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OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant
Funding for youth-led projects testing new ideas
Last Update: June 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 13, 2026
- Closing date : July 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
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 13, 2026
- Closing date : July 17, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- 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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
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.
How to apply
1
Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Create an OTF account if you are a new user.
- Submit the Expression of Interest through the OTF Granting Portal by the specified deadline.
- Ensure completeness and clarity in the application to meet initial criteria.
- Wait approximately 6 weeks for notification of EOI status.
2
Shortlisting and Organizational Mentor Agreement
- If shortlisted, begin researching potential Organizational Mentors.
- Establish a Collaborative Agreement with your Organizational Mentor.
- Organizational Mentors must create an OTF account if not already done.
- Prepare to work with Organizational Mentors to finalize the grant application.
3
Grant Application
- Participate in a mandatory webinar to understand grant application procedures and next steps.
- Work with your Organizational Mentor to complete the grant application.
- Upload the signed Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Groups Collaborative Agreement.
- Submit the full grant application by the given deadline.
4
Recommendation and Decision Notification
- OTF’s Grant Review Committee reviews and recommends grants for approval.
- Receive notification regarding the decision approximately 8 weeks post application deadline.
5
Confirmation and Orientation
- Participate in a mandatory orientation session for successful applications.
- Your Organizational Mentor signs the OTF Grant Contract.
6
Post-Approval Activities
- Participate in reporting and monitoring activities including progress and final reports.
- Engage in capacity building activities funded through the grant.
- Complete evaluation activities to measure project impact.
- After final report approval, receive final payment and close the grant.
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
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 July 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 the province of Ontario.