OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant ON Canada

OTF — Family Innovations Scale Grant

ON, Canada
Empower grassroots groups led by parents, guardians, and caregivers to enhance or expand impactful community projects, prioritizing marginalized populations
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  • grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDateDecember 04, 2024
  • grant_single|closingDateJuly 09, 2025
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Health care and social assistance
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  • Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
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The Family Innovations Scale Grant aims to support the growth and enhancement of community projects that improve the well-being of parents, guardians, and caregivers, focusing on those with at least two years of proven impact. Eligible activities include enhancing the quality or expanding the reach of existing projects to deepen their impact or serve more beneficiaries, particularly those belonging to Indigenous, Black, or other marginalized identities facing systemic barriers. The grant offers funding of up to $150,000 annually for a duration of two to three years.

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The grant is targeted specifically for groups based in a certain region to enhance community-focused initiatives. Eligible groups must be located within this geographical area to qualify for funding.
  • Groups must be based in Ontario to be eligible.

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Eligibility for the Family Innovations Scale Grant requires that groups meet specific criteria related to their organizational structure and leadership composition.
  • The group must be a grassroots organization not registered as a charity or incorporated as a not-for-profit without share capital in Canada.
  • If the group is from a First Nation, it must not have more than 50% of its members as part of the band office or band council.
  • The organization, if incorporated, must have independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in either of the last two years.
  • Board members and day-to-day management must be composed of parents, guardians, and caregivers, and the group must be led by these individuals.
  • Core group members must reflect the identities and experiences of the parents, guardians, and caregivers they are serving.
  • The group must have at least three core group members, with more than 50% at arm's length relationships to each other.
  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers must constitute more than 50% of the core group.
  • The group must be based in Ontario and work will benefit parents, guardians, and caregivers in Ontario.
  • The group must exist independently of larger organizations such as not-for-profits, charitable organizations, municipalities, universities, schools, religious institutions, or hospitals.
  • Groups must agree to work with an Organizational Mentor and have autonomy in choosing their mentor and designing their project.
  • A group can only apply for one Youth Opportunities Fund grant at a time and only if they are in the last year of an active grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Family Innovations Scale Grant is designed for community groups that are led by parents, guardians, and caregivers looking to expand or enhance their existing projects that have demonstrated successful outcomes. The program encourages applications from grassroots groups who share identities and experiences with those they support, particularly prioritizing Black and Indigenous communities.
  • Unregistered grassroots groups led by parents, guardians, and caregivers.
  • Incorporated not-for-profit organizations with independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in the past two years.
  • Groups with core members who reflect the community they serve, especially Black and Indigenous groups.
  • Applicants who have demonstrated project success and wish to scale their project in Ontario.
  • Groups must consist of at least three core members, with a majority not in related personal or business relationships.
  • First Nation groups can apply but must adhere to membership restrictions related to band offices or councils.
  • Organizations with board and management mainly consisting of parents, guardians, and caregivers.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain organizations based on their legal status and primary operational focus. Eligible applicants must align with the grant's community-oriented objectives.
  • Registered charities.
  • Religious entities established for the observation of religious beliefs.
  • Municipalities.
  • Groups/projects based at an existing organization (not-for-profit or for-profit).
  • Groups specifically designed to serve parents, guardians, and caregivers through institutional committees or clubs.
  • Groups designing programming for children.
  • For-profit organizations and businesses.
  • Individuals.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Family Innovations Scale Grant is aimed at projects that either enhance the quality or expand the reach of established initiatives that support the wellbeing of parents, guardians, and caregivers. It targets groups with a proven track record and the capacity to extend their impact on community health and resilience.
  • Enhancement of the quality of experiences for parents, guardians, and caregivers to deepen the impact of a current project.
  • Expansion of a current project to reach more parents, guardians, and caregivers, potentially by adding new locations or increasing service frequency.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The Family Innovations Scale Grant covers expenses essential for project delivery and enhancing the capacities of grassroots groups.
  • Staffing costs, including Mandatory Employee Required Costs (MERC) of 20%
  • Transportation expenses
  • Honorarium for participants and volunteers
  • Support services, such as translation, interpretation, and child-minding
  • Project supplies and materials
  • Rental or purchase of project equipment
  • Food for project-related activities
  • Communication expenses, including website and promotions
  • Fees for services delivered by experts, facilitators, and professionals
  • Contingency costs (maximum of 10% per year)
  • Administrative Support Costs (15% of total budget)
  • Capacity Building costs (minimum of $2,000 per year and up to a maximum of $4,000 per year)

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The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on the alignment with strategic criteria and their potential impact on the target beneficiaries.
  • Strong Grassroots Leadership - Assessment weight: 40%: Demonstrates history working together, skills, and ability to administer the grant.
  • Strategy - Assessment weight: 60%: Clearly demonstrates delivery of activities over two years and describes how to scale the current project. Responds effectively to systemic barriers and reflects the experiences of YOF parents, guardians, and caregivers.
  • Potential for Impact: Clear and direct beneficiaries, achievable changes aligned with YOF Priority Outcome.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Family Innovations Scale Grant:
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 5: Notification of Funding Decision
    • Receive notification of the funding decision approximately eight weeks after the application deadline.
  • Step 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.
  • Step 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.

Apply to this program