are requesting from OTF
5
Answer application questions
- Complete the Capital Stream application questions
- Ensure the request aligns with the Capital Stream requirements before finalizing
6
Finalize for submission
- Review the full application to confirm all costs are eligible and supported by quotes/estimates
- Confirm the total request meets the minimum ($10,000) and respects the applicable funding percentage and maximum ($500,000)
Additional information
- Applicants are encouraged to request only the funding they need, as the funder aims to support as many applications as possible.
- Only costs to be paid by the grant request should be included in the financial workbook; including ineligible costs may result in refusal.
- At least one professional/third-party quote or estimate is required, and two sets are preferred to demonstrate value for money.
- Municipalities receiving $100,000+ may be required to buy, produce, and install an “Ontario Builds” sign (per Ontario guidelines).
