$45M in Grow grants announced to support 140 community-based projects

With Grow grants, OTF supports established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and meet community need. Ranging from $100,000 to $600,000 over two to three years, these grants help non-profits expand, improve, or adapt their work to better meet local needs. 

By building on proven success, Grow grants help increase community impact, extend access to more people, and enhance program quality, contributing to improved community wellbeing. 

Explore the latest approved Grow grants.

“This $45M investment into 140 community-based projects plays an important role in helping non-profit organizations across Ontario grow and adapt what’s already working—helping more people access vital programs, build stronger communities, and create lasting change where it’s needed most,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Projects funded

OTF invests in projects that help build healthy and vibrant communities. OTF’s funding priorities focus on areas that identify the types of change OTF invests in. Discover a project funded in each funding priority below:

Foster physically active lifestyles | Northwestern

Township of Sioux Narrows Nestor Falls will use a $273,000 Grow grant to improve trail maintenance and expand seasonal programming so that more people can participate in outdoor activities and use the network of trails. 

Help people build stronger connections and a deeper sense of belonging in their community | Durham, Haliburton, Kawartha & Pine Ridge

Curve Lake First Nation will use a $472,500 Grow grant to expand cultural teachings by creating an interactive series of digital resources focused on key cultural and environmental sites in the community. 

Enrich lives through arts, culture, and heritage | Champlain

Museoparc Vanier Museopark will use a $169,600 Grow grant to transform the iconic Vanier Sugar Festival into a true cultural and heritage showcase of Ottawa’s French-speaking community. 

Support youth to develop stronger social, emotional, leadership skills | Toronto

Art City in St. James Town will use a $234,900 Grow grant to add two new classes to their after-school arts program, helping youth build skills and confidence through self-expression, connecting with their community and finding their passion. 

Support participation in the conservation and restoration of the environment | Grey, Bruce, Huron & Perth

Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association will use a $358,300 Grow grant to address the environmental vulnerability of watercourses on the Bruce Peninsula through advanced landscape-scale assessments and enhanced community-based restoration and monitoring initiatives. 

Enable economically vulnerable people to meet their basic needs and/or strengthen their financial stability | Essex, Kent, Lambton

Windsor Residence for Young Men will use a $552,000 Grow to help youth in crisis meet their basic needs and improve their economic situation. Programs offered will teach youth life-skills and show them how to independently access the community resources and services they need.

Explore these priorities as part of OTF’s Grant Investment Framework.

Quick facts

• The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.
• For 2024-2025, OTF has awarded over $28M for 291 Capital grants and $16M for 245 Seed grants.