Ontario Investing in New and Innovative Non-Profit Programs
Ontario Investing in New and Innovative Non-Profit Programs
December 06, 2024
NORTH YORK — The Ontario government is providing more than $16 million to support 245 projects across the province through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Seed grant stream. This funding will help local non-profits, charities, small municipalities and Indigenous communities pilot, test or launch new initiatives that will directly benefit their communities.
“Across Ontario, non-profit organizations are delivering critical programming that helps communities thrive. They are helping people train for new careers, stay active, learn new skills and connect with those around them,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “In 2024, our government invested over $70 million to support 788 projects in 222 diverse communities, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Today’s Seed grant funding will help non-profits deliver new, innovative ways to support the needs of communities across our province.”
Organizations receiving Seed funding over 12 months include:
- Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is receiving a $33,200 grant to bring live music experiences directly to residential areas and suburban neighborhoods where access to cultural events may be limited
- Theroc Youth Services is receiving a $100,000 grant to launch IGNITE, a mentorship program focused on re-engaging isolated and marginalized youth and breaking down barriers that hinder meaningful participation in daily activities
- Albion Neighbourhood Services is receiving a $49,200 grant to provide responsive, culturally relevant supports to build resilience and wellness of court-involved youth and those exiting precarious housing
- Country Heritage Park is receiving a $90,700 grant to launch “Artifacts Reimagined,” a project that transforms historical agricultural tools into art through community-led workshops
- Dress for Success Toronto is receiving a $82,600 grant to help newcomer women in Toronto gain access to meaningful Canadian work experience and skill development.
“Each year, the Ontario Trillium Foundation invests in hundreds of local projects, empowering Ontario’s non-profit sector to offer programs and services that build healthy and vibrant communities,” said Bill Walker, Board Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. “Seed grants are crucial in supporting initiatives across key sectors in our province, including social services, sports and recreation, arts, culture and heritage, and the environment. These grants enable organizations to test new ideas, pilot programs and leverage technology to enhance the well-being of Ontarians.”
Since 2018, the Ontario government has invested over $718 million in more than 6,900 projects at non-profit organizations across the province, creating more than 8,800 full time jobs and generating more than $1 billion in economic benefits to communities across Ontario.
For the full list of grant recipients or for information on how non-profit organizations can apply for support, please visit OTF.ca.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Its mandate is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of the province’s non-profit sector.
- OTF Seed grants can range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a grant period of six or 12 months.
- OTF programs support the arts, culture, heritage, sports and recreation, human and social services, and environmental sectors across the province.
Quotes
“Dress for Success Toronto is grateful for the approval of our OTF Seed grant. We work with many newcomer women who, while highly educated, are not easily able to gain employment in Canada. This OTF funding will support a pilot program to ensure newcomer women can access meaningful volunteer experience through our own programs and services, gain reference letters because of that experience and build their networks of support – all to increase their opportunities to become economically independent. For these newcomer women, DFS Toronto is a place to connect to, to belong to. Through this program, we will create safe spaces for women to learn about themselves, show vulnerability, make friends, laugh, find joy in everyday moments and regain a sense of who they are – strong, courageous, resilient and determined women who are looking for what we all want – a life with meaning and purpose.”
– Kirsten Eastwood
President, Dress for Success Toronto
Additional Resources
2024 Ontario Budget: Building a Better Ontario
Related Topics
Arts and Culture
Learn more about the live performances, cultural institutions and creative grants the province has to offer. Learn more
Media Contacts
Kelsey Hrappstead
Minister’s Office
Kelsey.Hrappstead@ontario.ca
Denelle Balfour
Communications Branch
Denelle.Balfour@ontario.ca
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