Ontario Funding Opportunities

Ontario has a number of funding opportunities that are open for application. This post will highlight two of them.

Ontario Grant to Support Anti-Hate Security Measures for Faith-Based and Cultural Organizations

This grant program “is a $25 million, attestation-based grant that will provide funds to faith-based and cultural organizations to increase safety and security measures.”

The deadline for application is March 3, 2022.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Host regular gatherings (at least once per month) of religious, spiritual or cultural significance
• Hold gatherings as a primary activity
• Be a registered charity or not-for-profit
• Be operational in Ontario on February 3, 2022
• Own, lease or rent an indoor facility in Ontario for the gathering purposes above
• Be in compliance with Income Tax Act and Canada Revenue Agency requirements
• Attest to compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and hate laws under the Criminal Code
• Attest that all funds will be used for security and safety measures against hate-related incidents
• Attest that all funds will be used for expenses incurred between April 1, 2021-March 31, 2022

Applications may be audited and you need to keep all documents that prove your eligibility for a period of seven (7) years.

For the full and detailed information on the application process, requirements, eligible expenses, documentation, and more, be sure to check out the Grant Application Guide.

Inclusive Communities Grants (ICG) Program

The ICG Program provides up to $60,000 for a local project to help older residents and people with disabilities participate in community life. This year’s priority projects are those that support under-served communities and that address COVID-19 related challenges.

The deadline for application is March 3, 2022.

The Program Application Guide explains that “the purpose of the ICG Program is to help communities becomes inclusive by ensuring that the needs of Ontarians of all ages and abilities are considered at every stage of community planning and development.”

It supports existing and new Age-Friendly Communities in eight specific areas of community life:

1. Outdoor spaces and buildings
2. Transportation
3. Housing
4. Respect and inclusion
5. Social participation
6. Civic participation and employment
7. Communication and information
8. Community support and health services

Projects must take place between September 2022 and March 2023, and applicants will know the outcome of their applications by summer 2022. Applications must be submitted online through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) – the Application Guide gives more information on how to access and apply through TPON.

Eligible applicants include local governments, Indigenous Communities or organizations, and community organizations. Community organizations must be not-for-profit, legal entities, and have been in operation for at least one year prior to application. Private foundations, private schools, hospitals, and post-secondary institutions are not eligible (see the Guide for the complete list).

If your organization serves older residents and people with disabilities, this could be a great opportunity to obtain funding to expand and create Age-Friendly Communities in your area! Don’t delay! As noted above, the deadline for applications is March 3, 2022.

Other Programs of Interest

Other programs that may be of interest include the Summer Experience Program (although the deadline is listed as February 15, 2022, the application was still listed as “open” as of publication), and the Safer and Vital Communities (SVC) Grant (deadline March 4, 2022) which focuses on preventing online crime, specifically hate crimes, human trafficking and fraud.