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The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.

Q: Where is the The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund available?

The The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund program is available across Canada.

Last Update: February 4, 2026

Canada

Supports community-led initiatives for youth and families

Grant and Funding

Processing And Agreement

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Raise awareness and mobilize the public

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 250,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Unions

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

100% donations / grants

Scope

Local

Overview

Funding opportunities for youth, families, and systemic innovations

The Youth Opportunities Fund offers tailored financial backing for community-led initiatives aimed at empowering youth, families, and transforming systemic barriers. It provides up to $250,000 to support innovative projects that create safe spaces, foster empowerment, and address systemic challenges affecting marginalized communities.

Comprehensive Details About the Grant and Its Impact

This funding program is dedicated to community organizations seeking to promote social and economic well-being through pilot projects, expansion initiatives, or systemic reforms. The Youth Opportunities Fund is designed to support grassroots groups and collaborative efforts that address the specific needs of Indigenous, Black youth, and their families, fostering long-term social change. With maximum funding amounts varying by project scope, applicants can secure substantial resources to pilot innovative approaches or scale impactful programs. The fund recognizes the importance of community engagement, systemic change, and innovative solutions that address entrenched barriers faced by marginalized populations.

The program supports a range of project types: youth-led grassroots initiatives aimed at testing new ideas or models; programs seeking to expand existing services and amplify their impact; and collaborations focused on creating systemic change by challenging systemic barriers and designing new approaches. The support provided not only includes financial aid but may also encompass technical and strategic assistance to ensure the success and sustainability of funded initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to heighten the social and economic well-being of youth and families who face systemic oppression, ensuring that community-led solutions have lasting effects. The program's impact extends beyond immediate project outcomes, fostering a community-driven approach to systemic reform and youth empowerment—ultimately contributing to more inclusive and equitable communities.

Activities funded

Developing safe spaces and empowerment programs for youth and families.
Piloting innovative projects addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups.
Researching and strategizing around issues affecting youth and families.
Expanding proven community programs to reach more beneficiaries.
Creating systemic reforms through collaborative approaches designed to challenge systemic barriers.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to boost online presence

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Community organizations and grassroots groups involved in youth or family services.
Partnerships and coalitions working on systemic change initiatives.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Selection criteria

Innovation and originality of proposed project ideas.
Potential for long-term impact on youth, families, and systemic barriers.
Feasibility and clarity of project planning and execution.
Community engagement and participatory approach.
Alignment with fund priorities and target populations.

How to apply

Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) by April 15, 2026.Step 2: Receive feedback and, if selected, proceed to full application.Step 3: Complete the required pre-application coaching call by February 11, 2026.Step 4: Submit full application by March 11, 2026, including detailed project information.Step 5: Await decision and, if approved, sign funding agreement and begin project implementation.

Processing and Agreement

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund. 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 The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund?

Funding opportunities for youth, families, and systemic innovations The Youth Opportunities Fund offers tailored financial backing for community-led initiatives aimed at empowering youth, families, and transforming systemic barriers. It provides up to $250,000 to support innovative projects that create safe spaces, foster empowerment, and address systemic challenges affecting marginalized communities. Comprehensive Details About the Grant and Its Impact This funding program is dedicated to community organizations seeking to promote social and economic well-being through pilot projects, expansion initiatives, or systemic reforms. The Youth Opportunities Fund is designed to support grassroots groups and collaborative efforts that address the specific needs of Indigenous, Black youth, and their families, fostering long-term social change. With maximum funding amounts varying by project scope, applicants can secure substantial resources to pilot innovative approaches or scale impactful programs. The fund recognizes the importance of community engagement, systemic change, and innovative solutions that address entrenched barriers faced by marginalized populations. The program supports a range of project types: youth-led grassroots initiatives aimed at testing new ideas or models; programs seeking to expand existing services and amplify their impact; and collaborations focused on creating systemic change by challenging systemic barriers and designing new approaches. The support provided not only includes financial aid but may also encompass technical and strategic assistance to ensure the success and sustainability of funded initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to heighten the social and economic well-being of youth and families who face systemic oppression, ensuring that community-led solutions have lasting effects. The program's impact extends beyond immediate project outcomes, fostering a community-driven approach to systemic reform and youth empowerment—ultimately contributing to more inclusive and equitable communities.

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under The Ontario Trillium Foundation - Youth Opportunities Fund?

Developing safe spaces and empowerment programs for youth and families. Piloting innovative projects addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. Researching and strategizing around issues affecting youth and families. Expanding proven community programs to reach more beneficiaries. Creating systemic reforms through collaborative approaches designed to challenge systemic barriers.