Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
OTF — Seed Grant
Supports community-based program development
Get notified when OTF — Seed Grant reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 20, 2026Latest change: OTF published post-submission guidance for the Seed Grant, including the review process, mandatory orientation meeting, and contract activation steps.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 20, 2026
Latest change: OTF published post-submission guidance for the Seed Grant, including the review process, mandatory orientation meeting, and contract activation steps.
Seed Grant process details updated
OTF has added official post-submission guidance for the Seed Grant. The new material explains that applicants are reviewed by a Program Manager, that final decisions are typically issued about 4–5 months after the deadline, and that successful applicants must complete a mandatory orientation meeting before the grant can be activated. The guidance also says the grant contract must be signed and returned within 60 days of receipt, and that payments are made by EFT once the grant becomes active. The application questions page was also updated to reference OTF’s Digital Services and Data Policy, Access to Information Policy, and Privacy Statement.
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 100,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Seed Grant supports eligible non-profit organizations in Ontario to strengthen community-based programs and services. Funded projects can include strategic planning, digital technology improvements, training for staff or volunteers, and piloting innovative services.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new program or service
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Strategic planning, governance and organizational planning, assessing current delivery, and developing new approaches for a specific program or service
- Developing or adapting digital technology to deliver programs and services, including online booking systems, mobile apps, virtual meeting tools, and service digitization
- Training, workshops, or mentorship opportunities that build skills for staff and volunteers
- Designing or piloting innovative programs or services to address a community need
Documents Needed
- Organization incorporation or registration details
- Recent financial statements
- Board of directors list and bylaws
- Quotes or estimates for goods and services over $5,000
- Collaborative agreement, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations
- First Nations
- Municipalities with 20,000 or fewer residents
- Libraries and local service boards serving 20,000 or fewer residents
- Collaborative groups and eligible faith-based organizations
Who is not eligible
- Municipalities with more than 20,000 residents
- Organizations that do not meet OTF’s eligibility requirements
- Faith-based groups providing religious activities or requiring participation in faith dimensions
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of Ontario or Canadian goods and services, where feasible
- Goods and services valued above $5,000 require at least one quote or estimate
- Multiple purchases from the same supplier must be combined and treated as one if the total exceeds $5,000
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Operational costs that arise from the ongoing operation of an organization
- Incremental new overhead and administration costs that are not generated by the project
- Personal one-on-one professional services, including direct therapy, counselling, legal, and accounting advice
- Projects that primarily focus on capital costs, including updating buildings, enhancing physical spaces, purchasing large equipment and vehicles
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- One of OTF’s 16 geographic catchment areas
Selection criteria
- Projects are assessed for how they will lead to direct community impact.
- Applicants must explain how technological improvements will affect a specific program or service rather than meet organizational needs.
- The focus is on innovation, responsiveness, learning, and the potential to scale successful initiatives in the future.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review eligibility and application requirements
- Check the eligibility criteria and application questions before starting.
- Step 2: Prepare organization documents
- Gather organization details, financial statements, and governance information.
- Step 3: Prepare project documents
- Define project objectives, build the project plan, and collect quotes or estimates if needed.
- Include a collaborative agreement and photos of non-fixed equipment if applicable.
- Step 4: Submit through the Granting Portal
- Create or sign in to an OTF account and complete the online application.
- Upload the required information and submit before the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- After submission, an OTF Program Manager reviews the application for eligibility, and Grant Review Team members and OTF staff score applications independently using the assessment criteria.
- Applications are ranked by the average of the Program Manager and volunteers’ scores, then the Grant Review Team recommends applications to OTF’s Board of Directors for approval.
- All applicants are notified of the final decision approximately 4-5 months from the deadline date.
- Successful applicants must attend a mandatory orientation meeting before activation; the Signatory Contact then receives the Grant Contract by email and must sign and return it within 60 days of receipt.
- Grants are activated when contracts are returned electronically; payments are made by electronic funds transfer, grantees submit a final report when the project is complete, hold-back funds are released after approval, and grants may be subject to a Grantee Compliance Audit.
Additional information
- Free support resources are available, including webinars, project-specific coaching calls, and a Support Centre for general inquiries or technical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the OTF — Seed Grant Program
What is the OTF — Seed Grant?
Seed Grant supports eligible non-profit organizations in Ontario to strengthen community-based programs and services. Funded projects can include strategic planning, digital technology improvements, training for staff or volunteers, and piloting innovative services.
How much funding can be received?
OTF — Seed Grant Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the OTF — Seed Grant program?
To be eligible for the OTF — Seed Grant program, you must:
Eligible non-profit organizations delivering direct community-based programs and services in Ontario
One main project objective must be selected
The project must fit one of the four listed objectives
What expenses are eligible under OTF — Seed Grant?
Strategic planning, governance and organizational planning, assessing current delivery, and developing new approaches for a specific program or service
Developing or adapting digital technology to deliver programs and services, including online booking systems, mobile apps, virtual meeting tools, and service digitization
Training, workshops, or mentorship opportunities that build skills for staff and volunteers
Designing or piloting innovative programs or services to address a community need
Who can I contact for more information about the OTF — Seed Grant?
You can contact Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Where is the OTF — Seed Grant available?
The OTF — Seed Grant program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the OTF — Seed Grant?
OTF — Seed Grant is funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)