Youth Opportunities Fund grants over $13M to 36 projects benefiting youth

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) provides grants and capacity building supports to Indigenous-led and Black-led grassroots groups, community-based organizations, and collaboratives focused on improving the wellbeing of youth, and families facing systemic barriers. The ongoing fund supports projects that provide youth and families with:

• Creative and innovative outlets that inspire them
• Resources and peer support to build healthier relationships
• Engagement opportunities that strengthen system navigation
• New skills to achieve success at school and in their careers
• Access to culturally relevant community programs

This year, a total of 36 projects are receiving over $13M of funding, which includes:

• 20 Youth Innovations Streams grants receiving over $5.5M of funding
• 12 Family Innovations Stream grants receiving $3.7M of funding
• 4 System Innovations Stream grants receiving over $4M of funding

Since its launch in 2013, YOF has awarded over $81M to 273 projects across Ontario. By supporting local groups who best understand the needs of youth and families, unique opportunities can be offered to help build connections, skills, and a sense of belonging.

“Across the province, grassroots groups, and collaboratives are working on innovative solutions and opportunities to help youth and their families achieve their goals and build a brighter future,” said Blair Dimock, Vice-president, Partnerships and Measurement, Ontario Trillium Foundation. “These new YOF grants bring critical funding to Indigenous-led and Black-led groups, ensuring that youth and parents are resourced to make positive impacts in their communities with culturally anchored programs that support wellbeing.”

Quick facts

• The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations.
• YOF is administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation on behalf of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
• Since 2013, YOF has awarded over $81M to 273 projects aimed at improving the wellbeing of youth, and families facing barriers across Ontario.
• The Youth Innovations Stream provides young people facing systemic barriers with the resources they need to design and deliver inspiring solutions to issues that matter to them.
• The Family Innovations Stream invests in the work of grassroots groups delivering culturally anchored projects that empower and support parents, guardians and caregivers.
• The System Innovations Stream supports collaboratives that are strengthening the quality and responsiveness of systems, so they work better for youth facing systemic barriers.