Program guide · Ontario
How to apply for an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is the province's main funder of community non-profits. It has three main grants (Seed, Grow and Capital), each with one application window a year.
By Sameena Velshi · Updated October 30, 2026 · Checked against the official program pages that day
The short answer: pick the right stream (Seed to start or test something, Grow to expand a proven program, Capital for equipment and space), create an account in OTF's Granting Portal, choose one funding priority, and submit your organization details, project plan, budget and quotes before 5 p.m. ET on the deadline. The Grow window closes November 4, 2026.
At a glance
| Run by | Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Ontario charities and non-profits (no share capital), First Nations, Métis Chartered Community Councils, and municipalities of 20,000 people or fewer |
| Seed | $10,000–$100,000 for 6 or 12 months. Operating 12+ months. 2026 window closed |
| Grow | $50,000–$200,000 a year for 2 or 3 years. Registered 2+ years. Open until Nov 4, 2026, 5 p.m. ET |
| Capital | $10,000–$200,000 for 6 or 12 months. Operating 12+ months. 2026 window closed |
| How to apply | OTF Granting Portal (services1.otf.ca), open only during each window |
| Decisions | About 4–5 months after the deadline. No appeals |
How to apply, step by step
Choose the right stream
Seed helps you plan, pilot or build capacity. Grow expands, improves or adapts an existing program with proven results. Capital pays for construction, renovation and equipment that keeps people accessing a program.
Check eligibility
You need to deliver programs in sports and recreation, arts and culture, environment, or human and social services, with a clear local community benefit in Ontario. You also need at least 3 active board members, mostly at arm's length, and up-to-date by-laws.
Create your Granting Portal account
Set up an account in OTF's Granting Portal and complete the short eligibility questionnaire. The portal only opens during application windows.
Complete your organization information
Mission, people served, staff and volunteers, registration numbers, board and senior staff lists, by-laws and financial statements. Returning applicants with valid information may find this already filled in.
Describe the project
Choose one funding priority and one objective, describe the project, set out 3–5 deliverables with tasks, and build a budget that matches the plan. Upload a quote for every item over $5,000.
Submit before 5 p.m. ET
You can't change an application once submitted, and late applications aren't accepted. OTF advises not leaving it to the last day.
What each stream pays for
Seed and Grow
- Staff directly working on the project
- Purchased services, workshops and meetings
- Supplies and travel
- Overhead up to 15%
- Grow: up to 20% for capital items
Capital
- Construction and renovation
- Fixed and non-fixed equipment
- Developmental costs up to 20%
- Not covered: program staff and program costs, websites or apps
Never covered
- Core operating costs
- Costs before the grant start date
- Contingency funds and general capital campaigns
- Taxes you can get rebated
OTF's six funding priorities
- Active lifestyles
- Connection and belonging
- Arts, culture and heritage
- Youth leadership and skills
- Environmental conservation
- Basic needs for people facing economic hardship
How applications are scored
OTF first checks your organization's eligibility, then whether the project fits your chosen priority, stream and objective. Eligible applications are scored by staff and local volunteers:
| What's assessed | Weight |
|---|---|
| Community benefit and relevance | 30% |
| Project plan and feasibility | 30% |
| Project budget | 30% |
| Participation of people facing barriers | 10% |
Next windows: OTF hasn't yet published 2027 dates for Seed and Capital. In recent years Capital opened in February and Seed in July, with the next year's dates announced in November.
What to have ready
- Business number, plus incorporation or charitable registration number
- Financial statements for your most recent year with prior-year comparison, completed within 6 months of year-end
- Board list with term dates and arm's-length status, senior staff list, by-laws
- A project plan with 3–5 deliverables and a matching budget
- Quotes for any item over $5,000, dated within 6 months of the deadline
- For Capital: photos or diagrams, and proof of ownership or a lease with 5+ years left
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting more than one application per deadline. OTF allows only one, including as a collaborative lead.
- Financial statements of the wrong type, or not finished within 6 months of year-end.
- A board that doesn't meet the arm's-length rule.
- Missing quotes, undated quotes, or splitting purchases to stay under $5,000.
- A budget that doesn't match the project plan or term.
- Not explaining the benefit to your local community.
Want help?
Let Grant Desk draft your Trillium application
Grant Desk is free for non-profits. It checks which OTF stream fits, keeps your organization information and documents ready for every window, and drafts the project plan and answers with AI for your review. You review and submit everything yourself, and funders make their own decisions. Free for Fractional COO clients, non-profits and artists.
Common questions
Is the Ontario Trillium Foundation accepting applications now?
Only for the Grow grant, until November 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET. The 2026 Seed and Capital windows have closed.
How much can we get from OTF?
Seed $10,000 to $100,000; Grow $50,000 to $200,000 a year for 2 or 3 years; Capital $10,000 to $200,000.
How long must our organization have existed?
At least 12 months for Seed and Capital, and at least 2 years for Grow.
When will we hear back from OTF?
About 4 to 5 months after the deadline. Decisions are final, but unsuccessful applicants can book a call with a program manager.
Can we apply for more than one OTF grant at a time?
No. Each organization can submit one application per deadline.
Can a faith-based group get an OTF grant?
Yes, if it's a registered charity or non-profit and the funded programs aren't religious and don't require participation in faith.
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This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, amounts and dates come from the official program pages on October 30, 2026 and can change without notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. Ravel Strategy Group is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, agency or funder named on this page.