OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant

• Project Plan and Budget
• Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Group Collaborative Agreement
• Organizational Mentor application materials
• Organizational information and financial documents
• Governance documents, such as by-laws

Who is eligible?

• Grassroots groups not registered as charities or incorporated not-for-profits.
• Not-for-profit corporations without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction.
• First Nation grassroots groups, under specific conditions.

Who is not eligible

• Registered charities.
• For-profit organizations and businesses.
• Individuals.
• Municipalities.
• Religious organizations and institutions.

Eligible expenses

• Staffing costs
• Transportation, food, honoraria, and support services
• Project supplies, equipment, and communications
• Fees for experts or facilitators
• Administrative support for Organizational Mentors and capacity building costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• GST, HST, and other refundable taxes.
• Capital infrastructure costs, such as renovations.
• Contingency costs.
• Political or religious activities.
• General operating costs unrelated to the project.
• Personal professional services, including therapy, legal, or accounting advice.
• Participant groceries, household supplies, or equipment.
• Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships, and individual requests.
• Fundraising campaigns.

Eligible geographic areas

• Ontario

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria related to youth leadership and strategy, focusing on the project's relevance and potential impact on systemic barriers faced by youth.

• People (Assessment weight: 40%)Strong Youth Leadership: The group must demonstrate the right mix of knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver the project effectively.
• Connection to Issues: The group should have a clear understanding and connection to the issues and the community they aim to serve.
• Strategy (Assessment weight: 60%)Setting the Context: Clearly describe the idea, the need or issue it addresses, and how it connects to the systemic barriers faced by YOF youth.
• Potential for Impact: Ensure that the changes or impacts align with the chosen YOF Priority Outcome, with YOF youth being the clear and direct beneficiaries.
• Effectiveness of Response: The idea must be an effective approach to addressing the identified needs or opportunities.

• Step 1: Submit the Expression of Interest through the OTF Granting Portal.
• Step 2: If shortlisted, partner with an Organizational Mentor and prepare the grant application.
• Step 3: Submit the grant application with the required collaborative agreement.
• Step 4: Wait for the funding decision.

• The Expression of Interest is reviewed first.
• Shortlisted groups are invited to submit a grant application.
• Applicants are notified of the final funding decision about 8 weeks after the deadline.
• If approved, an Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Group Collaborative Agreement is required.

This grant aims to support youth-led projects addressing critical issues facing young people, emphasizing grassroots work and focusing on Indigenous and Black youth facing systemic barriers.

• The grant prioritizes projects that empower youth to enhance their social and economic well-being through community-led initiatives.
• Eligible applicants must form youth-led or youth-adult partnerships, and the core group must consist of members reflecting the identities and experiences of the youth served.