Do you fund organizations incorporated with share capital?
No. We fund registered charities and not-for-profit organizations that are incorporated without share capital. Organizations incorporated with share capital, even those who consider themselves not-for-profit, are not eligible for OTF funding.
Do you fund religious organizations?
Religious organizations of all denominations that are registered charities or incorporated not-for-profits are eligible to apply for OTF funding provided the initiative is not religious in nature and benefits the broader community in which they are located. We don’t fund religious activities. This refers to any religious service or form of worship in which the operation costs, activities and facilities are primarily used for the purpose of religious observance, including proselytizing.
Does OTF expect all applicants to comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code?
Adherence to the Ontario Human Rights Code is a condition of every grant, and as such, we require written confirmation of your compliance. Initiatives will not be funded if the staffing requirements, program content or participant eligibility are restricted in ways contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code. Non-compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code is a condition to rescind any grant.
Do you fund public not-for-profit foundations?
Public not-for-profit foundations whose mission and initiatives fit with our funding priorities and grant criteria are eligible to apply for OTF funding. Priority is given to capacity-building grants and initiatives that support operations, capital renovations, direct services and public awareness. We do not fund direct fundraising activities.
Do you fund private not-for-profit foundations?
We don’t provide funding to private not-for-profit foundations unless they apply as part of a collaborative that includes an eligible organization.
Do you fund cemeteries?
We consider applications from not-for-profit cemeteries when the project has a clear benefit to the community such as the preservation of a significant heritage site, recognized by the Ontario Heritage Foundation. We don’t provide grants to cemeteries for things like general maintenance, safety, gravestone restoration or lot preservation.
Our organization serves vulnerable populations. Is there anything that we should know before applying?
As part of our application review we ensure that organizations serving vulnerable populations, such as children and seniors, are responsible for their clients’ safety and the actions of their employees and volunteers. For information on volunteer screening, please visit the Links and Resources section of our website.
Our organization is affiliated with a separately incorporated sister organization. Does this affect our eligibility?
It depends on the level of integration between your organization and the sister organization. Please contact a Program Manager or Grants Associate in your area for more information about your particular case.