Funding will support 153 local organizations delivering community services, youth opportunities and cultural programming
The Ontario government is committing more than $47 million this year to support community-based programs delivered by non-profit organizations, First Nations communities and small municipalities across the province.
The investment, distributed through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), will fund 153 organizations working to expand programs focused on active living, arts and culture, youth opportunities and community well-being. Provincial officials say the funding is intended to strengthen local services while generating economic and social benefits in communities across Ontario.
Announced by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the funding forms part of the province’s broader strategy to reinforce local services and support resilient communities through targeted public investments.
“From helping seniors stay active to creating employment opportunities for youth and expanding access to arts and recreation, non-profit organizations play a vital role in protecting our communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Through OTF’s Grow grants, we’re investing in organizations that deliver real local impact and supporting initiatives that protect local services and strengthen the well-being of families across Ontario.”
The funding will be distributed through OTF’s Grow grant program, which provides community organizations with grants of up to $600,000 to expand and improve the delivery of programs and services that residents rely on. The program is designed to help organizations scale up successful initiatives, reach more participants and improve operational capacity.
Each year, Grow grants support projects aimed at addressing a wide range of community needs, including youth engagement, arts and cultural programming, recreational access and social support initiatives.
Among the recipients this year are organizations delivering programs that encourage Indigenous youth participation in sport and recreation in Northwestern Ontario. The initiative aims to promote active living while building leadership skills and strengthening community connections among young participants.
Another funded project will focus on youth employment in rural communities, offering job readiness training, coaching and work experience opportunities for young people with disabilities. The program is designed to help participants build practical skills, confidence and independence while preparing them for long-term employment.
In the Greater Toronto Area, an arts and culture initiative in Peel Region will receive funding to expand its year-round programming. The project will introduce new weekly workshops and events designed to reduce barriers to participation, support local artists and strengthen community engagement through creative activities.
Other projects include community food initiatives that aim to improve volunteer systems and expand access to affordable produce for residents experiencing food insecurity. These programs are expected to increase community participation while improving the efficiency of food distribution networks.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to invest in this new round of Grow grants, which are designed to improve the lives of Ontarians. These grants play an essential role in helping non-profit organizations broaden their local programming to address diverse community needs,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation operates as an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and focuses on strengthening the province’s non-profit sector by supporting community-driven initiatives.
Through multiple funding streams—including Grow and Seed grants—the province has invested more than $857 million in community projects since 2018. According to government data, those investments have supported more than 7,700 initiatives across Ontario.
Officials say the funding has also contributed to broader economic benefits. Since 2018, projects supported by OTF grants have helped create more than 10,700 full-time jobs and generated more than $1.3 billion in economic activity in communities across the province.
Applicants can apply for Grow grants ranging from $100,000 to $600,000 over a period of two to three years. The funding is intended to help organizations expand existing programs, improve service delivery or adapt initiatives to better meet evolving community needs.
Provincial officials say the continued investment reflects the government’s view that community organizations play a critical role in delivering frontline services and building stronger local economies.
A full list of this year’s funding recipients and additional program details are available on the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.