Closed
Source verified September 21, 2026
OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant
Supports youth groups testing new ideas
Get notified when OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 23, 2026Latest change: The Organizational Mentor Application Questions now reference OTF’s Digital Services and Data Policy, Access to Information Policy, and Privacy Statement instead of the former open data policy wording.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 23, 2026
Latest change: The Organizational Mentor Application Questions now reference OTF’s Digital Services and Data Policy, Access to Information Policy, and Privacy Statement instead of the former open data policy wording.
Mentor application consent text updated
The Organizational Mentor Application Questions updated the consent language for the organization’s application. The checkbox now refers to OTF’s Digital Services and Data Policy, Access to Information Policy, and Privacy Statement, while the prior explicit Open Data Policy wording was removed. The application still says data provided throughout the application may be shared with other funders and/or may become public.
Funding available
$ 300,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
A grassroots group that is not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Youth Innovations Test Grant supports grassroots groups in Ontario led by youth or youth-adult partnerships, with up to $100,000 per year to improve the social and economic well-being of youth. Eligible projects can test a new idea, research a specific issue, or bring youth together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches.
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
- Conduct research and development activities
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
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
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Pilot a new project idea
- Research an issue or new concept
- Strategize around an issue affecting youth
Documents Needed
- Project Plan and Budget
- Collaborative agreement with an Organizational Mentor
Official resources
Program guide
Application portal
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- A grassroots group that is not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit.
- An organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction.
- A grassroots group from a First Nation, provided the group does not have more than 50% of its members as part of the band office or band council.
Who is not eligible
- Registered charities.
- Religious entities established for the observation of religious beliefs, including churches, temples, mosques and synagogues.
- Municipalities and First Nations.
- For-profit organizations and businesses, and individuals.
- Groups who are largely or entirely composed of adults aged 30 or older; groups with all adult board of directors aged 30 or older; groups or projects that are part of an existing organization; groups specifically designed to serve young people through committees or clubs of institutions, including municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals; and groups with an active Youth Opportunities Fund grant unless they are in the last year of their active grant.
Eligible expenses
- Staffing: Full Time Staff (35 hours or more per week) and Part Time Staff (less than 35 hours per week)
- Transportation; Honorarium (to recognize the contributions of community leaders, elders and/or volunteers); Support Services (translation, interpretation, child-minding)
- Project supplies and materials; Project equipment (rental or purchase); Food (for program participants); Communications (website, promotions); Fees (for services delivered by experts, facilitators)
- Administrative Support Costs (for Organizational Mentors) and Capacity Building Costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Taxes, such as GST and HST, for which the Organizational Mentor is eligible for a tax rebate, and all other costs eligible for rebates.
- Capital infrastructure costs (renovations to space) and contingency costs.
- Costs related to political or religious activities, and general or ongoing operating costs unrelated to the project.
- Personal one-on-one professional services, including direct therapy, counselling, legal and/or accounting advice.
- Participant groceries, household supplies, or equipment; bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships or individual requests; fundraising campaigns.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Your readiness to do this work.
- The potential impact of your project.
- How well you understand the needs, interests and experiences of the beneficiaries you want to work with.
How to apply
- 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.
Processing and Agreement
- Once submitted, your Expression of Interest will be reviewed and assessed.
- Only groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete the grant application.
- Applicants with a shortlisted Expression of Interest will be invited to submit a grant application with an Organizational Mentor.
- Successful groups take part in a mandatory orientation session and trainings.
- Grantees track activities, spending, and learning to complete the annual progress report and a final report.
Additional information
- All our supports and resources are complimentary.
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 groups in Ontario led by youth or youth-adult partnerships, with up to $100,000 per year to improve the social and economic well-being of youth. Eligible projects can test a new idea, research a specific issue, or bring youth together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches.
How much funding can be received?
OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $300,000 per project.
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 project 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) by email at yof@otf.ca 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.
Is the OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant is a Grant and Funding