Ontario Investing $45 Million to Support Community Non-Profit Organizations

 The Ontario government is investing more than $45 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support 140 non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and small municipalities across the province in expanding and improving their programs and services. OTF grants support programs that promote active lifestyles, build engaged communities, enrich lives through arts, culture and heritage and support the development of children and youth.

“Whether it’s helping seniors stay physically active and learn new skills or connecting young people to their communities through the arts, non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programs and services that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it’s vital that we help ensure local non-profit groups can build on their successes in ways that protect and build Ontario and benefit communities across the province.”

The OTF’s Grow stream grants provide support to non-profit organizations, helping them increase the impact of their community projects. Applicants can apply for grants of $100,000 to $600,000 over two to three years to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.

This year’s recipients include:

• Huron Women’s Shelter Second Stage Housing and Counselling Services, which is receiving a $599,700 Grow grant over three years to introduce an innovative housing model that provides relationship-centred approaches to support women and children impacted by gender-based violence.
• Durham Youth Housing and Support Services, which is receiving a $429,800 Grow grant over three years to provide housing support to 190 youth, combining in-school and on-call supports.
• Food for Life, which is receiving a $345,600 Grow grant over two years to improve food equity access programs by increasing cultural engagement, volunteerism, and food procurement and distribution to reflect diverse community needs in Halton Region.
• YMCA of Three Rivers, which is receiving a $288,200 Grow grant over three years to expand day camp spaces and programming at Camp Belwood, increasing summer learning opportunities for youth aged 4-15.

“Grow grants provide essential funding that helps to strengthen Ontario’s nonprofit sector,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. “By supporting the expansion of programs and services that matter, these grants help organizations deepen their impact and build more connected, resilient communities.”

Through OTF, Ontario has invested more than $792 million in over 7,300 projects since 2018. These investments have created more than 9,490 full-time jobs and generated over $1.1 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province.

For more information and a list of recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.

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