Organization requirements

An applicant for an OTF grant must: 

• have a primary purpose, presence and reputation for delivering programs and activities with direct community benefit in Ontario
• demonstrate the financial capacity to manage OTF funds, deliver and complete the proposed project as per OTF’s Financial Health and Need policy
• demonstrate that they provide services in Ontario
• demonstrate their ability to generate additional resources from the community and other sources
• demonstrate that it is an appropriate organization to carry out the proposed project

Any one of the following organizations may be eligible for funding:

• a charitable organization or foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency
• an organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction

Organizations that are both an incorporated not‐for‐profit and a registered charity are to apply as a charity.

Any one of the following Indigenous communities may be eligible for funding:

• A First Nation
• A Chartered Community Council, operating under the Métis Nation of Ontario 
• Inuit

For First Nation communities seeking funding for their library, they must apply on behalf of the library and cannot submit separate applications for both the community and the library for the same grant deadline.

A Chartered Community Council, operating under the Métis Nation of Ontario is to apply through the Métis Nation of Ontario.

Inuit-led organizations are to apply as either a charitable organization or an incorporated not for profit organization, as applicable.

A municipality with a population of 20,000 or less is eligible to:

• apply for funding in OTF’s Active People Action Area fostering more active lifestyles, or in OTF’s Inspired People Action Area supporting arts, culture and heritage projects; and
• apply for its cultural or recreation agencies, including municipal libraries and museums.

County Library Boards and Local Services Boards serving populations of 20,000 or less are also eligible to apply for funding in the Inspired People or Active People Action Areas.

Additionally:

• Organizations are to adhere to OTF’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, Eligibility Policy, and Financial Need and Health Applicants Policy.
• Organizations need to be in good standing with OTF regarding their granting history. This includes past applications, either approved or declined. 

Review the Eligibility Policy for all eligibility criteria