OTF Grow Grant
by Ontario Trillium Foundation
Also known as: Grow Grants
OTF Grow Grants fund $100,000-$600,000 over 2-3 years ($50,000-$200,000 per year) to scale proven community programs in sports/recreation, arts/culture, environment, or human and social services. Nonprofits operating 12+ months, First Nations, and municipalities under 20,000 population are eligible across Northern Ontario. The 2026 application window is October 7 to November 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET, with decisions about 4-5 months later.
Key facts
- Amount
- $100,000 – $600,000
otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Grant (non-repayable)
- Status
- Opens Oct 7, 2026
- Who qualifies
- Nonprofit organizations (incorporated/registered and operating 12+ months), registered charities, First Nations, Metis and Inuit organizations, municipalities with population of 20,000 or less (on behalf of cultural or recreation agencies), county library boards and local services boards serving 20,000 or less, collaboratives (lead organization must qualify), religious entities delivering non religious community programs · operating history: 12 months
- Project must benefit one of OTF's 16 geographic catchment areas at a community level - province-wide or national impact projects are declined
- Municipalities over 20,000 population are not eligible
- Small municipalities/library boards/LSBs limited to two funding priorities: physically active lifestyles or arts/culture/heritage
- Non-profits need 3+ active board members with 50% at arm's length
- Proof of ownership or 5-year lease required if improving facilities
otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Intake windows
| Cycle | Opens | Closes | Status | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 17:00 | Opens Oct 7, 2026 | otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending |
Application process
- Create/sign in to OTF Granting Portal and complete pre-application fit questionnaire
- Submit during the application window (2026: October 7 to November 4, 5:00 p.m. ET)
- Stage 1: organization eligibility review
- Stage 2: project eligibility review
- Stage 3: scored assessment - community benefit 30%, project plan 30%, budget 30%, participation of populations facing barriers 10% - by OTF staff and local Grant Review Team volunteers, recommendations to OTF Board
- Mandatory orientation meeting, then Grant Contract signed and returned within 60 days
otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
When is the next OTF Grow Grant deadline?
The application window runs October 7 to November 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, through the OTF Granting Portal. Decisions come approximately 4-5 months after the deadline, and all decisions are final with no appeal process.
What's the difference between an OTF Seed and Grow grant?
Grow grants ($100,000-$600,000 over 2-3 years) are for established programs with a proven track record that you want to expand, improve, or adapt. Seed grants fund newer ideas at lower amounts. Grow applications must document the track record and include proof of ownership or a 5-year lease if facilities are involved.
Can a municipality apply for a Grow grant?
Only municipalities with a population of 20,000 or less, applying on behalf of their cultural or recreation agencies (libraries, museums), and only under two priorities: fostering physically active lifestyles or enriching lives through arts, culture and heritage. Larger municipalities are not eligible.
Can Grow grant funds cover equipment or renovations?
Yes - up to 20% of the budget can be capital costs (equipment, renovations, repairs, retrofits) directly tied to the project. Quotes are required for goods and services over $5,000, dated within 6 months of the deadline.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: