OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant ON Canada

OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant

ON, Canada
Empower grassroots groups to develop innovative solutions for supporting families by honoring diverse identities and addressing systemic barriers
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Grant and Funding
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  • Health care and social assistance
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  • Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
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The Family Innovations Test Grant supports grassroots groups led by parents, guardians, or caregivers to develop and test new ideas, explore different approaches, or research important issues, aiming to improve the well-being and social and economic stability of families. Eligible activities include piloting new projects, researching specific topics, and strategizing around issues affecting parents, guardians, and caregivers. The program prioritizes initiatives led by and for Indigenous and Black communities and covers a spectrum of eligible expenses to facilitate project implementation.

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This grant is specifically for groups based in Ontario, Canada, and intended to benefit communities within this province. The grant aims to support initiatives led by local grassroots groups in Ontario.
  • Groups located within the province of Ontario, Canada.
  • Projects that benefit parents, guardians, and caregivers in Ontario.

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and their community engagement.
  • The applicant must be a grassroots group not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit organization.
  • For an organization incorporated as a not-for-profit, it must not have share capital and must have independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in either of the last two years.
  • The work of the group must be community-led and community-inspired, with core group members sharing identities and lived experiences with the parents, guardians, and caregivers who will benefit from the project.
  • If the group is from a First Nation, no more than 50% of its members can be part of the band office or band council.
  • The group must be led by parents, guardians, and caregivers.
  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers must form more than 50% of the core group, which must have at least three members.
  • More than 50% of core group members must have an ‘arm's length’ relationship, meaning they are not closely related or in a position of conflict of interest.
  • The group must be based in Ontario and the work must benefit parents, guardians, and caregivers in Ontario.
  • The group must exist independently of larger organizations like charities, municipalities, universities, schools, or hospitals.
  • The group must agree to work with an Organizational Mentor and have the autonomy to choose their mentor.

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The Family Innovations Test Grant is specifically tailored for grassroots groups led by parents, guardians, or caregivers who share lived experiences with those they aim to support. Eligible applicants include groups that are not registered as charities or larger entities, such as municipalities or religious institutions. These groups must:- Be unincorporated or incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in Canadian jurisdictions.- Have independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in the previous two years.- Ensure that over 50% of their core group members are parents, guardians, and caregivers.- Reflect the communities they serve, particularly focusing on Indigenous and Black families who face systemic barriers.- Operate independently from larger organizations and must not exceed 50% membership from band offices if from a First Nation.Applicants should be ready to enter a collaborative agreement with an Organizational Mentor and meet "led by and for" principle by ensuring leadership comes directly from those sharing identities and challenges with beneficiaries. The projects must aim to test new ideas or conduct research to address systemic issues impacting parents and caregivers in Ontario.

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This grant excludes certain organizations and entities primarily based on their organizational status or affiliation with larger entities. The restrictions are in place to ensure that funding is directed toward community-led grassroots initiatives.
  • Registered charities.
  • Religious entities established for the observation of religious beliefs, including churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues.
  • Municipalities.
  • Groups or projects based at existing organizations (not-for-profit or for-profit).
  • Groups specifically designed to serve through committees or clubs of institutions, such as municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals.
  • For-profit organizations or businesses.
  • Individuals.

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The Family Innovations Test Grant seeks to drive meaningful change by supporting grassroots projects led by parents, guardians, or caregivers. These projects aim at testing new ideas, exploring issues, and strategizing collective approaches to enhance the wellbeing of families.
  • Pilot innovative project ideas to positively impact parents, guardians, and caregivers.
  • Conduct research on specific topics or issues pertinent to family well-being.
  • Organize collaborative discussions among parents, guardians, and caregivers to explore new strategies on common issues.

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This grant supports a range of project-related expenses to enhance program delivery and community engagement.
  • Staffing, including Mandatory Employee Required Costs (MERC) of 20%
  • Transportation
  • Honorarium for participants and volunteers
  • Support services such as translation, interpretation, and child-minding
  • Project supplies and materials
  • Project equipment (rental or purchase)
  • Food
  • Communications, including website and promotions
  • Fees for services delivered by experts and facilitators
  • Contingency expenses (maximum of 10% per year)
  • Administrative support costs (OM): 15% of total budget
  • Capacity building expenses (minimum of $2,000 per year and up to a maximum of $4,000 per year)

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The Family Innovations Test Grant evaluates projects based on specific selection criteria that measure the strength of leadership and strategy to ensure impactful outcomes for community-led initiatives.
  • Strong Grassroots Leadership: Assessment weight: 40% - The group must demonstrate the right mix of knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver the project successfully and have strong connections to the issues and communities they intend to serve.
  • Setting the Context (Issue & Idea): Assessment weight: 60% - The idea or research must be clearly described, addressing systemic barriers faced by YOF parents, guardians, or caregivers, and should be culturally anchored to meet their needs and experiences effectively.
  • Potential for Impact (Idea & Impact): - YOF parents, guardians, and caregivers must be the clear and direct beneficiaries of the project, with the anticipated changes aligning with the chosen YOF Priority Outcome.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
  • Step 1: Expression of Interest
    • Create an OTF account if you are a new user, or sign in to the Granting Portal if you already have an account.
    • Complete the Expression of Interest form once the application portal opens.
    • Submit the Expression of Interest by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Step 2: Review and Assessment of Expression of Interest
    • The submitted EOI is reviewed for eligibility and readiness to do the proposed work.
    • The assessment includes checking the potential impact and the understanding of beneficiaries’ needs and experiences.
    • The online presence of applicants is reviewed to ensure they deliver eligible and relevant activities.
    • Receive notification of the status of your Expression of Interest approximately 6 weeks after the deadline.
  • Step 3: Connection with Organizational Mentor
    • Initiate early contact with potential Organizational Mentors to confirm eligibility.
    • Collaborate with an Organizational Mentor to draft the grant application if your EOI is shortlisted.
  • Step 4: Submit the Grant Application
    • Participate in a mandatory webinar about the grant application process and next steps.
    • Work with the Organizational Mentor to finalize the Collaborative Agreement and the grant application.
    • Upload the signed Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Group Collaborative Agreement with your grant application.
    • Submit the complete grant application by the deadline.
  • Step 5: Recommendation and Selection
    • The Grant Review Committee provides recommendations which are approved by the OTF’s Board of Directors.
  • Step 6: Notification
    • Receive notification of your grant application status approximately 8 weeks after the application deadline.
  • Step 7: Confirmation and Orientation
    • Participate in a mandatory orientation session and trainings if the grant is awarded.
    • The Organizational Mentor receives the OTF Grant Contract and is responsible for signing it.
  • Step 8: After Approval
    • Engage in reporting and monitoring activities to track project progress and complete annual and final reports.
    • Utilize capacity building opportunities to connect and network with other grantees.
    • Assist in evaluation activities to measure project success towards the chosen Priority Outcome.
    • Upon approval of the Final Report by OTF, receive the final payment for the project.
    • Be aware of the possibility of a Grantee Compliance Audit during or after the grant period.

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