Applications open for Resilient Communities Fund (Canada)

Deadline: 25-Oct-23

Applications are now open for the Resilient Communities Fund to support community-based organizations that deliver programs and services in Ontario and need funding to recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability.

Eligible applicants can apply for a grant to develop and implement medium to long-term plans that address current organizational challenges they are facing to recover and build resilience.

Grants support organizations as they:

• develop new approaches to generate revenue
• start new activities to meet community need
• adjust strategies and plans
• plan for future challenges

Amount Awarded (Per Year)

• Minimum $10,000
• Maximum $100,000

Term Length

• Minimum 6 months
• Maximum 24 months

Project Outcomes

• The Resilient Communities Fund has defined a set of flexible outcomes to choose from to help your organization recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability.
• Applicants are to select and achieve up to three project outcomes with their grant. Discover more about each outcome below.
  • Develop and implement medium to long-term plans to address needs related to recovering, and/or building capacity, resilience and sustainability
  • Provide supports to staff and volunteers to adapt to organizational changes related to recovery and building resilience
  • Adapt or add-new program and service delivery to meet the changing needs of the community
  • Expand previously adapted programs and services to meet the changing needs of the community
  • Meet public health guidelines, safely deliver programs and services and/or prepare for future disruptions through the purchase of necessary equipment and/or technological infrastructure

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible applicants are community-based organizations that deliver programs and services in Ontario and meet OTF’s eligibility requirements.
• Organizations that are approved for a Resilient Communities Fund grant from the February 1, 2023 deadline will not be eligible to receive a grant from the October 25, 2023 deadline.
  • Organization requirements
    • An applicant for an OTF grant must:
      • have a primary purpose, presence and reputation for delivering programs and activities with direct community benefit in Ontario
      • demonstrate the financial capacity to manage OTF funds, deliver and complete the proposed project as per OTF’s Financial Health and Need policy
      • demonstrate that they provide services in Ontario
      • demonstrate their ability to generate additional resources from the community and other sources
      • demonstrate that it is an appropriate organization to carry out the proposed project
  • Any one of the following organizations may be eligible for funding:
    • a charitable organization or foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency
    • an organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction
    • Organizations that are both an incorporated not‐for‐profit and a registered charity are to apply as a charity.
  • Any one of the following Indigenous communities may be eligible for funding:
    • A First Nation
    • A Chartered Community Council, operating under the Métis Nation of Ontario
    • Inuit
    • For First Nation communities seeking funding for their library, they must apply on behalf of the library and cannot submit separate applications for both the community and the library for the same grant deadline.
    • A Chartered Community Council, operating under the Métis Nation of Ontario is to apply through the Métis Nation of Ontario.
    • Inuit-led organizations are to apply as either a charitable organization or an incorporated not for profit organization, as applicable.
  • A municipality with a population of 20,000 or less is eligible to:
    • apply for funding in OTF’s Active People Action Area fostering more active lifestyles, or in OTF’s Inspired People Action Area supporting arts, culture and heritage projects; and
    • apply for its cultural or recreation agencies, including municipal libraries and museums.
    • County Library Boards and Local Services Boards serving populations of 20,000 or less are also eligible to apply for funding in the Inspired People or Active People Action Areas.
  • Additionally:
    • Organizations are to adhere to OTF’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, Eligibility Policy, and Financial Need and Health Applicants Policy.
    • Organizations need to be in good standing with OTF regarding their granting history. This includes past applications, either approved or declined.

For more information, visit Ontario Trillium Foundation.