Deadline: 05-Nov-2025
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow Grants provide a higher level of funding over 2 or 3 years to help proven community programs and services increase their impact.
Organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities now have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). With a focus on building healthy and vibrant communities, OTF supports projects that bring about real and measurable change.
Understanding the purpose of the project is essential. Applicants should think about the outcome they aim to achieve and how their work will directly benefit the people they serve. OTF’s funding priorities are designed to align with this goal, and applicants must select the one that best matches their project’s purpose. These priorities include promoting physical activity, fostering a deeper sense of community belonging, enhancing access to arts, culture and heritage, supporting youth development, encouraging environmental conservation, and helping economically vulnerable individuals achieve greater financial stability.
Eligible projects may receive a Grow Grant ranging from $100,000 to $600,000, with applicants able to request between $50,000 and $200,000 per year for a period of two or three years. In addition to operating costs, up to 20% of the project budget may be allocated toward capital-related expenses. These can include renovations, repairs, or the purchase of equipment that directly supports the project’s objective. Eligible capital costs may also cover construction materials, contractor services, and developmental costs such as engineering plans or legal fees, provided they do not exceed 20% of the total construction and renovation budget.
However, not all costs are eligible. Applicants should note that contingency funds, reimbursable taxes such as GST or HST, and any expenses incurred prior to the grant’s approval will not be covered. Ensuring that the project budget reflects only eligible costs is a critical part of the application process.
Organizations whose previous applications were declined due to eligibility concerns will have a chance to update their information. The Organization Information section of the application will be reopened for updates, allowing applicants to meet the necessary requirements before resubmission. OTF will reassess organizational eligibility during the evaluation stage to ensure compliance with all funding criteria.
This funding opportunity provides a valuable platform for organizations to strengthen their impact, improve lives, and foster long-term change across Ontario. With careful planning and alignment with OTF’s priorities, applicants can position their projects for success and help build a better future for their communities.
For more information, visit Ontario Trillium Foundation.
