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.

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Eligible projects and activities for this grant include expanding, improving, or adapting existing community-based programs and services that have a proven track record of success. The grant targets initiatives that align with specific funding priorities such as fostering active lifestyles, enriching lives through arts and culture, supporting youth development, enhancing community engagement in environmental conservation, and improving the financial stability of economically vulnerable individuals.

Expand an existing program or service to reach a broader community.
Improve an existing program or service to enhance quality and impact.
Adapt an existing program or service to better meet community needs or to innovate delivery methods.
Foster physically active lifestyles through targeted physical education and sports initiatives.
Enrich lives by promoting arts, culture, and heritage programs.
Support youth in developing stronger emotional, social, and leadership skills.
Enhance participation in environmental conservation and restoration activities.
Enable economically vulnerable individuals to meet basic needs and improve financial stability.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$120,000

Toronto

Launching a local organic produce delivery service to improve food accessibility in Toronto.

$80,000

Vancouver

Developing sustainable waste management systems for small businesses in Vancouver.

$64,000

Halifax

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

$200,000

Winnipeg

Establishing a wind energy cooperative to promote renewable energy use in Winnipeg.

$160,000

Montreal

Renovating a historic theatre to support cultural activities in Montreal.

$90,000

Ottawa

Creating a community support program for mental health care in Ottawa.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligible applicants for the Grow Grant must be non-profit organizations delivering community-based programs in Ontario. They must demonstrate a proven track record, financial and organizational capacity, and be recognized as the appropriate entity to execute the project.

Deliver programs and services in one of four sectors: sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, human and social services
Have a primary purpose, presence, and reputation for delivering community-based programs and services in Ontario
Demonstrate the financial and organizational capacity to manage funds and complete the project
Be a registered charitable organization or a not-for-profit corporation
Indigenous communities like First Nations, Chartered Community Councils under the Métis Nation of Ontario, or Inuit communities
Municipalities with a population of 20,000 or less, county library boards, and local services boards serving those populations
Collaboratives, if the lead organization meets the requirements
Religious entities or faith-based groups that provide secular community programs

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible entities for the Grow Grant include specific types of non-profit organizations and communities within Ontario, Canada. Applicants must deliver programs or services in one of four key sectors and meet other eligibility criteria.

Non-profit organizations, including registered charities and not-for-profit corporations without share capital.
Indigenous communities, such as First Nations, Métis Nation Chartered Community Councils, and Inuit communities.
Municipalities, libraries, and local services boards serving populations of 20,000 or less, under specific funding priorities.
Collaboratives with one organization meeting all OTF Eligibility Policy requirements.
Religious entities and faith-based groups that provide non-religious community programs and services.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of entities are not eligible for the Grow Grant. These include municipalities with populations over 20,000 and organizations that do not operate within the specified four sectors or geographic areas.

Municipalities with a population over 20,000
Organizations not operating in sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, or human and social services sectors
Organizations without a presence in one of OTF's 16 geographic catchment areas
Entities not meeting the financial and organizational capacity requirements
Organizations not complying with OTF’s policies, including anti-discrimination and conflict of interest policies

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The grant provides funding to cover various project costs such as personnel, purchased services, workshops, meetings, supplies, materials, travel, and a portion of overhead and administration costs. It also includes allowances for capital costs related directly to project objectives, up to certain limits.

Direct Personnel Costs: salaries, mandatory employment-related costs, and employee benefits
Direct Non-Personnel Costs: purchased service, workshops/meetings, supplies and materials, travel
Overhead and Administration Costs: up to 15% of the Budget before applicable Capital costs
Eligible Capital Costs: construction and renovation, equipment costs, developmental costs (max 20% of Capital Costs)

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant are the 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario. These areas must be served by organizations with a primary purpose, presence, and reputation for delivering direct community benefits in Ontario.

Organizations must serve one of OTF’s 16 geographic catchment areas in Ontario.
Priority is given to projects with community benefits within these regions.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Grow Grant has clear evaluation and selection criteria that focus on the eligibility of applicants and projects, as well as the clarity and strength of the project plans. Applicants are assessed for their fit with the Ontario Trillium Foundation's priorities and their ability to manage and deliver the proposed project effectively.

Eligibility of applicants: Fit with the funding criteria, reputation for delivering community benefits, financial health, and organizational governance.
Eligibility of projects: Compliance with funding priorities, project objectives alignment, and necessary documentation.
Community benefit and relevance (30%): Fit with funding priority, response to community needs, anticipated benefits, and budget appropriateness.
Project plan and feasibility (30%): Implementation details, readiness and likelihood of success, and collaborative suitability.
Project Budget (30%): Clarity of budget, alignment with Project Plan, and validity of costs.
Program participation for populations experiencing barriers (10%): Enable participation for barriers-experienced populations.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Gather your organization information and assess your eligibility.
Ensure your organization details, such as incorporation and charitable registration numbers, are up to date.
Prepare financial information including recent financial statements and surplus/deficit documentation if applicable.
Compile governance information, including a list of current board directors and senior staff.
Step 2: Gather your project information and documentation.
Identify your project objective.
Prepare your project plan.
Develop your project budget, and if applicable, obtain quotes for goods/services valued above $5,000.
Collect any necessary additional documentation, such as photos of equipment or lease agreements.
Step 3: Complete and submit your application.
Access the OTF Granting Portal to start your application.
Ensure all application questions are answered thoroughly.
Submit your completed application through the portal before the deadline.

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

Grow Grant: Amplifying Community Impact

The Grow Grant provides substantial funding over 2 or 3 years to support non-profit organizations in Ontario that have successful programs and wish to scale up their proven services or projects, enhancing their impact on the community. Organizations can receive between $50,000 and $200,000 per year, allowing them to expand, improve, or adapt initiatives to further meet community needs.

Understanding the Grow Grant: A Comprehensive Guide

The Grow Grant is a significant opportunity provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support non-profit organizations and community groups in Ontario, Canada. This grant is specifically designed to assist organizations that are ready to take their successful projects to new heights, enabling them to increase their positive impact on the communities they serve. Here, we delve into the essential aspects of the Grow Grant, ensuring that potential applicants have a thorough understanding of the grant's objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and assessment criteria.

The Purpose of the Grow Grant

The Grow Grant aims to enhance the capacity and reach of community projects and services that have already demonstrated their success and effectiveness. By offering financial support, the grant helps these organizations expand, improve, or adapt their existing programs. This not only benefits the organizations themselves but also brings greater advantages to the communities they serve, ultimately contributing to the creation of vibrant and healthy communities across Ontario.

Funding Details

The Grow Grant offers funding ranging from $100,000 to $600,000, distributed over a period of either 2 or 3 years. Organizations can apply for an annual grant of between $50,000 and $200,000. This substantial funding enables organizations to undertake significant expansions or improvements, ensuring their programs become even more impactful.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Grow Grant, organizations must meet several criteria: 1. **Non-Profit Status**: Eligible applicants include charitable organizations registered with the Canada Revenue Agency or organizations incorporated as not-for-profit corporations without share capital in Canada. 2. **Indigenous and Community-based Organizations**: First Nations, Métis Nation of Ontario Charter communities, and Inuit communities are encouraged to apply, particularly if they deliver direct community-based programs. 3. **Municipalities and Services**: Municipalities with populations of 20,000 or less, and county library boards can apply but are limited to specific funding priorities like fostering active lifestyles or enriching lives through arts and culture. 4. **Religious Entities**: Faith-based groups providing non-religious community services without requiring religious participation may qualify. 5. **Collaboratives**: Partnerships between two or more organizations can apply if the lead entity meets eligibility requirements. 6. **Operational Capacity**: Applicants must demonstrate the financial and organizational capacity to manage the funds and complete the proposed project effectively.

Funding Priorities

The OTF prioritizes projects that align with its goals of building healthy and vibrant communities. The funding priorities include: - Fostering physically active lifestyles. - Enriching lives through arts, culture, and heritage. - Supporting youth development in leadership and social skills. - Promoting environmental conservation and restoration. - Enabling economically vulnerable people to meet basic needs and achieve financial stability.

Application Process

The application process for the Grow Grant involves multiple steps to ensure thorough evaluation: 1. **Eligibility Confirmation**: Interested applicants should first confirm their eligibility based on the criteria outlined. 2. **Gathering Information**: Organizations need to compile detailed information about their registration, financial status, governance, and the specific project they are proposing. 3. **Project Planning**: Develop a clear Project Plan that outlines deliverables, timelines, and key tasks, accompanied by a realistic Project Budget. 4. **Submission via Granting Portal**: Applications must be submitted through OTF’s Granting Portal before the deadline. The portal provides guidance and checks to ensure applicants meet basic eligibility before proceeding. 5. **Documentation**: Submission of accurate documentation, including financial statements, governance information, project plans, and quotes for services, is crucial.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment of applications focuses on several critical areas: - **Community Benefit and Relevance**: The project must clearly address specific community needs, outlining realistic and beneficial outcomes. - **Project Plan and Feasibility**: The feasibility of the plan, its readiness, and likelihood of success are crucial for evaluation. - **Project Budget**: Budget clarity, appropriateness, and alignment with the project plan are vital for successful applications. - **Engagement of Populations Experiencing Barriers**: Projects that help remove barriers for marginalized or disadvantaged groups receive additional consideration.

Post-Submission Process

Once an application is submitted, it undergoes several stages before approval: - **Initial Review**: OTF staff verify eligibility and completeness of the application. - **Scoring**: Applications meeting criteria are scored by a team of experienced staff and volunteers based on the outlined assessment criteria. - **Recommendation and Approval**: Selected applications are recommended by volunteers to the OTF Board of Directors, who make the final funding decisions. - **Notification and Orientation**: Applicants are notified of decisions, and successful grantees participate in a mandatory orientation meeting with OTF program managers to set expectations and requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants often face challenges that can compromise their application’s success. Common mistakes include: - Failing to provide comprehensive and relevant information. - Not aligning project budgets with detailed plans. - Missing or incorrect documentation like financial statements or project quotes. - Lack of clarity on community benefits or impact. By addressing these common pitfalls and ensuring that applications are complete, clear, and compelling, organizations can increase their chances of securing the Grow Grant and making a meaningful impact in their communities.

OTF — Grow Grant

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