FAQs
Why are there word count limits on some application questions?
Answer
Word counts help simplify and ensure equity of content across OTF applications, and are to encourage clear and concise responses.
How would we know if our organization passes OTF’s Anti-Discrimination Policy?
Answer
OTF will not fund organizations that discriminate, or that seek to limit the legal rights and activities of people.
Your organization is not aligned with this policy if:
- Your organization treats people differently based on age, gender, sexual orientation, family status or religious belief. For example, if women are treated differently from men, if your group won’t rent its community hall to a gay organization, or if only members of your religion can participate in activities and events.
- Your organizational publications and website promote or communicate discriminatory practices.
- You seek to limit the legal rights and activities of people — for example, campaigning against same-sex marriage or organizing interventions to prevent women from seeking abortion information.
- You restrict staffing, program content, or who can participate in programs based on any of the protected grounds cited in the OTF Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Under what circumstances would OTF fund an organization with a deficit?
Answer
OTF generally considers an organization financially healthy if it has no more than a 15% deficit.
Your deficit (calculated as your internally restricted/unrestricted net assets) should not exceed 15% of annual expenses.
- If your organization has a deficit greater than 5%, you must submit a plan explaining why and how you intend to reduce it.
- The plan must include details such as monetary targets to reduce the accumulated deficit, and
- Must be reasonable and achievable – and give a clear picture of your deficit situation and plans to remedy.
Can we email or mail in our organizational registration information?
Answer
No. The OTF registration and application process is only available online. We cannot accept registration details or attachments by mail or email.
What is the grant holdback and how does it work?
Answer
OTF holds back a proportion of all grant funds until the grantee has submitted the final report and until OTF has reviewed and verified the satisfactory completion of the grant.
For Seed and Capital grants, 10% of the approved grant budget will be held back.
For Grow grants, 10% of the grant budget for the final year of the grant will be held back.
When and how can I register my organization?
Answer
We strongly recommend that organizations register well ahead of application deadline dates.
OTF cannot guarantee that registrations submitted less than four (4) weeks before a grant application deadline will be verified in time to provide access to and submission of a grant application. To register your organization, go to Apply for a Grant and click on Organization Registration.
Does the Anti-Discrimination Policy unfairly limit faith-based organizations and restrict their right to believe as they do?
Answer
No. We recognize and celebrate that everyone is entitled to their faith, opinions and thoughts. Religious freedom is an important human right in Ontario. However, as a public agency, OTF cannot use public funds to support organizations whose practices do not treat everyone with the dignity and fairness they are entitled to; nor can OTF fund organizations who seek to limit the legitimate legal rights and activities of people.
Under what circumstances would OTF fund an organization with a surplus?
Answer
OTF provides grants to eligible organizations with a significant need for funding. Any organization that has access to net assets worth more than 12 months in operating expenses is not considered by OTF to be in financial need. OTF will decline an application where the applicant fails to identify a financial need.
OTF may consider proposals from applicants with net assets that are equivalent to more than 12 months of operating expenses when:
- The organization demonstrates that unrestricted net assets have been earmarked for an imminent project or purpose; or
- Where the circumstances can otherwise demonstrate significant financial need.
In either of these cases, the applicants should submit an explanation statement when they register.
Can I add additional members to my organizational profile?
Answer
Only one contact can be assigned per organizational profile. This should be the primary contact, and someone who has the legal authority to bind your organization. Please pick a contact whose inbox can be accessed while they are away or who can communicate recent developments with other members of the organization at any time. If you are registering on behalf of the primary contact/person with legal authority, you will need to provide his/her name and contact information.
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