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Source verified April 9, 2026
OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant
Family-led innovation funding for Ontario groups
Latest source updateLast Update: May 14, 2026Latest change: The grant pages now emphasize a closed expression-of-interest period, with changes to mentor guidance, support information, and application instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 14, 2026
Latest change: The grant pages now emphasize a closed expression-of-interest period, with changes to mentor guidance, support information, and application instructions.
Youth Innovations Grant guidance updated
The Family Innovations Test Grant content now highlights that the expression of interest period is closed and that shortlisted groups will move forward to the next step. Related guidance also appears to have changed for mentor options, applicant supports, and contact or booking information used to navigate the application process. The update also affects the program’s scope and process details by changing mentor availability and the information applicants rely on to complete the next stage. Funding terms appear unchanged, with only minor or no visible impact to grant amounts and award conditions.
Funding available
$ 100,000
Deadline
July 8, 2026
Location
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.
/100
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 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- 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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Strong alignment with the selected Priority Outcome
- Clear project idea and context
- Relevance to the needs and experiences of the beneficiaries
- Strong grassroots leadership and community connection
- Potential impact on parents, guardians, and caregivers
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Review the deadlines and application resources.
- Create an OTF account in the Granting Portal.
- Step 2: Submit the Expression of Interest
- Complete and submit the Expression of Interest by the deadline.
- Late submissions are not accepted.
- Step 3: Review and shortlist
- OTF reviews eligibility and assesses the Expression of Interest.
- Shortlisted groups are notified about 6 weeks after the deadline.
- Step 4: Confirm Organizational Mentor
- Identify and confirm an eligible Organizational Mentor.
- Review and finalize the collaborative agreement.
- Step 5: Submit the grant application
- Work with the Organizational Mentor to complete and submit the full application.
- Upload the signed collaborative agreement.
- Step 6: Decision and next steps
- Wait for the funding decision, usually about 8 weeks after the deadline.
- If approved, complete orientation and sign the Grant Contract through the Organizational Mentor.
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
- Shortlisted groups 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
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.
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 the province of Ontario.
Is the OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OTF — Family Innovations Test Grant is a Grant and Funding