Become an Appointed Grant Reviewer
Support Ontario's non-profit sector and make a difference in your community.
Community engagement is central to OTF’s grant review process. As dedicated members of their communities, grant reviewers bring meaningful insights, lived experience, and local knowledge that help ensure funding decisions are fair, transparent, and responsive to community needs.
Each reviewer volunteers their time to serve on one of OTF’s 16 local Grant Review Teams or on the Grant Review Committee, supporting community-driven decision making. Their work helps OTF fund projects that will make the greatest positive impact in communities across Ontario. Read our grantee impact stories to learn how OTF grants are making a difference.
On this page
Grant Review Teams
Grant Review Teams (GRT) are made up of committed and knowledgeable local community members appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming to support the delivery of OTF’s Community Investments Grants.
Up to 275 public appointees serve on one of 16 GRTs. Each GRT represents distinct geographical catchment areas in Ontario. Public appointees assess grant applications from their catchment area and make funding recommendations to OTF’s Board of Directors.
Responsibilities include:
- Independently assess grant applications, through OTF’s online portal, that align with grant assessment criteria.
- Participate in online meetings, including up to four GRT meetings per year and related training sessions.
- Attend and speak at local grant recognition events, in-person or virtually, to represent OTF.
- Support OTF’s mission and values.
- Abide by OTF’s Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct and Ethics policies.
Requirements
- Commit around 45 to 65 hours per year to the role.
- Motivated to make a local impact.
- Strong understanding of local community needs and priorities.
- Have experience with supporting or appreciation for under-represented groups.
- Advanced computer skills.
How to apply
GRT members are appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming through Ontario’s Public Appointments Secretariat. Eligible public appointees must be:
- A resident of Ontario
- Proficient in either English or French
- Able to attend meetings in Ontario
Learn more about the eligibility criteria to become a Grant Review Team member.
Grant Review Committee
OTF also works with a Grant Review Committee (GRC), which supports the decision-making process for the Youth Opportunities Fund, a program administered by OTF on behalf of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Funded projects support grassroots groups, organizations, and collaboratives that aim to improve the well-being of youth and families facing systemic barriers, with a focus on Indigenous and Black communities. GRC members assess grant applications from across Ontario and make funding recommendations to OTF’s Board of Directors.
Responsibilities include:
- Independently assess grant applications, through OTF’s online portal, that align with YOF’s assessment criteria.
- Participate in online meetings, including up to four GRC meetings per year and related training sessions.
- Attend and speak at local YOF grant recognition events, in-person or virtually, to represent OTF.
- Support OTF’s mission and values and YOF’s funding priorities.
- Abide by OTF’s Conflict of Interest and Code of Conduct and Ethics policies.
Requirements
- Commit around 50 to 60 hours per year to the role.
- Have experience supporting youth or running community programs.
- Share identities and lived experiences with priority populations supported by the Youth Opportunities Fund.
- Be a young person under 30 or a parent, guardian, caregiver, or elder.
How to apply
GRC members use their lived experiences, identities, and strong relationships within their communities to inform their decision-making, ensuring funding recommendations reflect the needs of funded communities.
If you are interested and meet the criteria, email volunteersupport@otf.ca with your resume and a brief description of your background, lived experiences, community involvement, and how you would contribute to the Grant Review Committee role.
