Resilient Communities Fund
Highlights
This program is designed to help your non-profit organization recover and build resilience. You can receive up to $100,000 per year to develop and implement plans that address your current challenges. This funding can support new revenue generation, strategic planning, and adapting services to meet community needs.
Key Benefits:
- Flexible funding for medium to long-term projects
- Support for new activities to meet community needs
- Resources for strategic planning and future challenges
Applying for this grant is straightforward, and if approved, it will provide the financial support needed to strengthen your organization. This program offers a unique opportunity to build capacity and ensure sustainability, making it a valuable resource for your non-profit.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply.
Eligible Expenses:
- Salaries and benefits for staff positions directly related to the project.
- Purchased services such as consulting or professional services.
- Workshops, meetings, and convening costs.
- Supplies and materials necessary for the project.
- Travel expenses related to the project.
- Evaluation costs (up to 10% of the grant budget).
- Non-fixed equipment and technological infrastructure (up to $150,000 of the grant budget).
- Overhead and administration costs directly associated with the project (up to 15% of the grant budget).
Ineligible Expenses:
- Core funding or operating grants for current operations.
- Costs or activities already incurred.
- Taxes eligible for rebates.
- Contingency costs.
- Renovations and fixed equipment.
- General fundraising drives or capital campaigns.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- 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 provide services in Ontario.
- 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.
Eligible Organizations:
- Charitable organization or foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction.
- First Nation communities.
- Chartered Community Council under the Métis Nation of Ontario.
- Inuit-led organizations.
- Municipalities with a population of 20,000 or less.
- County Library Boards and Local Services Boards serving populations of 20,000 or less.
Disqualifications:
- Organizations that received a grant from the February 1, 2023 deadline are not eligible for the October 25, 2023 deadline.
- Organizations that do not adhere to OTF’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, Eligibility Policy, and Financial Need and Health Applicants Policy.
- Organizations not in good standing with OTF regarding their granting history.
Description
This program offers your business a grant between $10,000 and $100,000. The money can be used to help your business recover and grow stronger. You can use it to develop new ways to make money, start new activities to meet community needs, or adjust your business plans for future challenges.
You can use the grant for:
- Developing new revenue streams
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Training and coaching for staff
- Purchasing necessary equipment or technology
You can choose up to three outcomes you want to achieve with the grant. The money can cover costs directly related to your project, including salaries, supplies, and administrative expenses. You have up to 24 months to use the funds, giving you ample time to implement your plans and see results.
This grant is a great opportunity to strengthen your business and ensure its long-term success.
Program Steps
Prepare Your Application Plan:
- Outline the work your organization will undertake to address challenges and build resilience.
- Ensure each cost included in the application supports project activities and aligns with the selected outcomes.
Gather Required Documentation:
- Quotes or Estimates: For each good/service valued above $10,000, upload at least one quote or estimate. Preferably, provide two or more from different suppliers.
- Financial Statements: Submit the most recent completed financial statements, including comparative information for the prior fiscal year. Municipalities, First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities are exempt from this requirement.
Review Grant Application Questions and Financial Workbook Instructions:
- Familiarize yourself with the questions and instructions to ensure accurate and complete responses.
Submit Your Application:
- Visit the grant application deadline page to access the online application portal.
- Complete and submit the application through the portal.
Review and Assessment:
- OTF staff will review your application, including your organization’s website and social media accounts.
- Ensure your application is complete and aligns with the project assessment criteria.
Recommendation and Selection:
- Local Grant Review Team volunteers will make funding recommendations.
- OTF’s Board of Directors will approve these recommendations.
Notification:
- OTF will notify all applicants of the final decision.
Orientation:
- If successful, participate in a mandatory orientation session with your OTF Program Manager.
Confirmation:
- Successful applicants will receive an email with their OTF Contract.
Activation:
- Sign and return the OTF Contract electronically.
- Confirm your organization’s banking information in OTF’s online portal to release the first grant payment through electronic funds transfer (EFT).
Reporting and Monitoring:
- Submit a final report upon project completion, covering the achievement and learnings.
- Be aware that a random sample of grants may be subject to a Grantee Compliance Audit.