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OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant
Family-led innovation funding for Ontario groups
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 7, 2026
- Closing date : June 17, 2026
Location
Eastern, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Supports grassroots family-led projects to test new ideas, research issues, or explore collective approaches. Provides up to $100,000 per year for work that benefits parents, guardians, and caregivers in Ontario.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : January 7, 2026
- Closing date : June 17, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Eastern
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- 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
- Pilot a new idea for families
- Research an issue or new concept
- Strategize around an issue affecting 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 financial statements, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Grassroots groups led by parents, guardians, or caregivers
- 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 or businesses
- Individuals
Eligible expenses
- Staffing costs, including wages and related employer costs
- Transportation, food, honoraria, and support services
- Project supplies, materials, and equipment
- Communications, website, and promotion costs
- Fees for experts, facilitators, and consultants
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Taxes eligible for rebates
- Capital renovations or infrastructure costs
- Contingency costs
- Political or religious activities
- General operating costs unrelated to the project
- Personal one-on-one professional services
- Participant groceries, household supplies, or equipment
- Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Expression of Interest is reviewed for eligibility, readiness, impact, and fit with beneficiaries.
- Shortlisted groups are invited to submit a full grant application with an Organizational Mentor.
- Grant recommendations are approved by OTF’s Board of Directors.
- Successful groups complete orientation and the Grant Contract is signed by the Organizational Mentor.
- Grantees must submit progress and final reports and may be audited.
Additional information
- An Organizational Mentor is required.
- Shortlisted applicants receive feedback on the Project Plan and Budget.
- Successful groups must complete orientation and trainings.
- Progress and final reports are required after approval.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant?
Supports grassroots family-led projects to test new ideas, research issues, or explore collective approaches. Provides up to $100,000 per year for work that benefits parents, guardians, and caregivers in Ontario.
How much funding can be received?
OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **June 17, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant program?
To be eligible for the OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant program, you must:
Led by parents, guardians, or caregivers.
Based in Ontario.
Requires an Organizational Mentor.
What expenses are eligible under OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant?
Pilot a new idea for families
Research an issue or new concept
Strategize around an issue affecting parents, guardians, and caregivers
Who can I contact for more information about the OTF — Family Innovations Test 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 Test Grant available?
The OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant program is available Eastern, Ontario.