Our Commitments

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion

As a public agency and funder, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Working together with our colleagues and partners, we act on these values through our Framework for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

We are proud to:

  • Promote diversity and inclusion at every level within our organization and believe in creating opportunities for our employees and volunteers to succeed
  • Celebrate unique differences, diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • Welcome new talents and insights as we foster a culture of inclusion and accessibility for all

We work with stakeholders and partners that share our values so we can be part of a societal transformation where diversity and inclusion are immersed in our day to day work, and our corporate culture.

We will neither discriminate nor tolerate discrimination

OTF affirms its strong commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and will neither discriminate in any of its practices nor tolerate it in its grantees. We align ourselves with the Ontario Human Rights Code and our Anti-Discrimination Policy is rooted in our work.

Discrimination will not be tolerated, condoned, or ignored amongst OTF staff members, volunteers and grantees . This commitment applies to all OTF activities, including but not limited to employment and hiring, grantmaking, purchasing, and selecting vendors or consultants, and extends to the use of public funds by grantees.

We are committed to driving positive change for Ontarians

Living our values and acting on our Framework for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is part of who we are. Our work supports Ontario’s diverse communities, and we are committed to removing barriers, creating a more equitable Ontario, and being part of positive change.

We support Reconciliation

  • In 2015, we signed The Philanthropic Community's Declaration of Action and we are committed to work with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities to learn more about the needs of their communities.
  • Through learning sessions and discussions with Elders, leaders, and Indigenous communities and organizations, we continue to learn about the history that surrounds us and opportunities to create positive change.
  • We promote the use of settler land acknowledgements and recognize traditional territories where our offices are located.
  • As a partner of The Circle, we are actively engaged in collaborative conversations and relationships that promote the well-being of Indigenous peoples and their communities

We support Black Ontarians and communities

  • We acknowledge the systemic racism that affects Black Ontarians and communities. Read our Statement on anti-Black racism.
  • We support the work taking place to address anti-Black racism and improve outcomes for Black communities.
  • Our staff are engaged in a learning strategy that focuses on inclusion workshops, anti-Black racism learning sessions, and aligns with Ontario’s anti-Black Racism Strategy.
  • Our Anti-Black Racism Task Force, made up of staff at every level of OTF, is focused on enabling the organization to eliminate any systemic racism in policies, decisions, and programs.
  • Through our work, learning strategy, and investments, we are committed to supporting people of colour, racialized communities, and newcomers.

We support safe and inclusive spaces

  • OTF is committed to creating safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ staff at work and we support projects that promote inclusion.
  • In 2018, we became certified as a Positive Space employer through the Ontario Public Service. This means we promote and encourage safe spaces for all individuals of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
  • Our staff participate in annual training sessions on inclusive language, inclusion in the workplace, and learning on 2SLGBTQIA+ history and communities.

We support Francophone communities

We support a barrier-free Ontario

  • We promote a work environment where staff can participate fully in their job. Our 2023-2028 Accessibility Plan outlines our accessibility principles and the ongoing training of our staff and volunteers in serving people of all abilities.
  • Our offices are barrier-free and accessible, which includes welcoming guide service dogs and attendants. Our resources are available in various formats such as using large fonts and audio supports. Upon request, we can provide services and information in other formats.
  • We support the use of personal assistive devices including TTY service at our head office, Job Access with Speech (JAWS) and assistive technology including keyboards and headphones.
  • We are committed to providing an accessible web experience and comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) WCAG 2.0.

As a community-based funder, we recognize the various needs our communities require to thrive. By engaging in meaningful discussions with our staff, volunteers, grantees, and partners, we are deepening our learning and improving the way we work. Along with our commitments, we are proud to observe events of importance to these communities and commemorative days.