Closed
Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program
Support for Ontario critical minerals workforce projects
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 300,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario
Overview
This program provides up to $300,000 to support student engagement programs linked to Ontario’s critical minerals sector. It funds projects that attract, train, and retain talent through educational summer programs and related collaboration with industry, schools, and communities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Educational services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Student engagement programs for Ontario’s critical minerals sector.
- Educational summer programs for K-12 and post-secondary students.
- Training and awareness activities linked to the automotive and mobility labour force.
- Projects that build collaboration across education, Indigenous communities, and industry.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario public schools
- School boards
- Post-secondary institutions
- Non-profit organizations
- Indigenous communities
Who is not eligible
- Organizations outside Ontario.
- Applicants unable to meet the partnership requirements.
- Applicants that cannot deliver the required student engagement target.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Complete the intake form to determine program fit.
- Eligible applications are then reviewed for funding consideration.
- Only successful lead applicants receive program funds.
Additional information
- Funds are released only to successful lead applicants, not to partners.
- Applicants that have received over $500,000 from OCI-administered programs must obtain OCI approval before applying again.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program. 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 Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program?
This program provides up to $300,000 to support student engagement programs linked to Ontario’s critical minerals sector. It funds projects that attract, train, and retain talent through educational summer programs and related collaboration with industry, schools, and communities.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program Funds up to $300,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program program?
To be eligible for the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program program, you must:
Ontario-based applicant
Industry collaboration required
Minimum student engagement
What expenses are eligible under Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program?
Student engagement programs for Ontario’s critical minerals sector.
Educational summer programs for K-12 and post-secondary students.
Training and awareness activities linked to the automotive and mobility labour force.
Projects that build collaboration across education, Indigenous communities, and industry.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program?
You can contact Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program available?
The Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Future Workforce (RFW) – Critical Minerals Pilot Program is a Partnering and Collaboration