Partnership Investments Policy

1.0 Rationale

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) supports multi-stakeholder initiatives to build greater capacity in Ontario’s non-profit sector through OTF’s Partnership Investments (PI) program, and thus deliver better outcomes for Ontarians. These partnerships may include, but are not limited to, investments in non-profit sector infrastructure and intermediaries, and convening, research and knowledge sharing, to drive innovation and greater impact in the non-profit sector.  In order to maintain the highest standards of public accountability and provide an opportunity for potential PI program partners to self-assess their eligibility for potential partnerships, OTF has established eligibility criteria for partnerships and partners in the PI program.

2.0 Context

The PI program is ancillary to OTF’s granting programs.  It furthers OTF’s mandate from the province of Ontario to strengthen community capacity and support efforts of charitable and not-for-profit organizations to re-engineer themselves.

This policy aligns with OTF’s other grant Investment Policies overall but refines interpretation for the purposes of the PI program.

3.0 Purpose

This policy defines the eligibility of partnerships and partners for OTF’s PI program.

4.0 Policy

4.1 The Purpose of OTF Partnership Investments

OTF’s PI program engages in multi-stakeholder initiatives to build greater capacity in Ontario’s non-profit sector, and thus deliver better outcomes for Ontarians.  These partnerships may include, but are not limited to, investments in non-profit sector infrastructure and intermediaries, and convening, research and knowledge sharing, to drive innovation and greater impact in the non-profit sector.

4.2 PI Partnerships

A PI partnership must:

• address the capacity building needs of Ontario’s non-profit sector to drive innovation and greater impact in the sector;
• have a clear articulation of expected outcomes and value for the non-profit sector in Ontario;
• have an organization incorporated as a not-for-profit or a charitable organization or foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, as the fiduciary partner;
• be truly collaborative, in that each partner, including OTF, must contribute to the partnership initiative and be accountable for achieving an aspect of the initiative’s intended outcome.  A partner’s contribution will be clearly identified; will align with the partner’s own mandate, objectives or expertise; and may include funding, resources, expertise or other value;
• be governed by a Partnership Agreement, which will include a statement of the roles and responsibilities of each partner; clearly identify the sources and uses of financial and non-financial contributions; and provide for the circumstances in which the PI partnership may be terminated and in which a partner, including OTF, may withdraw from the PI partnership;
• be committed to OTF’s principles of accountability; value for money; fairness, integrity and transparency; responsible management; efficient, effective, consistent and predictable business practices; and a focus on outcomes and measurable results; and
• meet OTF’s responsibilities under the French Language Services Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, OTF’s Commitment to Reconciliation, and OTF’s Framework for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

OTF will not participate in PI partnerships engaged in political activity supporting or opposing any political party, elected representative, or candidate for public office.

4.3 Eligible Partners

Partners in OTF’s PI program may include, but are not limited to:

• organizations incorporated as not-for-profit corporations;
• charitable organizations registered with the Canada Revenue Agency;
• a First Nation or a First Nation library; or
• a Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous community;
• universities; 
• corporations;
• public and private foundations;
• municipalities;
• government agencies and ministries; 
• unincorporated groups

To be eligible to participate in OTF’s PI program, an organization must comply with OTF’s Anti-Discrimination Policy and all legislation applicable to their activities.

4.4 Bi-lateral Initiatives

In addition, OTF may enter bilateral Strategic Initiatives with non-profit sector intermediaries on a one-to-one basis. Strategic Initiatives will engage sector leaders to help advance the mission of OTF to build capacity in the non-profit sector.

4.5 Withdrawals and Cancellations

OTF has the right to decline to enter into or withdraw from a PI partnership if a signing partner engages in political activity by supporting or opposing any political party, elected representative, or candidate for public office.  As stated above, OTF will also have the right to withdraw from a PI partnership in such circumstances as may be authorized in the Partnership Agreement governing the PI partnership.