$17.5 M awarded for 257 Seed grant recipients

A team brainstorming around a glass board with notes and sticky tabs.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has announced a $17.5 million investment in 257 Seed grants, supporting hundreds of local, innovative projects in getting off the ground.

Seed grants help organizations, small municipalities and First Nations improve how they deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members. 

Applicants can apply for one-year grants, from $10,000 to $100,000, to carry out projects focused on one of the following objectives:

  • Create or adapt organizational strategy to build resilience and capacity to deliver programs and services.
  • Prepare for the future by developing or adapting digital technology to deliver programs and services.
  • Enhance staff and/or volunteer skills to deliver programs and services.
  • Design and/or pilot an innovative program or service to address a community need.

OTF’s investments look beyond today, focusing on long-term changes that strengthen health, foster belonging, and build connections for all Ontarians. Seed grants support a wide range of initiatives, including updating trail maps in both print and digital formats, developing annual training plans for emergency shelter staff, and offering after-school programs that teach newcomer children and youth how to skate and bike.

Explore the newest Seed grants awarded.

 

"Through our Seed grants, we’re helping non-profits strengthen their strategies, enhance capacity, and adopt digital solutions so they can continue delivering essential programs and services for communities. This $17.5 million investment supports organizations, small municipalities, and First Nations to prepare for the future and respond to emerging needs and priorities across Ontario." 

 

Quick facts

  • The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. OTF administers the Youth Opportunities Fund on behalf of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
  • Since 1999, OTF has awarded more than $2.9 billion into 32,000 grants. OTF grants support organizations as they deliver essential programs and services across our province’s critical sectors: social services, sports and recreation, arts, culture and heritage, and the environment.
  • In 2024–2025, OTF invested:
    • $16.2 million in Seed grants supporting 246 projects
    • $45.2 million in Grow grants supporting 140 projects
    • $28.2 million in Capital grants supporting 291 projects