OTF Youth Opportunities Fund
by Ontario Trillium Foundation
Also known as: YOF
The Youth Opportunities Fund invests in grassroots, community-led projects for youth and families, prioritizing groups led by and for Indigenous and/or Black youth. Unincorporated groups and small nonprofits (under $50,000 revenue) are eligible - rare among grant programs. Verified stream amounts: Youth Innovations Test up to $100,000/year (1-3 years); Scale up to $150,000/year (2-3 years). The 2026 cycle closed July 8, 2026; it runs annually with a winter Expression of Interest window.
Key facts
- Amount
- Up to $150,000
otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
- Instrument
- Grant (non-repayable)
- Status
- Status unconfirmed confirm with funder
- Who qualifies
- Unincorporated grassroots groups, incorporated not for profit corporations with $50,000 or less in gross revenue in each of the last two fiscal years
- 'Led by and for' requirement: core group members must share the identities and lived experiences of those who benefit
- Youth Innovations streams: youth aged 29 and under must make up more than 50% of the core group
- Priority for projects addressing Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, Inuit) and/or Black youth
- All Youth/Family Innovations applicants must partner with an Organizational Mentor under a collaborative agreement
- Groups can only apply for one YOF grant at a time
- First Nations grassroots groups eligible if no more than 50% of members are from band office/council
otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Intake windows
| Cycle | Opens | Closes | Status | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Youth & Family Innovations | Feb 4, 2026 | Jul 8, 2026 17:00 | Closed | otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending |
| 2025-26 System Innovations | Oct 15, 2025 | Mar 11, 2026 17:00 | Closed | otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending |
| 2026-27 System Innovations | - | - | Status unconfirmed | otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Reported, verification pending |
Application process
- Expression of Interest during the annual window (2026 cycle: February 4 to April 15, closed)
- Shortlisted groups invited to submit the full grant application (2026 deadline: July 8, closed)
- Secure an Organizational Mentor partnership (2026 mentor window: January 7 to June 19)
- System Innovations stream runs a separate cycle with a required pre-application coaching call (2026 application deadline: March 11, closed)
otf.ca · Last verified Aug 17, 2026 · Auto-checked against official source
Common questions
Can an unincorporated group really apply?
Yes - YOF is one of the few programs open to unincorporated grassroots groups. You must partner with an Organizational Mentor (an established organization providing administrative support and financial accountability) under a signed collaborative agreement. Incorporated nonprofits qualify only if gross revenue was $50,000 or less in each of the last two fiscal years.
What does 'led by and for' mean?
Core group members must share the identities and lived experiences of the young people or families who will benefit. For Youth Innovations streams, more than 50% of the core group must be youth aged 29 or under. YOF prioritizes groups addressing the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, Inuit) and/or Black youth.
What are the YOF streams?
Six components: Youth Innovations Test (pilot new ideas, up to $100,000/year, 1-3 years), Youth Innovations Scale (grow proven projects, up to $150,000/year, 2-3 years, requires 2+ years delivery experience), Family Innovations Test and Scale (parent/caregiver-led groups), System Innovations (collaboratives tackling systemic barriers), and Organizational Mentors.
When can I apply next?
The 2026 cycle is closed (EOI closed April 15, applications closed July 8, 2026). Based on the annual pattern the next Expression of Interest window should open in early 2027 - watch otf.ca or contact yof@otf.ca / 1-800-263-2887.
Apply
Apply on the funder’s site and confirm current terms there: