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OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant
Funding for youth-led projects testing new ideas
Last Update: April 13, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 7, 2026
- Closing date : June 17, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Youth Innovations Test Grant supports grassroots projects led by youth or youth-adult partnerships to improve the social and economic well-being of youth. It funds testing new ideas, researching issues, and bringing youth together to explore new approaches, with a maximum of $100,000 per year.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 7, 2026
- Closing date : June 17, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Ontario
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Research
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- 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.
- Research an issue or new concept.
- Strategize around an issue affecting youth.
Documents Needed
- 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
Eligibility
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
Processing and Agreement
- 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.
Additional information
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant?
The Youth Innovations Test Grant supports grassroots projects led by youth or youth-adult partnerships to improve the social and economic well-being of youth. It funds testing new ideas, researching issues, and bringing youth together to explore new approaches, with a maximum of $100,000 per year.
How much funding can be received?
OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **June 17, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant program?
To be eligible for the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant program, you must:
Youth-led or youth-adult partnership
Based in Ontario
Must work with an Organizational Mentor
What expenses are eligible under OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant?
Pilot a new idea.
Research an issue or new concept.
Strategize around an issue affecting youth.
Who can I contact for more information about the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant?
You can contact Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) or by phone at 1-800-263-2887.
Where is the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant available?
The OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant program is available Ontario, Ontario.