Family Innovations Test Grant

Grants support grassroots groups led by parents, guardians or caregivers to test new ideas, explore different approaches, or research important issues.

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Term length

Minimum 1 year, Maximum 3 years

Amount awarded (per year)

Minimum N/A

Maximum $100,000

Eligible groups are invited to submit their Expression of Interest no later than April 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.

Apply now

New ways to meaningfully support families

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) recognizes the impact that healthy and resilient families have on the future success of young people.

We define a parent, guardian or caregiver as someone who is responsible for the physical, emotional, and economic wellbeing of children and youth. Our definition of parents, guardians and caregivers is inclusive and respects diverse cultural and decolonized interpretations of these roles.

By investing in grassroots projects that are community-led and community-designed, opportunities are created for families to develop culturally anchored solutions to issues faced by people like them, and empower parents, guardians and caregivers to improve their social and economic stability. Through shared identities, culture and traditions, families can find ways to connect and create networks of support to navigate social systems and services that present obstacles to their success through a Family Innovations Grant.

With a Family Innovations Test grant, parents, guardians and caregivers can:

Try out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of parents, guardians and caregivers
Research, learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue
Bring parents, guardians and caregivers together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively

YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) and/or Black parents, guardians and caregivers who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

Deadlines

Step 1: Deadline to submit the Expression of Interest Only applicants with a successful Expression of Interest will be invited to submit a grant application.	April 9, 2025, at 5 PM ET
Notification of status of the Expression of Interest	Approximately 6 weeks after the Expression of Interest deadline
Organizational Mentor application period	January 6, 2025 to June 18, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Step 2: Deadline to submit the grant application	July 9, 2025, 5 PM ET
Notification of funding decision	Approximately 8 weeks after the grant application deadline
Start date for all Grants	November 1, 2025

Who is eligible to apply

YOF supports projects led by parents, guardians and caregivers who share identities, experiences, and face the same systemic barriers as the parents, guardians and caregivers who will benefit from the project. This “led by and for” principle is a requirement in all YOF funding streams.

Eligible groups

A grassroots group that is not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit

The work of a parent, guardian and caregiver-led grassroots group is community-led and community-inspired. Grassroots group means that core group members share identities and lived experiences with the parents, guardians and caregivers who will benefit from the project.
If you are a grassroots group from a First Nation, you are eligible to apply. Your group cannot have more than 50% of its members as part of the band office or band council.

An organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction

This includes a Chartered Community Council, operating under the Métis Nation of Ontario, or Inuit communities that are registered as not-for-profit corporations without share capital in Canada.
The organization cannot have more than $50,000 in gross revenue in each of the last two fiscal years. Revenue also needs to be independently managed.
Board members and day-to-day management must also be parents, guardians and caregivers.
The group is led by parents, guardians and caregivers.

Note

Groups can only apply for one Youth Opportunities Fund grant at a time.
If your group has an active Youth Opportunities Fund grant, you can only apply for funding if you are in the last year of your active grant.

Work with an Organizational Mentor

All applicants need to partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement. An Organizational Mentor provides administrative support, project mentoring, and financial accountability to grant recipients and is a partner in the project.

Group requirements

Groups need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for funding.

1. Reflect communities served

Core group members (including board members, where applicable) reflect the identities and experiences of the parents, guardians and caregivers they are working with and for.
YOF prioritizes projects led by and for Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) and Black parents, guardians and caregivers.

2. Core group

The group has at least three core group members.
More than 50% of core group members need to be at arm’s length relationship to each other. An ‘arm's length’ relationship means board members and group members are not married or related to each other, do not work as business partners or are otherwise in a relationship where interests may be compromised.
Parents, guardians and caregivers must make up more than 50% of the core group.
The group is based in Ontario and the work will benefit parents, guardians, and caregivers in Ontario.
The group exists independently of a larger organization (other not-for-profit), charitable organization or municipality, university, school, religious institution and/or hospital.
The group agrees to work with an Organizational Mentor and has autonomy to choose their Organizational Mentor, design the project, identify group members, and plan for the future.

Note

Groups can only apply for one Youth Opportunities Fund grant at a time.
If your group has an active Youth Opportunities Fund grant, you can only apply for funding if you are in the last year of your active grant.

Ineligible groups

The following are not eligible to apply:

Registered charities
Religious entities established for the observation of religious beliefs, including, but not limited to, churches, temples, mosques and synagogues.
Municipalities
Groups/projects based at an existing organization (not-for-profit or for profit)
Groups specifically designed to serve parents, guardians, and caregivers through committees or clubs of institutions, including municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals
Groups looking to design programming for children
For-profit organizations or businesses
Individuals

Project eligibility

Your project may be eligible if it meets the assessment criteria. Ensure that your project:

Strongly aligns with your chosen Priority Outcome
Complies with OTF policies:
- Our policy requirements define eligibility for OTF funding and outline exclusions.
- Funds are granted to eligible applicants delivering eligible project activities that directly align with one Priority Outcome.
Benefits parents, guardians, and caregivers

What we fund

Test grants aim to drive positive change in your community by implementing a new idea and evaluating the results. Explore what we fund below through this grant stream.

Three types of projects qualify for a Test grant. All project types must align with one Priority Outcome. Choose the type that most closely aligns with your project:

Pilot a new project idea

This type of project focuses on trying out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of parents, guardians and caregivers. For example:

Start a new project that supports parents, guardians and caregivers to access resources and navigate social systems.
Adapt and pilot an idea that has been tested in other parts of the province to meet the needs of parents, guardians and caregivers in your community.
Establish a learning circle that supports parents, guardians and caregivers in navigating specific experiences like supporting children with disabilities, and/or to improving mental health and wellbeing.
Create a space that honors the cultural traditions of parents, guardians and caregivers and celebrates the sharing of knowledge or culture.

The idea your group wants to test must align with one of the Family Innovations Priority Outcomes.

Research an issue or new concept

Choose this project type if your group wants to learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue. For example:

Develop participatory research about an experience families face.
Explore something new in your community that can be enhanced through technology or a new approach.
Discover how something new may impact parents, guardians and caregivers in your community.

Consider how your group will conduct the research, how much time this work will take, and how your group will share what you learn, for example through a research paper, report, website, or presentation.

If your group chooses this project type, the research topic must align with one of the Family Innovations Priority Outcomes.

Strategize around an issue affecting Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

This is an opportunity to bring parents, guardians and caregivers together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively with their community. Depending on your group’s aims and the stage of the discussion, what you learn could include:

Understanding an issue and its impact on your community.
Discover who is already working on an issue, who is joining the conversation, and who might be left out.
Develop some common goals or strategies to respond to the issue.
Come up with next steps as a collective.

The focus of your group’s strategy must align with one of the Family Innovations Priority Outcomes.

Priority Outcomes reflect the changes YOF is investing in. While many of the outcomes focus on key priority populations or experiences, we continue to prioritize Indigenous and Black parents, guardians and caregivers as part of our ongoing commitment to address systemic barriers to economic and social wellbeing.

The one Priority Outcome your group chooses identifies the impact your project will have.

List of Priority Outcomes

Create opportunities for Indigenous and/or Black parents/guardians and caregivers to help families build strong community and cultural connections, strengthen relationships, and heal from trauma
Supporting parents, guardians, and caregivers to navigate and access resources for economic stability
Supporting parents, guardians and caregivers to effectively navigate, access, and influence systems that affect family wellbeing

How to choose a Priority Outcome

When choosing your Priority Outcome, think about:

Why your group is doing this project.
What difference your group hopes to make through this work.
What change and impact your group plans to have on parents, guardians, and caregivers who engage in this project.

As you fill out your application, you should align your answers to the Priority Outcome your project will achieve.

As your group completes your application, align your Test project with the primary beneficiaries named in the Priority Outcome you have selected.

We recognize that your beneficiaries may hold other identities and experiences that are critical to the design and delivery of your project. In your application, identify the primary beneficiaries of your project and their intersecting identities and lived experiences. Your core group members should share the identities and lived experiences of your beneficiaries.

List of Primary Beneficiaries

Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) parents, guardians, and caregivers
- When selecting Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit), beneficiaries can be from urban, rural and on-reserve communities.
Black parents, guardians, and caregivers
Racialized parents, guardians, and caregivers
Newcomer parents, guardians, and caregivers
Francophone parents, guardians, and caregivers
Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+)*
Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children living with disabilities or special needs*
Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children living with mental health needs and/or addiction 
Parents, guardians, and caregivers living in rural, remote and/or Northern communities
Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law*
Parents, guardians, and caregivers at risk of contact or in contact with child welfare services*
Parents, guardians, and caregivers in low-income situations
Parents, guardians and caregivers who are homeless or at risk of being homeless
Parents, guardians, and caregivers whose children are at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school*
Parents, guardians, and caregivers whose children are not engaged or are at risk of not being engaged with education programs, employment programs, or training programs

* In addition to prioritizing Black and Indigenous grassroots groups, YOF prioritizes investing in projects that positively impact parents, guardians and caregivers with these intersecting lived experiences or identities.

Prepare a clear Budget and ensure that the identified costs correspond with the deliverables and major activities of your Project Plan.

All costs funded must be eligible and directly attributable to the project. Ensure that budget amounts align with Project Plan activities. Familiarize yourself with the sample Project Plan and Budget.

Eligible budget categories

You can apply for funding to cover project costs across the following categories:

Staffing

As you consider the roles and responsibilities of staff, ensure you include livable wages to support your program delivery (with considerations for Mandatory Employee Required Costs (MERC) of 20%).

Full Time Staff (35 hours or more per week)
Part Time Staff (less than 35 hours per week)

Project expenses

Transportation
Honorarium (to recognize the contributions of community leaders, elders and/or volunteers)
Support Services (translation, interpretation, child-minding)
Project supplies and materials
Project equipment (rental or purchase)
Food (for program participants)
Communications (website, promotions)
Fees (for services delivered by experts, facilitators)

Required budget categories

The following costs are required for this grant:

Administrative Support Costs (for Organizational Mentors): 15% of total budget.
Capacity Building Costs: $2,000 to $4,000 per year. Learn more about eligible capacity building activities.

Ineligible costs

Taxes, such as GST and HST, for which the Organizational Mentor is eligible for a tax rebate, and all other costs eligible for rebates
Capital infrastructure costs (renovations to space)
Contingency costs
Costs related to political or religious activities
General or ongoing operating costs (unrelated to the project)
Personal one-on-one professional services (including expenses related to direct therapy, counselling/ legal and/or accounting advice)
Costs related to paying for participant groceries, household supplies, or equipment
Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships or individual requests (including regranting funds to other projects or people)
Fundraising campaigns

Review all ineligible activities.

Resources

Explore our resources to help you prepare the required information with your team.

Application checklist
The application checklist is a high-level summary of what is included in the Expression of Interest.

Expression of Interest questions
To help applicants prepare the right information with their team, OTF provides the complete overview of the Expression of Interest.

Sample Project Plan and Budget
Examine a sample Project Plan and Budget for Test and Scale grants.

About Organizational Mentors
All grassroots groups need to partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement.

Application checklist

The Expression of Interest is the first step of a grant application and provides OTF with the information needed to assess the eligibility of your group and your project. Groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete the grant application.

The application checklist below is a high-level summary of what is included in the Expression of Interest.

Group profile

Details for newly formed groups.
Incorporation number and year of incorporation (for incorporated not-for-profit only).
List of current board of directors (for incorporated not-for-profit only).
- At least 50% of your board need to share the identities and lived experiences of your primary beneficiaries.
Prepare 1 or 2 examples of previous activities your group has delivered for primary beneficiaries in your community.

Project leaders

Identify the identities and lived experiences of your core group members, and if applicable, also for your board of directors.
Prepare your core group table.
- Parents, guardians and caregivers must make up more than 50% of the core group.
The majority of your core group members share the identities and lived experiences of your primary beneficiaries.

If your group does not meet the eligibility requirements for this grant stream: Your submitted Expression of Interest will not proceed to the next stage of the assessment process and your group will not be eligible for funding.

Project idea

Have a clear description of your idea.
Describe and list all major activities.
Identify the systemic barriers and issues your project is trying to address.
Explain how your primary beneficiaries are impacted by the issues.

Project impact

Select one Priority Outcome.
Identify your Primary Beneficiaries.
Prepare your change statements.

Process

Build out your Project Plan and Budget.

Organizational Mentors

Identify an Organizational Mentor.

All applicants need to partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement.

Granting Portal

All Expressions of Interest need to be submitted through OTF’s Granting Portal. When the application period is open:

Existing users can Sign-in to the Granting Portal.
New users will need to Create an OTF account.

Final reminders

The first step of the application process is to start completing your Expression of Interest as soon as it becomes available and work with your team to finalize requirements.
Once submitted, your Expression of Interest will be reviewed and assessed.
Only groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete the next step of the grant application, which requires a signed Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Groups Collaborative Agreement.
Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Application supports

Webinars

Coaching calls

Book a coaching call with a Program Manager for in-depth support and help with navigating the application process.

For immediate support, contact us at 1 800 263-2887 or yof@otf.ca.

Application process

The application process involves various steps for groups and Organizational Mentors.

Prepare your application

Review the application deadlines.
Plan ahead and use the application resources available to support you.
Contact us at 1 800 263-2887 or yof@otf.ca for support.

2. Create an OTF account

OTF requires all grant applications to be submitted through its Granting Portal. When the application becomes available, returning users can sign in to the Granting Portal and new users will need to first create an OTF account.

3. Submit the Expression of Interest

Once the application portal opens, you can complete and submit the Expression of Interest by the deadline date.
Late submissions of the Expression of Interest will not be accepted.

4. Review and assessment of Expression of Interest

Staff review your group’s eligibility, your readiness to do this work, the potential impact of your project, and how well you understand the needs, interests, and experiences of the beneficiaries you want to work with.
As part of the assessment process, we review the online presence of all applicants to ensure they deliver direct programs and services to Ontarians and that they are not engaged in ineligible activities. This includes:
- The majority of group activities are for the purpose of bringing about change in law or government policy, including public policy dialogue and development.
- Political activities supporting or opposing any political party, elected representative, or candidate for public office.
- For more information about eligible and ineligible activities, review OTF’s Eligibility Policy.

5. Notification of shortlisted Expressions of Interest

We notify all applicants of the status of their Expression of Interest approximately 6 weeks after the deadline.
Applicants with a shortlisted Expression of Interest will be invited to submit a grant application with an Organizational Mentor. Applicants are asked to start researching for potential Organizational Mentors at this stage.

6. Connect with Organizational Mentors

Applicants are required to confirm their Organizational Mentor at the grant application stage. We encourage you to start this relationship early.
We will verify the eligibility of your Organizational Mentor. For more information about how we assess eligibility, review OTF’s Policies and Organizational Mentor requirements.
If your selected Organizational Mentor is not eligible, we will ask them to notify your group and project leaders. The YOF team will provide support to find a new potential Organizational Mentor.
Organizational Mentors need to have an OTF account to access the Organizational Mentor application through OTF’s Granting Portal.
Discover the application process and eligibility requirements for Organizational Mentors.

For shortlisted groups only

7. Submit the grant application

Your group needs to work with your Organizational Mentor to review the draft grant application, finalize your Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Groups Collaborative Agreement, and submit a complete grant application.
You will need to upload your signed agreement with your grant application.

8. Recommendation and selection

OTF’s Board of Directors approves grant recommendations put forward by YOF’s Grant Review Committee.

9. Notification

Your group will be notified of the status of your grant application approximately 8 weeks after the deadline.

10. Confirmation and Orientation

Successful groups take part in a mandatory orientation session and trainings.
Your Organizational Mentor is sent an email with the OTF Grant Contract.
Your Organizational Mentor is responsible for signing and upholding the Grant Contract with OTF.

11. After approval

Reporting & monitoring: In addition to scheduled check-ins, grantees track activities, spending, and learning to complete the annual progress report and a final report.
Capacity building: This is an opportunity for learning and development to enhance group skills as you deliver your project. Capacity building work will help you connect and network with other grantees by participating in YOF-led events and making the most of capacity building funds available in your project budget.
Evaluation: Grantees are asked to measure their progress towards their selected Priority Outcome. Support is provided to grantees to complete the evaluation activities.
Grant Completion: After a group’s Final Report is approved by OTF, the grant hold-back funds, which is the final payment for the project, are released and the grant is closed.
Grantee Compliance Audit:
- A random sample of grants are subject to a Grantee Compliance Audit.
- Grants can be audited for compliance at any point within the grant’s life, or after the grant has been closed.

Expression of Interest assessment

Your Expression of Interest is assessed based on three sections of the application: Group Eligibility, People, and Strategy.

The Project Plan and Budget will not be assessed with the Expression of Interest. However, if your Expression of Interest is shortlisted, it will be reviewed by a Program Manager at the grant application stage. A Program Manager will contact you to share feedback on the Project Plan and Budget prior to the grant application deadline.

If your Expression of Interest is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a grant application with an Organizational Mentor.

Group Eligibility

The eligibility of the group is reviewed and assessed as either eligible or not eligible. If the group does not meet requirements, their Expression of Interest will not proceed for a full review. Assessment criteria includes:

Core group members (including board members, where applicable) reflect the identities and experiences of the parents, guardians, and caregivers they are working with and for.
The application is complete and contains clear and detailed responses.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are the clear and direct beneficiaries of the project.
The group exists independently of a larger organization (other not-for-profit), charitable organization or municipality, university, school, and/or hospital.
The group is based in Ontario and the work will benefit parents, guardians, and caregivers in Ontario.
The group has at least three core group members.
Parents, guardians and caregivers must make up more than 50% of the core group.
More than 50% of core group members are at arm’s length relationship to each other. An ‘arm's length’ relationship means board members and group members are not married or related to each other, do not work as business partners or are otherwise in a relationship where interests may be compromised.
The group is not a registered Charity.
The Board of Directors table is complete with all active board members and all board members are included in the core group table. (for registered not-for-profits only)
The project complies with OTF Policies.
The group is in compliance with advocacy requirements of OTF’s Eligibility Policy.
The group is either an unincorporated group or an incorporated not-for-profit corporation, with independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in either of the last two years.

People

Assessment weight: 40%

Strong Grassroots Leadership

The group demonstrates that collectively they have the right mix of knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver this project.
The group has connections to the issues and knowledge of the community they are looking to serve.

Strategy

Assessment weight: 60%

Setting the Context (Issue & idea)

The group has fully and clearly described the idea they want to test, or the research they will conduct, or the strategy work they will lead.
The need, issue or opportunity connects to systemic barriers that parents, guardians, or caregivers face.
The idea is an effective response to the need, issue or opportunity the group is addressing.
The proposed idea is culturally anchored and has been designed to respond to the experiences, needs and assets of YOF parents, guardians, and caregivers.

Potential for Impact (Idea & impact)

Parents, guardians and caregivers are clear and direct beneficiaries of the project.
The changes the group hopes to make can be achieved through their project.
The changes or impacts the group hopes to make aligns with their chosen Priority Outcome.

Most common application mistakes

Review some of the most common mistakes applicants make in their applications across the Youth Innovations and Family Innovations grant streams. This information will help you prepare an Expression of Interest and/or grant application that meets eligibility requirements.

Applicant does not fit with who we fund

The applicant does not meet the led by and for model

Projects must be led by people who share identities, experiences, and face the same systemic barriers as the people who will benefit from the project. This “led by and for” principle is a requirement in all YOF funding streams.

When applicants do not meet these requirements, the application will not proceed to a full review.

The group is a part of a larger organization

Applicants who are part of a registered not for profit organization, charitable organization, business or a municipality, university, school, and/or hospital are not eligible funding.

Eligible groups include:

A grassroots group that is not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit. 
An organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction.
- The organization cannot have more than $50,000 in gross revenue in each of the last two fiscal years. Revenue also needs to be independently managed.

When applicants do not meet these requirements, the application will not proceed to a full review. Larger organizations can explore OTF’s Community Investment Grants.

Applications are incomplete

It is important that all aspects of the application are complete. Incomplete applications will not proceed for a full review and will not be eligible for funding. Commonly missed sections include:

Board of Directors Table: Active board members are missing or the listed board members are no longer active directors.
Core Group Table: Board members or other group members are missing, or information is missing for the people listed.
Groups that are registered non-profits: Incorporation number is missing or omitted from the application.

Applicants do not have the right skills and experience for the project

Scale grant applications

Applicants must have the following:

Experience delivering consistent core activities for 2 or more years.
A history of working together to benefit primary beneficiaries.

Test grant applications

Applicants can be newly formed groups and must have the following:

The group demonstrates that collectively they have the right mix of knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver this project.
The group has connections to the issues and knowledge of the community they are looking to serve.

A common mistake is that groups apply for a grant without demonstrating that they are ready to deliver the project they are applying funding for.

When applicants do not meet these project requirements, the application will be declined.

Projects do not serve the right primary beneficiaries

Projects must be designed for the primary beneficiaries associated with the grant stream.

Family Innovations grants

Projects must be led by parents, guardians and caregivers and must benefit parents, guardians and caregivers directly. Often, applications for projects coming in for a Family Innovations grant will benefit youth, children, or a mix, instead of primarily parents, guardians and caregivers.

Youth Innovations grants

Projects must be delivered by a youth-led group or a youth-adult partnership. They must serve youth, aged 12 to 25, or 12 to 29 for youth living with special needs and/or disabilities, mental health needs and/or addictions.

When projects are not designed to benefit the right primary beneficiaries associated with the grant stream, the application will be declined.

Incomplete or incorrect budget and project plan

The budget and project plan are critical pieces to every application. It shows how grant funds will be used and ensures funds are used effectively. There are a number of common mistakes related to the budget and project plan.

Ineligible expenses

Budgets often include expenses that are ineligible for funding. The most common ineligible expenses submitted are:

Personal one-one professional services (including expenses related to direct therapy, counselling/ legal and/or accounting advice)
Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships or individual requests (including regranting funds to other projects or people)
Investments in large capital items like building, housing and renovations.

Ineligible activities

All project activities must be eligible for funding and aim to advance the selected Priority Outcome. Applicants often include the following ineligible activities:

Health care related activities, such as providing direct medical therapy
Programming that is designed to provide loans, scholarships or direct money to participants (flow through funding)
Access to professional services like legal supports, accounting/finance,
Developing housing and/or investing in capital infrastructure

Budget items are not aligned to the Project Plan and requested term

Applicants need to clearly explain how their budget items are connected to their project and Project Plan. Applicants often forget to include:

Clear cost breakdowns for each budget item.
Appropriate and reasonable costs for the activities outlined in the Project Plan.
A Budget and Project Plan that correspond to their requested term.
Activities and milestones clearly identified in the Project Plan, and with adequate details.

When Budgets do not meet requirements, and are not aligned with the Project Plan, the application will be declined.