How much funding can be received?

The Grow Grant aims to elevate successful community projects to a new level by offering funding between $100,000 and $600,000 over 2 or 3 years. It supports established programs and services in Ontario's non-profit sector that have a proven track record, focusing on sectors like sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, and human and social services. Eligible activities include expanding, improving, or adapting an existing program or service to increase its impact on the community.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

Grow Grants provide a comprehensive funding solution designed to enhance community projects' impact. These grants facilitate financial support across different project categories with specific requirements to ensure effective execution and accountability.

Funding ranges from $100,000 to $600,000 over a term of 2 or 3 years.
Applicants can request between $50,000 and $200,000 annually.
Eligible budget categories include Direct Personnel Costs, Direct Non-Personnel Costs, and Overhead and Administration Costs, capped at 15% of the budget before applicable capital costs.
Capital costs can constitute up to 20% of the budget for purchases directly relating to the project's objective, including equipment and renovations.
A minimum of one quote or estimate is required for goods and services valued over $5,000, with preference for two or more quotes for better value demonstration.
All necessary funds must be secured, or there should be a reasonable plan to secure remaining funds, prior to accessing grant disbursements.
Ineligible costs include taxes eligible for rebate, contingency costs, pre-approval incurred costs, fundraising drives, and capital campaigns.
Grants are disbursed through electronic funds transfer upon activation and contractual agreement completion.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports established community projects that aim to create a greater impact through expansion, improvement, or adaptation. Eligible initiatives are those that have shown a proven track record of success and meet local community needs.

Expansion of existing community programs or services to serve more people or areas.
Improvements to current programs or services to enhance their effectiveness and reach.
Adaptation of successful projects to address evolving community challenges and opportunities.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 120,000

Launching a local organic produce delivery service to improve food accessibility

$ 160,000

Renovating a historic theatre to support cultural activities

$ 90,000

Creating a community support program for mental health care

$ 64,000

Launching a digital marketplace platform for local artisans to expand their market reach

$ 80,000

Developing sustainable waste management systems for small businesses

$ 200,000

Establishing a wind energy cooperative to promote renewable energy use

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligible applicants for the Grow Grant must meet specific criteria related to their organizational structure and operational goals.

Applicants must deliver programs and services in one of the following sectors: sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, and human and social services.
Applicants should have a primary purpose, presence, and reputation for delivering community-based programs with direct community impact within one of the 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario.
Affirmation of the financial and organizational capacity to manage the grant funds and complete the proposed project as per the Financial Need and Health of Applicants policy is required.
Applicants must be either a non-profit organization, an Indigenous community, or certain municipalities and local services boards with a population of 20,000 or less, among other specific organizational types.
For collaborative applications, the lead organization must meet all defined eligibility criteria and a formal collaborative agreement must be presented.
Religious entities and faith-based groups are eligible if they provide community-wide services that are secular in nature.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

OTF grants are open to eligible non-profit organizations aimed at delivering direct community-based programs and services in Ontario. Eligibility criteria include several specific requirements that an organization must meet:1. Non-profit Organizations: - Must deliver programs and services in the sectors of sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, or human and social services. - Must have a primary purpose, presence, and reputation for delivering community-based programs and services within one of OTF’s 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario. - Must demonstrate financial and organizational capacity to manage OTF funds according to OTF’s financial policies. - Eligible organizations must be either a registered charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency or a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction.2. Indigenous Communities: - First Nations, if seeking funding for libraries, must apply on behalf of the library. - Chartered Community Councils under the Métis Nation of Ontario. - Inuit communities.3. Municipalities, Libraries, and Local Services Boards: - Municipalities with populations of 20,000 or less, county library boards, and local services boards serving populations of 20,000 or less. Eligible categories include fostering physically active lifestyles or enriching lives through arts, culture, and heritage. Municipalities over 20,000 populations are ineligible.4. Collaboratives: - Two or more organizations can apply if the lead organization meets OTF’s criteria. The lead organization will be responsible for the application and administration of the grant.5. Religious Entities: - Organizations that are registered charities or not-for-profit corporations must provide community services that are not religious in nature and do not require participation in religious activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

OTF Grow Grants have specific eligibility restrictions to ensure the funds support appropriate organizations and activities. Organizations that do not align with OTF's mission or eligibility criteria are excluded.

Municipalities with a population of over 20,000.
Entities not primarily delivering programs and services in Ontario.
Organizations that do not have a primary purpose of delivering direct community-based programs in Ontario.
Entities not compliant with certain political activity requirements.
Applicants with insufficient financial documentation or capacity to manage the grant.
Organizations not fitting into eligible sectors such as sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, and human and social services.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant aims to enhance established community projects that have demonstrated success, fostering increased impact and benefit to the community. Eligible projects focus on expanding, improving, or adapting existing programs to meet community needs.

Expansion of existing successful community programs or services.
Improvement or enhancement of established services for broader reach.
Adaptation of effective programs to better serve community demands.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is targeted at organizations delivering community-based programs and services in Ontario. Eligible areas are defined by the funding body to meet regional impact and development goals.

Organizations must deliver services within one of OTF’s 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Community benefit and relevance (30%)
Project plan and feasibility (30%)
Project Budget (30%)
Program participation for populations experiencing barriers (10%)

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Create an OTF account on the Granting Portal if you are a new user.
- Returning users should sign-in to the Granting Portal when the application becomes available.
- Complete a short questionnaire to check fit for this grant stream.
Step 2: Gather Organization Information
- Ensure organization's information is up-to-date.
- Include necessary details such as incorporation/registration numbers, and business number.
- Prepare financial statements according to OTF requirements.
- Compile governance information including board of directors and senior staff details.
Step 3: Prepare Project Documentation
- Identify your project objective (expand, improve, or adapt an existing program/service).
- Prepare a clear Project Plan outlining the deliverables and key tasks.
- Ensure Project Budget aligns with the Project Plan and reflects reasonable costs.
- Obtain and prepare necessary quotes and estimates for costs exceeding $5,000.
- For collaborative applications, obtain a signed Collaborative Agreement.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Application
- Log into the OTF Granting Portal to access the application form.
- Complete all sections of the application form and attach required documentation.
- Review the application for accuracy and completeness before submission.
- Submit the application through the Granting Portal before the deadline of November 6, 2024, 5:00 pm ET.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive automated confirmation upon application submission.
- Participate in an orientation meeting if your application is successful.
- Sign and return the Grant Contract within 60 days post-approval.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with reporting and monitoring requirements during the grant period.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation supports non-profit organizations in expanding proven community projects over a term of 2-3 years. It offers funding from $100,000 to $600,000, with specific eligibility and application requirements detailed on their website.

Grant term is 2 or 3 years.
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, municipalities with a population of 20,000 or less, collaborations, and certain religious entities.
Funding priorities focus on fostering active lifestyles, building community connections, enriching arts and culture, supporting youth, conserving the environment, and aiding economically vulnerable groups.
Application period is from October 9, 2024, to November 6, 2024, with decisions approximately 4-5 months after the deadline.
Mandatory orientation meeting required for successful applicants before grant activation.
Projects can include up to 20% capital costs and must demonstrate a community-level impact.
Common application errors include not meeting OTF’s eligibility criteria, incomplete documentation, and unclear project budgets.

Apply to this program

Elevate Your Community Initiative with the Grow Grant

The Grow Grant offers substantial funding for proven community projects aiming to expand their impact over a two to three-year period. With the ability to secure between $100,000 to $600,000, this grant helps scale programs that address key community needs in Ontario.

In-Depth Overview of the Grow Grant and Its Community Benefits

The Grow Grant, a pivotal part of the OTF’s financial assistance programs, is designed to empower eligible projects that have demonstrated success and relevance in meeting community demands within Ontario's diverse landscapes. This grant supports initiatives across several sectors, including sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, and social services, addressing the foundational elements that contribute to healthy and vibrant communities.

The Grow Grant is particularly aimed at initiatives that have already achieved proven results and possess the potential to reach larger community segments. Projects seeking to expand, enhance, or adapt their services or programs can significantly benefit from the financial support provided, ranging anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 annually, capped at $600,000 over three years. This allows for both the security of long-term funding and the opportunity to make meaningful adjustments in service delivery or project reach.

The focus of the Grow Grant lies in its ability to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and certain municipal bodies to deliver direct services with widespread community benefits. It ensures that funded projects contribute to fostering active lifestyles, enhancing cultural and artistic engagement, supporting environmental conservation, and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities. Moreover, the grant emphasizes the necessity for projects to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and the strategic alignment between the proposed deliverables and OTF’s funding priorities.

Eligible applicants, therefore, must show not just a record of success but also a meticulous plan outlining how the anticipated grant money will be utilized to enhance their service offerings. The successful navigation of the application process requires presenting clear project plans and detailed budgets that articulate the work plan, timelines, and expected community impact. Furthermore, considerations around potential capital expenses, such as equipment procurement or facility improvements, can also be integrated into the application, provided they directly support the project’s goals.

The comprehensive application process includes a stringent assessment of applicants’ financial health, capacity to deliver the proposed projects, and their ability to enhance community participation. This meticulous scrutiny ensures that community benefits are maximized and that projects align with broader provincial objectives of community building. Importantly, the Grow Grant also offers a structured support system through application coaching and educational webinars, ensuring thorough preparation and a clear understanding of expectations among potential grantees.

Ultimately, the Grow Grant offers a strategic financial avenue for community-based organizations in Ontario to amplify their impact, ensuring that successful projects can achieve broader community outreach and improvement. As such, the Grow Grant not only strengthens the immediate capacity of community services but also lays down the foundation for sustainable, long-term community enrichment.