ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE: Ontario Investing $47 Million to Expand Community Non-Profit Programs

TORONTO – The Ontario government is investing more than $47 million this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support 153 non-profit organizations, First Nations communities and small municipalities that deliver innovative programs to promote active lifestyles, support arts, culture and heritage, and expand opportunities for children and youth across the province. This funding delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by making strategic investments to strengthen local services and build stronger, more resilient communities.

“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.”

Every year, OTF Grow grants support community organizations across the province with investments of up to $600,000 to expand and improve the delivery of community-based programs and services that Ontario families rely on.

Some of this year’s recipients include:

• A sport and recreation initiative with expanded programs to empower Indigenous youth in Northwestern Ontario through active living, leadership development and community engagement.
• A youth employment program delivering job readiness training, coaching and inclusive work experience to help rural youth with disabilities build skills, confidence and independence.
• A year-round arts and culture initiative in Peel Region, with new weekly low barrier workshops and events that increase access, support artists, and strengthen community belonging.
• A community food program improving volunteer systems to expand access to affordable produce and foster inclusion for residents experiencing food insecurity.

“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.

Through OTF’s various granting programs, including Grow and Seed, Ontario has invested more than $857 million in over 7,700 projects since 2018. These investments have created more than 10,700 full-time jobs and generated over $1.3 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province. For more information and a list of recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.