Resilient Communities Fund

Highlights

This program is a fantastic opportunity for your business to secure funding between $10,000 and $100,000. The money can be used to help your organization recover, grow, and become more resilient. Whether you need to develop new revenue streams, adapt your services to meet community needs, or plan for future challenges, this grant can support you.

You can use the funds for a variety of purposes, such as strategic planning, organizational training, and technology upgrades. The grant covers both personnel and non-personnel costs, including salaries, supplies, and even travel expenses. This flexibility allows you to address the specific challenges your organization faces.

The grant term ranges from 6 to 24 months, giving you ample time to implement your plans. Plus, you only need to repay 10% of the funding after submitting a final report. This makes it a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to strengthen your business.

Financing Details

Grant: The Resilient Communities Fund provides non-repayable grants, meaning you won't need to repay the amount received under this program.

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates: Since this is a grant, there are no repayment terms or interest rates applicable.

Eligible Expenses: You can use the funds for:

Direct personnel costs like salaries and employee benefits for roles essential to the project.
Direct non-personal costs, which could include purchased services, supplies, travel, and equipment.
Overhead and administrative expenses directly related to the project, capped at 15% of the total grant amount.

Restrictions on Use of Funds: The grant cannot be used towards:

Costs incurred before the grant approval.
General fundraising activities or ongoing operational expenses not directly linked to the project.
Renovations or fixed equipment costs.

Fees: There are no application or processing fees associated with this grant. However, you should be aware that 10% of the grant amount will be withheld until successful project completion and satisfactory report submission.

Qualifications

Must be a community-based organization delivering programs and services in Ontario.
Must have a primary purpose, presence, and reputation for delivering programs and activities with direct community benefit in Ontario.
Must demonstrate financial capacity to manage funds, deliver, and complete the proposed project.
Must demonstrate the ability to generate additional resources from the community and other sources.
Must be an appropriate organization to carry out the proposed project.
Must be one of the following types of organizations:
- A charitable organization or foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- An organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction.
- A First Nation, Chartered Community Council under the Métis Nation of Ontario, or Inuit community.
- A municipality with a population of 20,000 or less.
- County Library Boards and Local Services Boards serving populations of 20,000 or less.
Must adhere to OTF’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, Eligibility Policy, and Financial Need and Health Applicants Policy.
Must be in good standing with OTF regarding their granting history.
Must have at least one year of financial history from their incorporation or charitable registration date.
Must upload most recent completed financial statements based on their fiscal year-end date and total revenues.
Financial statements must be Board approved (draft statements are not accepted).
Must have a minimum of three board members with active terms at the time of the grant application deadline.
At least 50% of the board must maintain an arm’s length relationship to each other.
Must not have received a Resilient Communities Fund grant from the February 1, 2023 deadline.
Must submit required documentation, including quotes or estimates for goods and services valued above $10,000.
Must comply with OTF’s Financial Statement requirements, except for Municipalities, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities.

Description

This program is a fantastic opportunity for your business to secure funding between $10,000 and $100,000. The money can be used to help your organization recover, grow, and become more resilient. Whether you need to develop new revenue streams, adapt your services to meet community needs, or plan for future challenges, this grant can support you.

You can use the funds for a variety of purposes, such as strategic planning, organizational training, and technology upgrades. The grant covers both personnel and non-personnel costs, including salaries, supplies, and even travel expenses. This flexibility allows you to address the specific challenges your organization faces.

The grant term ranges from 6 to 24 months, giving you ample time to implement your plans. Plus, you only need to repay 10% of the funding after submitting a final report. This makes it a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to strengthen your business.

Program Steps

Prepare Your Project Plan
Outline the work you will undertake to address your organization's challenges and how the project will help you recover and build resilience.
Select Project Outcomes
Choose up to three project outcomes you want to achieve with your grant. Make sure they align with your project plan.
Gather Required Documentation
Collect the following documents needed for your application:
- Most recent completed financial statements (with comparative information for the prior fiscal year).
- Itemized quotes or estimates for each good and/or service valued above $10,000 (preferably two or more).
- Additional information regarding any surplus or deficit, if applicable.
- Board of directors information, ensuring you have at least three board members with active terms.
Review Application Questions
Go through the grant application questions and the Financial Workbook instructions to ensure you understand what is required.
Complete the Application
Fill out the application form, ensuring all sections are complete and that you have included all necessary documentation.
Submit Your Application
Send in your application before the deadline of October 25, 2023, at 5 PM ET.
Prepare for Follow-Up
Be ready for any follow-up questions or requests for additional information from the review team after submission.