Open
Closing Soon
OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant
Scale a proven community project for families
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 8, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports established parent-, guardian-, and caregiver-led groups to scale a proven community project over 2 to 3 years, with up to $150,000 per year. It funds work to deepen impact or expand reach through eligible project activities, staffing, project costs, and capacity building.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : July 8, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Enhancing an existing project to deepen its impact
- Expanding an existing project to reach more parents, guardians, and caregivers
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest
- Project Plan and Budget
- Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Group Collaborative Agreement
- Core group and board information
- Organizational Mentor information and supporting documents
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Grassroots groups not registered as a charity or incorporated not-for-profit
- Incorporated not-for-profit corporations without share capital in Canada
- First Nations grassroots groups
Who is not eligible
- Registered charities
- Religious entities
- Municipalities
- For-profit organizations and businesses
- Individuals
Eligible expenses
- Staffing costs, including wages and mandatory employee costs
- Transportation, honoraria, food, and support services
- Project supplies, materials, and equipment rental or purchase
- Communications, consultant or facilitator fees
- Capacity building costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital infrastructure or renovations
- Political or religious activities
- General ongoing operating costs
- Personal one-on-one professional services
- Participant groceries, household supplies, equipment, bursaries, sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with a selected Priority Outcome
- Strong grassroots leadership and relevant experience
- Clear strategy and a well-defined scaling plan
- Potential for impact on the intended beneficiaries
How to apply
1
Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Create an OTF account if you are a new user or sign-in for returning users.
- Complete the Expression of Interest through the OTF’s Granting Portal once it opens.
- Submit the EOI by the deadline: April 9, 2025, at 5 PM ET.
2
Notification of Shortlisted EOIs
- Wait for notification approximately six weeks after the EOI deadline regarding your status.
- If shortlisted, begin researching potential Organizational Mentors.
3
Organizational Mentor Confirmation
- Confirm an eligible Organizational Mentor for your project.
- Ensure your Organizational Mentor has an OTF account and helps in the application process.
4
Submit Grant Application
- Participate in a mandatory webinar to learn about the grant application.
- Work with your Organizational Mentor to finalize your grant application.
- Submit the complete grant application, including the signed Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Group Collaborative Agreement by July 9, 2025, 5 PM ET.
5
Notification of Funding Decision
Receive notification of the funding decision approximately eight weeks after the application deadline.
6
Confirmation and Orientation
- If approved, participate in a mandatory orientation session and trainings.
- The Organizational Mentor will receive the OTF Grant Contract to sign.
7
Reporting, Monitoring, and Completion
- Participate in scheduled check-ins and complete annual progress and final reports.
- Engage in capacity building and evaluation activities as directed.
- Complete the project and submit the final report for grant close-out.
Processing and Agreement
- Expression of Interest is reviewed first.
- Shortlisted groups are invited to submit the full grant application.
- OTF reviews the application and makes a funding decision.
- Successful groups complete orientation and sign the grant contract through their Organizational Mentor.
- After approval, reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and possible audit requirements apply.
Additional information
- Only shortlisted Expression of Interest applicants are invited to submit the full grant application.
- An Organizational Mentor is required and must sign the collaborative agreement with the application.
- Successful groups must complete a mandatory orientation and trainings.
- Grantees must complete annual progress reporting, a final report, and evaluation activities.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant Program
What is the OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant?
This program supports established parent-, guardian-, and caregiver-led groups to scale a proven community project over 2 to 3 years, with up to $150,000 per year. It funds work to deepen impact or expand reach through eligible project activities, staffing, project costs, and capacity building.
How much funding can be received?
OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant program?
To be eligible for the OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant program, you must:
Led by parents, guardians, or caregivers
At least 2 years of core activities
Based in Ontario
What expenses are eligible under OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant?
Enhancing an existing project to deepen its impact
Expanding an existing project to reach more parents, guardians, and caregivers
Who can I contact for more information about the OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant?
You can contact Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) by email at yof@otf.ca or by phone at 1 800 263-2887.
Where is the OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant available?
The OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant is a Grant and Funding