Ontario Trillium Foundation

More Sustainable Opportunities for Ontario Families and Residents Thanks to New Grants Announced Today

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation funding awarded to 419 local and province-wide community groups

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is awarding Community grants to 386 local not-for-profit and charitable organizations across Ontario.

By boosting projects that collectively address local needs, these latest grants help create stronger, more vibrant communities. OTF funding provides lasting positive economic impact and supports the participation of not-for-profit organizations in community partnerships and capital projects, and the delivery of diverse, inclusive services and healthy social and recreational opportunities for families, youth and seniors.

In addition to local Community grants, OTF is announcing 33 Province-Wide grants. The social and economic impact of this broad funding to larger organizations will benefit communities across the province.

QUOTES

“Ontario Trillium Foundation’s grants make a sustainable, lasting impact across the province. They help to create economically strong communities by funding projects that boost opportunities for employment and training and improve significantly the quality of life for families and individuals of all ages and abilities.”
- Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

“Volunteers and not-for-profit organizations work hard to meet the changing needs of the population they serve. Thanks to OTF funding, they can strengthen the fabric of their communities and make a much greater impact.”
- Lucille Roch, Acting Chair, Board of Directors, OTF

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

A leading grant-maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

LEARN MORE

Andrea Cohen Starts Job as OTF CEO

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Hello!

I’m so grateful to finally be here at the Ontario Trillium Foundation and am excited to take on the CEO role. I very much look forward to getting to know the Foundation, the sector, its issues and, of course, our volunteers and staff. In my first days, I have committed to visiting OTF offices across the province, where I’ll be listening, learning and meeting with staff, volunteers and grantees.

I believe that a strong and vibrant not-for-profit sector in this province is critical to building and sustaining healthy communities. I am committed to developing trusting and effective relationships to achieve this. Working collaboratively, I intend to engage with all OTF stakeholders to find new solutions to effectively measure, support and enhance the work of the sector and to leverage existing solutions for our collective benefit.

OTF is already a recognized leader in the Ontario not-for-profit and charitable sector through our community based investments across the province. We are also proud to enhance that investment by supporting the transfer of knowledge throughout the voluntary sector so that it can be adapted and utilized to ensure best practice. We play a role in identifying and encouraging partnerships, collaborations and dialogue with not for profit organizations and with our public and private sector partners. As the new OTF CEO, my personal commitment is to ensure that this important work can demonstrate value, by focussing on measuring the impact of our work and grants throughout Ontario’s diverse communities.

I can’t wait to get started and join the many staff, volunteers and leaders across Ontario who are committed to strengthening the voluntary sector and to creating vibrant communities across our great province.

Read more:
Andrea's profile
News release

Community Capital Fund Final Deadline Announced for Projects Serving Diverse Communities

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

NEWS

Today the Ontario Trillium Foundation announced the final round of capital funding for groups interested in applying for the Community Capital Fund (CCF), a grant program for infrastructure projects that serve diverse cultural communities. The application deadline is August 15, 2012.

Through Ontario’s CCF, organizations will construct or renovate buildings, or purchase capital equipment in order to offer more skills development, cultural activities and recreational programs.

The funds are part of the $50 million Community Capital Fund announced in late 2010. The CCF helps Ontario's non-profit organizations deliver important public services to diverse cultural communities. Traditionally these community groups have been challenged to secure funds for capital projects, all the while struggling to meet the cultural, social, training and learning needs of Ontario’s growing diverse populations.

QUOTES

“The Community Capital Fund has proven extremely popular among community organizations looking to purchase capital equipment, retrofit their physical spaces or relocate their overflowing programs into permanent, serviceable space appropriate to the needs of their members and clients.

“We urge organizations to talk to OTF staff, who are available to help them walk through the application process and eligibility criteria.”

-- Lucille Roch, Acting Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

QUICK FACTS

163 projects by organizations across Ontario have received CCF funding to date.
Projects funded in this application round must be completed by December 31, 2014.
Ontario’s Community Capital Fund is administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. An OTF Board committee assesses and analyzes applications.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION

LEARN MORE

Read more about the Community Capital Fund program and eligibility guidelines.

____________________________________________________

For more information:

Alexis Mantell
1.800.263.2887 ext. 218
amantell@otf.ca

Community Capital Fund Available Soon to Groups Serving Diverse Communities: OTF

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to announce it will soon be taking applications for the Community Capital Fund (CCF), a Government of Ontario fund administered by OTF.

Through Ontario’s CCF, organizations serving diverse communities will construct or renovate buildings, or purchase capital equipment in order to offer more skills development, cultural activities and recreational programs to diverse communities. Organizations will be required to match CCF funds.

Key dates:

August 15, 2012 – Deadline for Ontario organizations serving diverse cultural communities to submit their online applications to OTF
December 31, 2014 – Date by which CCF-funded projects must be completed

For more details, visit the Community Capital Fund page

If you have questions please contact CCF Program staff at:

Phone: 416.963.4927
Toll-free: 1.800.263.2887
TTY: 416.963.7905
ccf@otf.ca

Supporting Youth Economic Opportunities in Ontario

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation Future Fund focuses on innovation and opportunities for youth

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation celebrates 23 recipients of the Future Fund grants program.

Funding is provided through the Future Fund to support projects that will create opportunities for Ontario’s youth to explore and pursue meaningful economic opportunities. This investment helps not-for-profit organizations in communities across the province develop non-traditional and innovative approaches to entrepreneurial skills development and career planning as well as connect young people with employers who welcome youth culture.

The Foundation’s investment will improve youth’s access to the workforce and help to build strong communities.

QUOTES

“Future Fund grants are an investment in one of our strongest assets – Ontario’s young people. These innovative projects provide young people with entrepreneurial skills development, mentoring, and real-life training as they generate promising business or social enterprise ideas. Supporting the passions and talents of Ontario’s youth through meaningful economic opportunities will help Ontario build strong and prosperous communities.”
- Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

"With three decades of grant-making and a long history of community-building, the Ontario Trillium Foundation has the experience and the vision to create transformational change in addressing local community needs. By trying different methods, investing in skills partnerships, and accommodating how youth choose and navigate their career paths, these Future Fund projects offer alternatives to traditional approaches of engagement and learning."
- Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

FUTURE FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS

Halton Industry Education Council Halton/Peel

Passerelle Intégration et Développement Économique Toronto

Education Through Media Toronto

Town of Ingersoll Ingersoll

Youth Opportunities Unlimited London

Dream Now Canada Inc. Toronto

Les Entreprises Forma-Jeunes Inc. Hearst

San Romanoway Revitalization Association Toronto

Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations Moose Factory

Kawartha World Issues Centre Peterborough/Kawartha Lakes

The Remix Project Toronto

Hamilton Printmakers Arts Association Hamilton

Community Centre for Media Arts (CCMA) Hamilton

Adolescent's Family Support Services of Niagara Niagara

Softech Alliance Network Windsor

Hot Docs Toronto

Committee for Innovative Thinking for Youth Inc. Trenton

Anishnabeg Outreach Employment and Training Inc. Guelph/Kitchener

United Way of Perth-Huron Huron/Perth

Social Planning Council of Ottawa Ottawa

Grand River Employment & Training Inc. Grand River

Huron Business Development Corporation Huron/Perth

Boys and Girls Club of London London

Halton Industry Education Council	Halton/Peel
Passerelle Intégration et Développement Économique	Toronto
Education Through Media TorontoTown of Ingersoll	Ingersoll
Youth Opportunities Unlimited	London
Dream Now Canada Inc.	Toronto
Les Entreprises Forma-Jeunes Inc.	Hearst
San Romanoway Revitalization Association	Toronto
Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations	Moose Factory
Kawartha World Issues Centre	Peterborough/Kawartha Lakes
The Remix Project	Toronto
Hamilton Printmakers Arts Association	Hamilton
Community Centre for Media Arts (CCMA)	Hamilton
Adolescent's Family Support Services of Niagara	Niagara
Softech Alliance Network	Windsor
Hot Docs	Toronto
Committee for Innovative Thinking for Youth Inc.	Trenton
Anishnabeg Outreach Employment and Training Inc.	Guelph/Kitchener
United Way of Perth-Huron	Huron/Perth
Social Planning Council of Ottawa	Ottawa
Grand River Employment & Training Inc.	Grand River
Huron Business Development Corporation	Huron/Perth
Boys and Girls Club of London	London

QUICK FACTS

The Youth Economic Opportunities Future Fund grants are initiatives that build local or province-wide systems that support:

New, innovative approaches to skill development
Improved access to employment
Technology supporting economic pathways
Have youth engagement in career planning
Offer opportunities to gain a full range of entrepreneurial skills
Offer alternatives to traditional approaches of engagement
Support development of transferable skills

ABOUT

OTF established the Future Fund in 2007 as part of its commitment to invest in Ontario’s future. In 2007 and 2008, the Future Fund targeted leadership in the environment sector. In 2009, the fund focused on innovative initiatives that create social and economic opportunities for Ontarians. In 2010/11, the fund focused on economic opportunities for Ontario youth.

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

MORE

Read more about the grant recipients
View a full list of Future Fund recipients
Follow Acting CEO Anne Pashley on Twitter

___________________________________

For more information, contact:

Angela Kooij
416.963.7917
akooij@otf.ca

Andrea Cohen appointed CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

OTF chooses respected leader to continue efforts to strengthen the not-for-profit sector; quantify impact

News

TORONTO – Andrea Cohen has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The Foundation, an agency of the Ontario government, is one of Canada’s leading grant-making organizations.

Andrea was chosen by the OTF Board of Directors following an extensive search that commenced in January. Leadership experience in the private or public sector, an understanding of the not-for-profit sector, grant-making experience and a proven ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders were important characteristics sought by the Board in its new CEO.

Andrea has made significant contributions to community-based healthcare in Toronto and globally. She is currently the CEO of Unison Health and Community Services, an organization that serves the northwest part of Toronto. She is a champion of collaboration and partnerships and has led in the creation of a strong network of care providers.

OTF is a recognized leader in the Ontario not-for-profit and charitable sector. The Foundation plays an important role in supporting the sector to further develop and broaden its profile as a major contributor to the province’s economy. OTF helps strengthen the sector in several ways including extensive knowledge sharing activities, identifying and supporting partnerships and collaborations as well as encouraging dialogue and sharing of best practices.

Andrea’s appointment is effective July 30.

Quotes

“We are delighted to welcome Andrea Cohen as CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Board was impressed by her exceptional leadership experience, knowledge of the sector and work in measuring and documenting impact in the community healthcare setting. Her ability to engage stakeholders at all levels is an important skill she brings to this role.”

“The Search Committee had a difficult job as there were many, many qualified applicants for this unique role. Our new CEO had to have an understanding of the importance of our volunteers in the OTF grant-making process. Andrea has experience as a grant-maker in her volunteer role with the local and international levels of Planned Parenthood. This, along with her experience in measuring impact, was an important factor in our choice.”

- Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, OTF Board of Directors

“I’m very excited to join OTF. The Foundation has an exceptional reputation. I am very familiar with the work OTF does in communities. This is an organization that understands how important it is not just to recognize but to celebrate the diversity in this province through the efforts of community organizations, its staff and volunteers.”

“The professionalism of the staff and commitment of the volunteers is clearly evident and my role will be to ensure this is supported and recognized. I am looking forward to working with OTF staff, volunteers and colleagues in the not-for-profit sector to identify new opportunities to further strengthen the sector. I am particularly committed to focus on measuring and sharing the story about the impact of the work of OTF through the not-for-profit sector.”

“I know all too well the not-for-profit sector does amazing work with very little money. In the bigger picture, I believe that OTF is the single most efficient mechanism for ensuring the value of the not-for-profit sector is leveraged for the benefit of all Ontarians.”

- Andrea Cohen

About the Ontario Trillium Foundation

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the government, under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. OTF builds healthy, vibrant and economically strong communities across the province. The Foundation achieves this by strengthening the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

Facts

The Ontario Trillium Foundation OTF has an annual budget of $120-million and approves approximately 1,500 grants each year in four sectors: human and social services, arts and culture, environment and sports and recreation. The OTF has three granting streams: Community, Province-wide and Future Fund. OTF also administers the $50-million Community Capital Fund on behalf of the Ontario government.

Examples of specific areas funded:

Since April 1, 2003 OTF has approved more than 560 grants investing close to $52 million into Ontario communities for initiatives benefiting First Nations, Métis and other Aboriginal populations.
Since April 1, 2004 OTF has awarded over $17.6 million in support to the social enterprise sector across the Province. OTF funding supported:
Start-up of new social enterprises/cooperatives or expansion of existing ones, through feasibility and business plans, renovations of facilities, acquisition of equipment, operating costs, organizational development (staff, improvement of business processes, outreach, marketing, etc.)
Capacity building for the not-for-profit sector (networking and regional support services, strategic planning, mentoring, research on best practices, knowledge sharing, web-based learning platforms, conferences, etc.)

View Andrea’s profile

_____________________________________________

For more information, contact:

Sandra Cruickshanks
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
416 963 7921
scruickshanks@otf.ca

Volunteers are Key to Making a Difference

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Every year during National Volunteer Week, we pay homage and show our appreciation to volunteers for their commitment and service. The not-for-profit sector is a vital driver of economic growth and development, and key to this sector are the thousands of dedicated individuals across Ontario – our volunteers – who give freely of their time and energy to help build healthy and vibrant communities.

As Acting Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), one of Canada’s leading grant making foundations, I salute each and every one of our volunteers. Volunteer time is unpaid time, and that makes it especially valuable.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors and our 16 Grant Review Teams – more than 330 people in total – show remarkable dedication to serving their communities across the province. Whether we realize it or not, we all benefit from the important work they do in a wide range of organizations. Their involvement in their communities has impact and helps to change lives.

I also want to recognize and thank all Ontario volunteers who give selflessly of their time and talent. They carve time out of their family life, their work life and other responsibilities. Last year across Ontario, more than 290,000 volunteers contributed close to 2.5 million hours of their time to support organizations that received OTF funding. This is the equivalent of more than 1,300 full-time jobs. If we translate these OTF volunteer efforts into monetary value, it comes to more than $41 million of giving!

All of us are touched and enriched by these efforts, whether we volunteer ourselves or benefit in some way from the volunteer work of others. So take a moment during National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, to thank volunteers for generously donating their time, talents and passion to countless causes across the province. Thanks to their commitment, our communities and our province are better places to live.

Sincerely,

Janet Passmore
Acting Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

More Economic Opportunities for Communities

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation supporting 465 local and province-wide community groups

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is supporting 425 local not-for-profit and charitable organizations across the province.

Through its Community grants, the OTF is helping people overcome barriers to employment and self-employment, and develop literacy and work-related skills to ultimately broaden their work choices and improve their quality of life.

In addition to local Community grants, OTF is supporting 40 province-wide groups by helping them enhance their social and economic impact to benefit communities across the province.

QUOTES

"The McGuinty government is proud to partner with charitable and not-for-profit organizations across the province through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. OTF grants support our government’s priority to build a stronger economy by strengthening accessibility to training, skills development and literacy that helps Ontarians achieve and succeed in their communities.”
—Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

“There are many opportunities available in our community to make the local economy stronger. Volunteers and not-for-profit organizations contribute significantly to making Ontario communities more vibrant by fostering skills training, job creation and sustainable social enterprise, and improving community facilities for increased use and revenue.”
—Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Trillium Foundation

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

Great Grants Award Recipients Chosen

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation to honour organizations for exceptional projects

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation today named the eight recipients of the prestigious 2012 Great Grants Awards. The awards recognize charitable and not-for-profit organizations that have had an exceptional impact in their communities.

These organizations exemplify excellence, innovation and leadership in building healthy, vibrant communities. The 2012 Ontario Trillium Foundation Great Grants Awards will be handed out in the presence of Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Chan at a ceremony in Toronto March 23.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation 2012 Great Grants Award recipients are:

TechSoup Canada – Minister’s Award

Providing tech tools and resources for the voluntary sector

Not-for-profits organizations often feel left behind when it comes to finding the resources to adopt - and adapt to - the constant stream of new technologies, software and Internet tools. TechSoup Canada partners with the private sector to help more than 13,000 organizations access information, products, services and IT support that make their work more effective and efficient. Funding from the Foundation helped TechSoup establish itself as the go-to repository for IT resources and training for the not-for-profit sector. Collaborating with other organizations, Tech Soup has managed to distribute more than $68 million worth of software to Canadian voluntary organizations.

Community Diversity Leadership, a collaborative led by Harmony Movement (Peel) – CEO’s Award

15,000 youth and young adults participated in this program designed to foster cultural awareness and understanding of diversity, promoting harmony and mutual respect among youth in schools and the wider community. Harmony Movement partnered with the Multi-Cultural Agency of Group of Peel to deliver several diversity leadership programs, workshops, events and school assemblies. Most of these were delivered for and by the students themselves. The initiative is to be replicated elsewhere in Peel Region, which has one of Ontario's largest populations of newcomers.

Kashechewan First Nation Youth Video Project c/o Nishnawbe Aski Nation – Chair’s Award

Many youth in this remote community on the James Bay Coast face significant school drop-out rates, drug and alcohol abuse, and a high risk of suicide. The prospect of employment is low, so acquiring skills that can be used locally is life changing. Thanks to training with a video expert, youth participants developed skills, while engaging the whole community on issues important to youth.

Durham Sustain Ability – Environment Award

This not-for-profit social enterprise focuses on educating residents and businesses, and develops practical sustainability programs for communities and municipalities. The Foundation's funding helped Durham Sustain Ability engage with more than 7,000 Durham Region citizens through its various educational and outreach programs like EcoHomes, EcoMunicipalities, EcoBusiness and EcoSchools. It was also retained by three north Durham municipalities to coordinate the development of an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, the first multi-municipality collaboration of its kind in the province.

Club Action Hearst – Human and Social Services Award

In a community of 5,600 people, Club Action Hearst for seniors serves no less than 650 members and involves 13 partnerships. In addition to the well-being of its seniors, this innovative leader is now helping local youth. It is initiating intergenerational partnership projects to help youth develop skills to better access the work place, start their own businesses or pursue a higher education. Seniors in Hearst are looking out for all and setting a path for sustainable collaboration.

Jumblies Studio – Arts and Culture Award

Like individuals, even organizations benefit from mentorship. This OTF grant to Jumblies Studio provides mentorship and training programs for emerging community arts leaders. Through its unique pairing of community engagement and artistic expression, Jumblies assists community members to weave their diverse stories and perspectives into creative events that use theatre, puppetry, music, dance, writing, story-telling and a range of presentation techniques, while working with the challenges of diversity of culture, age and ability.

Girls on the Run (York Region and GTA) – Sports and Recreation Award

The popular after-school social recreation program for Grades 3 to 8 girls combines training for a non-competitive 5K event with developing self-esteem and strong values. Girls on the Run relies on mentoring relationships and physical and life skills training delivered through an active collaboration with students and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff and the community. Seventy-five schools are already signed up for the spring of 2012, ready to change young girls' lives one kilometre at a time.

TALK – Teams of Adults Listening to Kids (Niagara) - People’s Choice Award

TALK, or Teams of Adults Listening to Kids, brings adults together to listen to, and support youth; to discuss and address youth victimization, including bullying, racism, dating violence, and homophobia. The project also promotes an understanding of mental health and substance use issues among young people. More than 2,500 people annually participated in TALK forums and workshops. Integral to the work of TALK are the tenets that children and youth have the power, when engaged and supported, to change their schools, their community and their world.

QUOTES

“The Great Grants Awards recognize remarkable organizations across Ontario whose efforts have a profound positive impact on the people and communities they serve,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Inspired and innovative, these organizations contribute to arts and culture, sports and recreation, social services, environmental initiatives, job skills and youth engagement throughout the province. Congratulations to all our Great Grants Awards recipients - your contributions help cultivate vibrant communities for Ontario families.”

“The Foundation is honoured to have such a worthy field of recipients reflecting our granting sectors and all parts of the province,” said OTF Acting Chair Janet Passmore. “We thank them for their dedication and their spirit of innovation.”

QUICK FACTS

Ontario Trillium Foundation Great Grants Award recipients were selected from among some 4,500 groups that received OTF support between April 2006 and December 2010
The eight Great Grants recipients, along with 27 nominees, will be honoured at an awards luncheon March 23 in Toronto
The OTF grants funding to approximately 1,500 organizations each year

MORE

View photos of Great Grants Awards recipients

View profiles of all Great Grants Award finalists

Learn more about the Great Grant Awards

For more information, contact:

Angela Kooij
Ontario Trillium Foundation
1.800.263.2887 ext. 217
akooij@otf.ca

Finalists Chosen for 2012 Great Grants Awards

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation recognizes organizations for projects with outstanding impact

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation today announced the finalists nominated for the prestigious 2012 Great Grants Awards. The awards recognize charitable and not-for-profit organizations that have had an exceptional and lasting impact on the communities they serve.

These organizations exemplify excellence, innovation and leadership in building healthy communities across the province. Among the 17 finalists contending for an award are:

Girls on the Run, York Region & GTA - The popular after-school social recreation program for Grades 3 to 8 girls combines training for a non-competitive 5K event with developing self-esteem and strong values. Seventy-five schools are already signed up for the spring of 2012.

Club Action Hearst - Located in a community of 5,600 people, Club Action Hearst for seniors serves no less than 650 members and involves 13 partnerships. In addition to the well-being of its seniors, this innovative leader is now turning to local youth. Seniors in Hearst are looking out for all and setting a path for sustainable collaboration.

Forests for Life c/o Woodstock & District Developmental Services - Planting non-native trees was a common practice in Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex counties since getting native tree stock had become increasingly difficult and expensive. This all started to change in 2006 thanks to a very innovative partnership.

Kashechewan First Nation Youth Video Project – Many youth in this remote community on the James Bay Coast face a large school drop-out rate, drug and alcohol abuse and a high risk of suicide. The prospect of employment is low. Reaching out to their community and acquiring skills that can be used locally are potentially life-changing.

Temiskaming International Plowing Match 2009 - The small Temiskaming Municipality of Earlton opened its doors to the world. The district dared to dream big and its vision brought in more than 70,000 people to the first-ever International Plowing Match and Rural Expo hosted in Northern Ontario. The event generated $21 million for the area.

In addition to the above traditional categories of nominations, the Great Grants Awards feature for the first time a People’s Choice Award. Ontarians are now able to vote online for the organization whose youth-focused grant the public thinks has had the greatest impact. There are 18 nominees from across Ontario. Voting for the People’s Choice Award takes place February 13 to 29.

QUOTE

“Great Grants Awards finalists have been selected for their innovation, community leadership and spirit of collaboration. Through the Great Grants Awards, OTF salutes those who weave strong community connections, boost the local economy and help build support for youth engagement.”
Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, OTF

QUICK FACTS

Ontario Trillium Foundation Great Grants Award finalists were selected from among some 4,500 groups that received OTF support between April 2006 and December 2010

Eight Great Grants Awards will be presented on March 23 in Toronto:

- One award for each of OTF’s four funded sectors: arts and culture, sports and recreation, environment, and human and social services
- The Minister’s Award
- The Chair’s Award
- The CEO’s Award
- The People’s Choice Award

OTF grants funding to approximately 1,500 organizations each year.

MORE
View all 2012 Great Grants Awards Finalists

For more information, contact:
Renée Ouellet
416. 963.7965 or
1.800.263.2887 ext. 265
rouellet@otf.ca

18 Local Youth Initiatives nominated for People's Choice Award of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

NEWS

Voting starts today to choose a youth-focused initiative as the People’s Choice Award of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Eighteen local initiatives involving youth have been selected from among hundreds of recent OTF grants for their effectiveness and the impact on the youth served.

Anyone can vote February 13 through 29. Go tohttp://peopleschoice.projects.fm/home .

To decide your vote, view the videos, photos and impact stories posted by these young community builders. Vote up to five times per hour now through February 29.

All initiatives were led by or serve youth ages 13 to 18, and were selected in November by more than 300 OTF grant review team volunteers. The People’s Choice Award is a new addition to the Foundation’s prestigious Great Grants Awards, to be presented March 23, 2012, in Toronto. The nominee garnering the most votes will receive a day of strategic consulting, courtesy of Deloitte.

And the nominees for the Ontario Trillium Foundation People’s Choice Award are:

Community	Youth Initiative
Sudbury	Sampo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
Huntsville	2010 Ontario Winter Youth Games c/oTown of Huntsville
Hawkesbury	100% Actif
Bancroft	Celebrate Youth Movement c/o North Hastings Community Integration Association
Brantford, Caledonia, Six Nations	The Ally Stories Collaborative c/o Community Builders Youth Leadership
Waterloo	Sustainable Waterloo
Hamilton	Golden Horseshoe Orienteering
Niagara	TALK - Teams of Adults Listening to Kids c/o Niagara Pride Support Services
Stratford	Choices for Change
Blenheim, Chatham	Blenheim Youth Centre
Ingersoll	Fusion Youth Centre
Burlington	Burlington Green Youth Network
Alliston	Blue Frog Youth Enterprise c/o South Simcoe Community Information Centre
Peterborough	John Howard Society of Peterborough: Successful Achievement for Fundamentals of Employment (SAFE) program
North York	Big Day Out Collaborative c/o World Literacy of Canada
Sault Ste. Marie	Prototlaunch c/o Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
Thunder Bay	Community Arts and Heritage Education Project
Iskatewizaagegan # 39	Environmental Leadership Program c/o Junior Chief and Council of Iskatewizaagegan # 39 The Iskatewizaagegan # 39 Band Council

QUOTES

“It’s amazing to see the impact these projects have had, and the videos and pictures posted on The People’s Choice Award site tell the stories. We’re excited to see the wide variety of projects and the tremendous changes these youths are having on their communities.”
- Sandra Cruickshanks, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Ontario Trillium Foundation

ABOUT THE ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the nominees’ work with local youth.
Learn more about the Ontario Trillium foundation Great Grant Awards
Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter

Contact:

Alexis Mantell 1.800.263.2887 ext. 218
amantell@otf.ca

Latest OTF Community and Province-wide grants

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Most recent grants for all OTF grants approved October 27, 2011, based on applications received July 1, 2011.

44 Community Groups Benefit from Investment in Infrastructure

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

New October 13 deadline: Organizations may still apply for capital funding

NEWS
Forty-four not-for-profit community groups across the province are receiving support for infrastructure projects that serve cultural communities, Tourism and Culture Minister Michael Chan announced today at the Social Services Network for York region, located in Markham.

Through the province’s Community Capital Fund (CCF), these organizations will renovate buildings and update equipment that will offer a wider range of cultural activities to more people and make community spaces more efficient and welcoming to all.

The CCF helps Ontario's not-for-profit organizations deliver important services to diverse cultural communities. These community groups provide support for cultural and social activities as well as training and learning needs of Ontario’s growing diverse populations.

CCF grants were awarded to 44 community organizations in Ottawa, Hamilton, Brantford, Windsor, Niagara, Collingwood, St. Catharines, Cambridge, Kingston, London, Waterloo, Greater Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.

Administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation on behalf of the government, the CCF supports Ontario’s 2011 Budget — Turning the Corner, to create and support 10,000 new and existing jobs for Ontario families and strengthen local economies.

QUOTES
“Community members will be able to access services in local facilities that have been made brighter, safer and more accessible. The McGuinty Government is pleased to assist local organizations to provide services and programs in more comfortable settings. These services will foster great community leadership and promote a resilient workforce and a prosperous Ontario.”
- Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture

"The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to put its grantmaking experience to work to deliver this timely government initiative. A September 21 deadline means more groups serving diverse cultural communities will benefit from equipment upgrades and renovations."
- Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

QUICK FACTS
• These 44 non-profit organizations will share $12,018,300 through the CCF program. The CCF is a one-time $50 million investment.
• The next deadline for the CCF is October 13, 2011.
• All capital projects funded under the CCF must be completed by December 31, 2012.
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation administers the Government of Ontario’s Community Capital Fund. An OTF Board committee assesses and analyzes applications.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

LEARN MORE
• Find out more about previous CCF recipients
• Read more about the Community Capital Fund and eligibility guidelines.

For more information:
Alexis Mantell 1.800.263.2887 ext. 218
amantell@otf.ca

Sixty-Four Community Groups Benefit from Investment in Spaces

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

McGuinty Government helping diverse cultural groups enhance infrastructure

NEWS

Sixty-four not-for-profit community groups across the province are receiving support for infrastructure projects that serve cultural communities.

Administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation on behalf of the government, the CCF supports Ontario’s 2011 Budget — Turning the Corner, to create and support 10,000 new and existing jobs for Ontario families and strengthen local economies.

QUOTES

“Community members will be able to access services in local facilities that have been made brighter, safer and more accessible. The McGuinty Government is pleased to assist community organizations provide services in a more welcoming environment, services that will foster great leadership, a strong workforce and a prosperous Ontario.” - Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture

"The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to put its grantmaking experience to work to deliver this strategic government initiative. These Community Capital Fund grants will support equipment upgrades and renovations that help diverse cultural communities get on with the business at hand – helping people."
- Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

QUICK FACTS

These 64 non-profit organizations will share $16,421,400 through the CCF program. The CCF is a one-time $50 million investment.
All capital projects funded under the CCF must be completed by December 31, 2012.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation administers Ontario’s Community Capital Fund. An OTF Board committee assesses and analyzes applications.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION

LEARN MORE

Find out more about previous CCF recipients
Read more about the Community Capital Fund and eligibility guidelines.

For more information:
Renée Ouellet, 1.800.263.2887 ext. 265
rouellet@otf.ca

More Opportunities for Ontario Communities, Youth and Seniors thanks to $ 31.2 Million in New Grants Announced Today

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation Funding Awarded to 429 Local and Province-Wide Community Groups

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is awarding $25,688,500 in Community grants to 399 local not-for-profit and charitable organizations across Ontario.

These latest grants boost projects that collectively address local needs and help create stronger and more connected communities. Ontario’s not-for-profit organizations use innovation and collaboration to fulfill their mission to engage youth and provide seniors’ services.

In addition to local Community grants, OTF is announcing 30 Province-Wide grants totalling $5,536,600. The social and economic impact of this broad funding to larger organizations will benefit communities across the province.

QUOTES

“Ontario Trillium Foundation’s funding to not-for-profit organizations helps to create more inclusive communities where all residents can benefit from and participate in economic, cultural and social opportunities. Youth engagement, leadership training, and programs provided to older Ontarians and members of diverse communities are just a few of the activities and services available.”
- Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture

“Thanks to OTF grants, charitable and not-for-profit groups can have a greater impact in their communities. We know that they strive to meet the changing needs of the population they serve and improve the quality of life for all residents.”
- Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, Board of Directors, OTF

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

LEARN MORE

20 Community Groups Benefit from Investment in Spaces

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

McGuinty Government helping diverse cultural groups enhance infrastructure

20 non-profit community groups in the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener-Waterloo, Welland, Hamilton, Thunder Bay and Ottawa are receiving support for infrastructure projects that serve cultural communities.

Through the province’s Community Capital Fund (CCF), these organizations will renovate buildings and update equipment which will offer a wider range of cultural activities to more people and make community spaces more efficient and welcoming to all.

The CCF helps Ontario's non-profit organizations deliver important services to diverse cultural communities. These community groups provide support for cultural and social activities as well as training and learning needs of Ontario’s growing diverse populations.

QUOTES

“The McGuinty Government is helping to strengthen one of our strongest assets – our people. These community groups can now better serve their community members in bright, safe and accessible places and connect them to services that will foster great leadership, a strong workforce and a prosperous Ontario.” - Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture

"The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to put its grant-making experience to work to deliver this strategic government initiative. These Community Capital Fund grants will support equipment upgrades and renovations that help diverse cultural communities get on with the business at hand – helping people." - Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

QUICK FACTS

These 20 non-profit organizations will share $5,210,500 through the CCF program. The CCF is a one-time $50 million investment.
All capital projects funded under the CCF must be completed by December 31, 2012.
The next deadline for the next round of Community Capital Fund CCF is July 1, 2011.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation administers Ontario’s Community Capital Fund. An OTF Board committee assesses and analyzes applications.

LEARN MORE

Check out the list of CCF recipients
Read more about the Community Capital Fund and eligibility guidelines

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information:
Alexis Mantell 1.800.263.2887 ext. 218
Mobile: 416 819-6798
amantell@otf.ca

Vital Community Projects And Local Economies Get a Boost from New Grants

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation Funding Awarded to 428 Ontario Community Groups

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is awarding Community grants to 428 local not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Ontario at the close of the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The Foundation’s investment leverages on average $2.25 in financial, in-kind and volunteer contributions for every $1 granted.

Many of the latest grants assist community organizations in expanding social programs for residents of all ages, to develop literacy and work-related skills, improve community facilities for increased public participation, and boost the local economy. Combined, these community initiatives benefit families across the province and help provide a better quality of life for all Ontarians. The funding for the Community grants totals nearly $29.5 million.

In addition to local Community grants, OTF is announcing 51 Province-Wide grants totalling $6.8 million. The social and economic impact of this broad funding to larger organizations will benefit communities across the province.

QUOTES

“The McGuinty Government in partnership with the Ontario Trillium Foundation helps build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. The investments made through these Community grants support local organizations working to enhance the well-being of all Ontarians including, children, youth, parents and seniors alike.”
- Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture

“OTF funding helps new and more established groups to grow stronger and ensure that the interests and needs of local residents are served in their communities. Behind each grant is a commitment to community growth and development.”
- Janet Passmore, Acting Chair, Board of Directors, OTF

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

LEARN MORE

List of Community grants
List of Province-Wide grants
Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter

TWO MORE DAYS TO VOTE - 18 Local Youth Initiatives nominated for People's Choice Award

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

18 Local Youth Initiatives nominated for People’s Choice Award of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

TWO MORE DAYS TO VOTE

NEWS

There’s still time to vote for a youth-focused initiative to be selected as the People’s Choice Award. Eighteen local initiatives involving youth have been selected from among hundreds of recent OTF grants for their effectiveness and the impact on the youth served.

Online voting remains open until midnight, February 29. Go to http://peopleschoice.projects.fm/home.

To decide your vote, view the videos, photos and impact stories posted by these young community builders. Vote up to five times per hour now through February 29.

And the nominees for the Ontario Trillium Foundation People’s Choice Award are:

Community	Youth Initiative
Sudbury	Sampo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
Huntsville	2010 Ontario Winter Youth Games c/oTown of Huntsville
Hawkesbury	100% Actif
Bancroft	Celebrate Youth Movement c/o North Hastings Community Integration Association
Brantford, Caledonia, Six Nations	The Ally Stories Collaborative c/o Community Builders Youth Leadership
Waterloo	Sustainable Waterloo
Hamilton	Golden Horseshoe Orienteering
Niagara	TALK - Teams of Adults Listening to Kids c/o Niagara Pride Support Services
Stratford	Choices for Change
Blenheim, Chatham	Blenheim Youth Centre
Ingersoll	Fusion Youth Centre
Burlington	Burlington Green Youth Network
Alliston	Blue Frog Youth Enterprise c/o South Simcoe Community Information Centre
Peterborough	John Howard Society of Peterborough: Successful Achievement for Fundamentals of Employment (SAFE) program
North York	Big Day Out Collaborative c/o World Literacy of Canada
Sault Ste. Marie	Prototlaunch c/o Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
Thunder Bay	Community Arts and Heritage Education Project
Iskatewizaagegan # 39	Environmental Leadership Program c/o Junior Chief and Council of Iskatewizaagegan # 39 The Iskatewizaagegan # 39 Band Council

QUOTES

ABOUT THE ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the nominees’ work with local youth.
Learn more about the Ontario Trillium foundation Great Grant Awards
Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter

Contact:

Alexis Mantell 1.800.263.2887 ext. 218
amantell@otf.ca

Auditor General of Ontario - Report

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is committed to continuous improvement. We are gratified by the Auditor General's observations that:

OTF administrative expenditures were relatively modest compared to most other government agencies the Auditor General has audited.
OTF has an institutional mindset that placed emphasis on keeping costs to a minimum.
The Foundation has a 'well-defined grant application and review process'.
The OTF website is 'comprehensive and informative'
OTF ensures that all grants indeed have a 'community-based focus,' and that its grant allocations to regions on a per-capita basis 'facilitate equitable access to grant funds throughout Ontario.'

OTF participated fully in the Auditor General's audit, conducted October 2010 through April 2011. We appreciate the Auditor's recommendations for stronger documentation, robust performance measures and enhanced monitoring.
The Auditor General has noted seven areas for improvement, some of which OTF had been working on prior to the audit, as part of ongoing business and service improvements. The Auditor's recommendations provide us with suggestions to strengthen these improvements.

Grant Review process

The Foundation has an extensive and rigorous grant review process that starts with a technical review to ensure eligibility. A first review is followed by an in-person meeting of the volunteer Grant Review Team, to vote on which the strongest applications to move forward. This is followed by comprehensive staff research and analysis. A final meeting of the volunteer Grant Review Team carefully reviews and recommends applications for final approval by the Foundation's CEO and Board of Directors.

The Foundation agrees with the Auditor General regarding the value of greater consistency of grant-making procedures and better documen¬tation. This need was one of the driving factors behind the development and implementation of our new on-line grants-management system, fully implemented in March 2010. The new system is enforcing the standardiza¬tion of consistent procedures and documenta¬tion, and we will continue to actively monitor the success of this objective.

Monitoring of Grants

With respect to the monitoring of grants, the Foundation has always worked to achieve an optimal balance between maintaining cost-efficiency, while auditing and verifying a sample number of grant records each year. The Auditor General has recommended that additional resources be used to implement qual¬ity assurance reviews, expand internal audit functions, request and review more grantee documentation, and conduct more site visits. The Foundation acknowledges and respects these rec¬ommendations, and will investigate cost-efficient ways of expanding these procedures.

What else the Auditor General had to say…

The Auditor General cited certain examples of grants in the report where: documentation was not complete; competitive quotes for capital purchases were missing from files; equipment to be purchased with an OTF grant was not available at the time of the Auditor General's visit; or process had not been followed with respect to communication to OTF of appropriate changes to the project by the grant recipient.

The Auditor General also noted some questions regarding the reasonableness of the amounts granted, and in reviewing each example referred to, OTF is satisfied all grants achieved or exceeded the anticipated results for the approved funding.

With respect to concerns raised by lack of documentation, the Foundation agreed with the Auditor General's findings that there were gaps in some files. Specifically with regard to lack of three competitive quotes for capital expenses, the policy on this matter was reiterated with staff. In each case OTF staff has clarified and ensured documentation was complete and OTF is satisfied all grants were successfully completed and achieved the anticipated outcomes.

The Auditor General visited several grant recipients as part of the audit process. In a few cases, the grant recipient could not demonstrate that the capital equipment purchased with their OTF grant was in their possession. The Foundation's policy states that such capital purchases must be in the possession of the grant recipient for five years following completion of the grant. In the cases cited, OTF reviewed the policy with each grant recipient and was able to confirm each had possession of the equipment in question.

A few examples noted grant recipients that had made alterations to the program or re-allocated capital funding but had not fully informed OTF of these changes. In each case, cited OTF staff reiterated the re-allocation policy with the grant recipient, is satisfied that funding was used for the approved program and that all re-allocations were within the scope of the policy. OTF also reinforced with grant recipients the importance of communicating requests for changes to program management staff as soon as possible.

The Auditor General also cited a least one case where unspent funds were not returned promptly to OTF. OTF was in contact with the grant recipient at that same time and all the funds have been accounted for.

For additional information on the information above please contact us: otf@otf.ca

Supporting Ottawa's Non-Profit Infrastructure

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

McGuinty Government Invests In Local Organizations

Ontario is strengthening Ottawa’s social and economic development by supporting infrastructure projects for non-profit organizations that serve cultural communities.

The province is providing $324,000 over one year to the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre to renovate space to allow enhanced services for culturally-diverse communities including Somali, Haitian and Arab-speaking populations. The renovations will also increase access for people with disabilities.

$109,600 is being provided to Northern Lights Educational Services over one year to carry-out renovations and energy efficiencies to this cultural space in west end Ottawa serving a number of newcomers communities including those of Turkish origin. The renovations will make the space fully accessible and increase the ability to offer such services as language and job search training.

Funding is provided through the Community Capital Fund, which helps not-for-profit organizations deliver important public services to cultural communities. Improved facilities will lead to increased access and space to allow for more learning and skills development, recreation programs and cultural activities.

The Community Capital Fund supports the Open Ontario Plan — a five-year plan to strengthen the economy and create more jobs for Ontarians.

QUOTES

“Local non-profit organizations deliver programs that people depend on to improve their quality of life. This provincial support is helping the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre and Northern Lights Educational Services continue their important work that will help individuals contribute more to our economy.”
- Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure, MPP Ottawa West-Nepean

“The Community Capital Fund grant will provide tremendous support for renovations designed to enhance access for our expanding services and our growing volunteer program. We want to ensure that we have a welcoming and accessible place for individuals with physical disabilities and for the diverse cultural communities we work with.”
- Wanda MacDonald, Executive Director, Pinecrest-Queensway CHC

“Our community will greatly benefit from this grant by providing renovated community space to ensure enhanced programming and better settlement services for the local population of Ottawa, including people of Turkish origin. This also marks our first step towards establishing the Turkish Cultural Centre of Ottawa, long awaited by many in the city.”
- Arif Akpinar, President, Northern Lights Educational Services

“We are honoured to have been asked to administer the Community Capital Fund program on behalf of the Government of Ontario. OTF has the experience and the relationships to deliver this important program, and are delighted that these grants will address the needs of diverse cultural communities throughout the Ottawa Region.”
- Sandra Lalonde, Chair of the Champlain Grant Review Team, Ontario Trillium Foundation

QUICK FACTS

The grants announced today are part of 11 Community Capital grants totaling $3,472,000.

The province is providing the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre with a grant of $324,000 and Northern Lights Educational Services with a grant of $109,600.

The Community Capital Fund is a one-time $50 million investment and is administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation on behalf of the government.

All capital projects funded must be completed by December 31, 2012.

LEARN MORE

Read more about the Community Capital Fund and eligibility guidelines

Diverse Groups Benefit from Investment in Community Spaces

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Eleven non-profit organizations are receiving support for infrastructure projects that serve cultural communities

Through the province’s Community Capital Fund (CCF), these organizations will construct or renovate buildings to allow for more skills development, cultural activities and recreational programs.

The CCF helps Ontario's non-profit organizations deliver important public services to diverse cultural communities. Traditionally these community groups have been challenged to secure funds for capital projects, all the while struggling to meet the cultural, social, training and learning needs of Ontario’s growing diverse populations.

Administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation on behalf of the government, the CCF supports the Open Ontario Plan — a five-year plan to strengthen the economy and create more jobs for Ontarians.

QUOTES

“The McGuinty Government is helping to strengthen one of our strongest assets – our people. Not-for-profit organizations deliver important public services to cultural communities and contribute greatly to the social and economic development of this province. These community groups will now be able to better serve their community members and connect them to services that will help create a strong workforce and a prosperous Ontario.” - Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture

"With three decades of grant-making and a long history of community-building, the Ontario Trillium Foundation has the experience and the relationships to deliver this important government program. These and subsequent Community Capital Fund grants will support vital projects that help diverse cultural communities address local needs." - Helen Burstyn, Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

Community Capital Fund Grant Recipients

Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention	Toronto
Dejinta Beesha (Somali Multi Service Centre)	Toronto
J.H. Chinese Professionals Association of Canada	Scarborough
Family Justice and Child Advocacy Centre c/o Catholic Family Services Peel Dufferin	Brampton
Northern Lights Educational Services	Ottawa
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (Ottawa)	Ottawa
Parya Trillium Foundation	Markham
Sampradaya Dance Creations	Mississauga
Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre	Markham
The Church of Virgin Mary and Saint Athanasius	Dufferin County
Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre	Niagara

QUICK FACTS

These 11 non-profit organizations will share $3,472,000 through the CCF program. The CCF is a one-time $50 million investment.

All capital projects funded under the CCF must be completed by December 31, 2012.

Ontario’s Community Capital Fund is administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

An OTF Board committee assesses and analyzes applications.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about the initial 11 CCF recipients

More than $35.7 Million in OTF Grants to 491 Local and Province-Wide Community Groups

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Grants Stimulating Local Economy Through Innovation and Collaboration

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced that 491 not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Ontario will receive funding amounting to $35,726,400. The Hon. Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture, said that these groups address local needs, enhance employment and economic potential, and improve the quality of life in their communities.

Many of the latest grants represent an investment in community organizations that use innovation and collaboration to generate revenue, encourage social entrepreneurship and provide skills training.

“Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation contributes to building economic and social resilience in communities across the province by helping many charitable and not-for-profit groups build constructive partnerships and networks,” said Chan.

“Charitable and not-for-profit organizations support their communities,” said Helen Burstyn, Chair of the OTF Board of Directors. “They offer hope through initiatives for economic development and training for residents and volunteers. By creating new opportunities for success, these local organizations are effective agents for positive change in their communities.”

The Foundation’s total funding announced today across the province represents $28,205,900 in Community grants made to 443 local charitable and not-for-profit organizations as well as $7,520,500 in Province-Wide grants awarded to 48 umbrella groups.

List of Grants

Ontario's Francophone Community: Regional Views Provide Important Perspectives

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation uses long-form census data to highlight aging community and increasing diversity

NEWS

Five new regional reports released today detail the demographic trends of Ontario’s Francophone community in Toronto and targeted regions in Eastern, Northeastern and Southwestern Ontario.

Customized to reflect the Francophone community’s unique circumstances and regional characteristics, the five reports provide a snapshot of the trends at play within the community between 2001 and 2006. They use the new inclusive definition of Francophone and reflect the most robust and accurate census information currently available.

Collectively, the five statistical reports highlight that:

The Francophone community is increasingly diverse. In Toronto, it mirrors more and more the diversity of the city with one in three Francophones belonging to a visible minority. That ratio is 9 per cent in Champlain and 6.8 per cent in Southwestern Ontario.

The Francophone community in Northeastern and Southwestern Ontario is decreasing and faces challenges due to its aging population and a proportionately low number of children and youth.

The Champlain region is home to the province’s largest Francophone community, with over a quarter million people. While Francophones earn slightly more than other Champlain residents, there are substantial income gaps for visible minority Francophones.

Although Francophones are a small proportion of the city’s total population, Toronto has one of the largest Francophone communities in Ontario with more than 53,000 Francophone residents.

Over 66 per cent of Ontario’s Francophones use French at work. This proportion is notably higher in Champlain with 86.4 per cent.

QUOTE

“These latest reports are an essential tool to boost the impact of our grants, allowing us to be strategic on how funds are allocated and priorities are set to best support Ontario’s communities. We are pleased to have been able to use the information provided by the long-form census from Statistics Canada. Our Foundation and indeed Ontario’s communities and not-for-profit sector rely on this unique source of information about populations, languages, employment, income and education at the community level.” - L. Robin Cardozo, CEO, Ontario Trillium Foundation

MORE INFORMATION

The five regional profiles cover the following geographical areas:

• Champlain – Ottawa and parts of Eastern Ontario
• Algoma, Cochrane, Manitoulin, Sudbury
• Muskoka, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Timiskaming
• Essex, Kent, Lambton
• Toronto

In 2009, OTF and the Office of Francophone Affairs released jointly a provincial statistical overview Profile of Ontario's Francophone Community.

Research conducted at the Foundation’s Knowledge Sharing Centre is part of OTF’s ongoing efforts to build healthy and vibrant communities, by collecting and disseminating current statistical information about Ontario communities.

LEARN MORE

Your Community in Profile

Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter

For more information, contact:
Renée Ouellet 1.800.263.2887 ext. 265
rouellte@otf.ca

More than $32.2 Million in OTF Grants to 448 Local and Province-Wide Community Groups

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Funding to Foster Innovation through Collaboration

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced that 448 not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Ontario will receive funding amounting to $32,269,900. Helen Burstyn, Chair of the OTF Board of Directors, said that many of the latest grants will support new collaborations and innovative partnerships between local organizations that will help them tackle shared challenges or address common community needs.

“This is an exciting time for community organizations, as they try new ways of working together and partnering to change their communities for the better,” said Burstyn.

The grants announced today represent $25,788,100 in Community grants made to 417 local charitable and not-for-profit organizations as well as $6,481,800 in Province-Wide grants awarded to 31 umbrella groups.

List of grants

$2 Million in Grants to Support Skills Training in Ontario's Green Economy

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation Future Fund focuses on innovative approaches and opportunities

NEWS

The Ontario Trillium Foundation today announced $2 million in Future Fund grants to four community projects. Organizations will use the funds to promote systematic change in green jobs skills development and training. This will support long term transformation in the green economy and achieve ongoing benefits for industries, workers, and communities.

These latest Future Fund grants were celebrated at an event in Toronto July 6, 2010.

Four projects totaling $2 million were awarded. The recipients are:

Greater Toronto Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council
$393,100 over three years to train building professionals and trades people in the technologies and benefits of green building, increasing capacity in energy and water conservation and efficiency, and renewable energy in communities in Ontario.

Biomass Network Group c/o Biomass Innovation Centre at Nipissing University
$565,000 over 44 months to help establish biomass as one of new clean technologies in the province and to support the economic growth of Northern Ontario through curriculum development and training in a wide range of jobs and professions.

Partners in Skills Development for the Green Economy c/o Youth Employment Assistance Headquarters Inc.
$503,300 over three years to further the development of solar generation programs and provide skills training in Leeds Grenville to meet the needs of Eastern Ontario employers in the photovoltaic area of the green economy

Windfall Ecology Centre
$538,600 over three years to develop and launch REpower Ontario, a community based training program designed to connect participants with employment opportunities in Ontario's Green Economy.

QUOTES

“The Future Fund grants announced today will support projects that create significant and sustainable change in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy,” said John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment.

“These projects will continue to build on Ontarians’ green job skills, while ensuring the protection of our environment.”
“These four organizations each have a deep understanding of the sector and will contribute to the creation of green jobs, as well as prepare Ontario workers to be employed in the new jobs of the green economy,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture.

"Each of these grants is a vote of confidence for Ontario organizations that are seeking to play an innovative role and contribute economically to their communities by creating jobs and re-skilling people to work in the green sector,” said OTF Chair Helen Burstyn. “By diversifying our workforce, we make Ontario stronger. These are very practical, forward-thinking approaches that will make a difference at the community level and for individuals looking for opportunities in this growing job sector.”

QUICK FACTS

The 2010 Future Fund grants support two types of projects:

Initiatives that build local or province-wide systems that support:
New approaches to skill development
Improved access to employment
New economic opportunities, through social purpose enterprises or community economic development initiatives
Increased access to financial capital for small scale entrepreneurs

Initiatives that prepare communities to take action – the support needed to take a germ of an idea, explore it, then collaborate with others to address tangible economic opportunities that leaders can see within in their own organization, professional network, or community

ABOUT

MORE

Full list of Future Fund recipients
Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter

For more information, contact:
Angela Kooij
Senior Communications Officer
416.963.7917
akooij@otf.ca

Ontario's First Nations, M�tis and Inuit: A Growing, Young Population Facing Unique Challenges

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation report highlights Aboriginal languages at risk

NEWS
A new report details the demographic trends of Ontario’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
Aboriginal Communities in Profile: Ontario, released by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, highlights that:

The province’s Aboriginal communities are younger and growing at a much faster rate than the overall population. About half of all First Nations and Inuit people are under the age of 25.

Lower educational attainment, employment and income levels pose major challenges to the communities’ well-being. Aboriginal peoples are, however, completing college at rates comparable to the general population.

Knowledge and use of Aboriginal languages are at risk

Customized to reflect Aboriginal peoples’ unique circumstances, provincial and regional characteristics and trends, the report reflects the most robust and accurate census information currently available. Four regional profiles of Aboriginal communities in northern and eastern Ontario are also available.

QUOTES
“Aboriginal Communities in Profile: Ontario is a valuable tool for any organization, municipality or individual looking to learn more about the demographic trends of our province’s First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities. It also complements the findings of the recent Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study, which was supported by an OTF grant.”
- L. Robin Cardozo, CEO Ontario Trillium Foundation

“The challenges facing Aboriginal peoples are significant. Yet statistics can never tell the stories of change, renewal, hope and advancement that occur daily in Aboriginal communities small and large, urban, rural and remote. This report is a snapshot that will help the more than 300 OTF volunteers, who review and recommend some 1,500 grants each year, remain knowledgeable about the demographics of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in their communities.” - Suzanne Shawbonquit, Grant Review Team Chair, Ontario Trillium Foundation

Key Learnings

Ontario’s Aboriginal communities are growing much faster than the general population.

Between 2001 and 2006, the number of Aboriginal people in the province increased by 28.8% (to 242,490), while the general population increased by 6.6%.

Ontario’s Aboriginal communities are becoming increasingly urbanized.

As of 2006, 70% of First Nations people in Ontario lived off-reserve—and eight in 10 live in urban centres, particularly in Ottawa, Greater Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor and London.

1 in 3 Inuit people in Ontario now live in the Ottawa area.Ontario’s Aboriginal communities are younger than the general population.

About half of all First Nations and Inuit people are under the age of 25 years— proportionally more than in the general population where one-third are under 25.

Unemployment in Ontario’s Aboriginal communities is nearly double that of the general population.

While unemployment decreased between 2001 and 2006, at 12.3% it remained nearly double that of the total population (6.4%).

Inuit (14.9%) and First Nations (13.8%) people face even higher rates of unemployment.

Aboriginal people earn much less in annual income than non-Aboriginal people.

Despite slowly rising incomes, in 2005 the gap was on average $12,000: The average income for Aboriginal people was $25,963, compared to $38,318 for non-Aboriginal people.

One out of three Aboriginal children under six years of age in Ontario is living below the low-income cut-off -- compared to one out of five for the general population.

Educational attainment levels for Aboriginal people in Ontario are improving.

More Aboriginal people in Ontario are completing school than in the past.

Aboriginal people are more likely to complete a college, apprenticeship or trades program than the general population.

The use and continuation of Aboriginal languages in Ontario could be at risk.

In 2006, 14% of First Nations people (mostly seniors) said that their mother tongue was an Aboriginal language. The most common Aboriginal mother tongues are Ojibway, followed by Oji-Cree and Cree.

Less than 5% of First Nations people living off reserve claimed an Aboriginal mother tongue.

English is the mother tongue for 81.4% of Aboriginal people in Ontario.

ABOUT
Aboriginal Communities in Profile: Ontario is part of OTF’s ongoing efforts to build healthy and vibrant communities, by collecting and disseminating current statistical information about Aboriginal communities in Ontario. The report relies on the analysis and information collected by Statistics Canada in the 2001 and 2006 Census, the most recent available.

LEARN MORE

Read Aboriginal Communities in Profile
Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter
Read the Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study (pdf) - http://uaps.ca

CONTACT
Alexis Mantell,
416.963.7918 | 1.800.263.2887 ext. 218
amantell@otf.ca

Building A Strong Partnership With The Not-for-profit Sector

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

McGuinty Government Making It Easier For Not-For-Profits To Help Ontarians

Ontario is working with the not-for-profit sector to better support organizations that help Ontarians maintain a high quality of life. The province will develop a comprehensive and long term strategic action plan for its partnership with the not-for-profit sector.

This initiative will be a first-of-a-kind approach for Ontario and will lead to recommendations to support the not-for-profit sector. In collaboration with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the government will conduct a series of discussions with the not-for profit, private and public sectors on how to make government more responsive to not-for-profit and volunteer organizations. This will help inform new ways to strengthen the sector, as part of the province's five-year Open Ontario plan.

Led by Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins and Ontario Trillium Foundation Chair Helen Burstyn, the province-wide discussions will include:

Reviewing the structural and legislative framework within which Ontario's not-for-profit sector operates.
Exploring how to better coordinate the government's approach to the sector.
Researching models of government-not-for-profit sector partnerships in other jurisdictions.

A report outlining the research results and offering concrete recommendations will be completed in Winter 2010.

QUOTES

"Ontario's not-for-profit sector is an essential partner to government and a major social and economic force in the province. This initiative is an opportunity to review and improve our policies and practices for the benefit of the sector, and all Ontarians." – The Honourable Dr. Eric Hoskins Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

"The Ontario Trillium Foundation has a 28-year history of partnering with and championing the work of the voluntary and not-for-profit organizations in building healthy, vibrant communities. The initiative being launched today is significant because it is government-wide effort that will result in a more comprehensive, more coordinated relationship between the public sector and the not-for-profit sector in this province." – Helen Burstyn Ontario Trillium Foundation Board Chair

QUICK FACTS

The Not-For-Profit sector includes over 45,000 organizations and employs 1 million people in Ontario.
The sector contributes about $47 billion in combined revenue to the economy, representing over 7.1% of GDP - greater than the auto and construction industries combined.
For every $10 invested in not-for-profit organizations, an additional $20 is generated in donations and volunteer resources.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation disbursed more than $108 million to charities and other not-for-profit sector organizations in 2009-10.
The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration has launched 70 projects to build the capacity of not-for-profit organizations and supports efforts to attract volunteers, address risks and encourage social innovation.

LEARN MORE

Audio clip of Minister Hoskins announcing initiative (1:04) [Transcript]
Read about Ontario government support for Non-profit organizations

CONTACTS

Angela Kooij
Ontario Trillium Foundation
416-963-7917
akooij@otf.ca

More than $35.2 Million in OTF Grants to 521 Local and Province-Wide Community Groups

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

OTF Funding Boosts Resilience of Community Groups Facing Pressing Demand for Services

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced that 521 not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Ontario will receive funding amounting to $35,270,100. The Hon. Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Culture, said that many of the latest grants will increase opportunities for success in school, skills training and employment as well as foster community partnerships.

This funding also responds to the urgent need expressed by Ontario’s charitable and not-for-profit organizations. As they face an unprecedented increase in demand for their services, they need to do more while sustaining themselves over the long term.

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation grants support cultural vitality, creativity and economic stability across Ontario and improve the quality of life for local residents,” said Chan. “Supporting such initiatives creates new opportunities for success to build a brighter future.”

“In uncertain times, people turn to volunteers and community groups,” said Helen Burstyn, Chair of the OTF Board of Directors. “OTF supports communities by sustaining these organizations. We know local solutions are more important now than ever before.”

The grants announced today represent $28,305,200 in Community grants made to 477 local charitable and not-for-profit organizations as well as $6,964,900 in Province-Wide grants awarded to 42 umbrella groups.

List of grants

$2 Million in Grants to Support Skills-Building, Create Job Prospects and Foster Entrepreneurship

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation Future Fund focuses on new approaches, new opportunities

NEWS
The Ontario Trillium Foundation today announced $2 million in Future Fund grants to seven community projects. Organizations will use the funds to boost the skills and job prospects of a wide range of Ontarians – from displaced industrial workers and single moms in southern Ontario to women entrepreneurs in Thunder Bay and First Nation forestry technician trainees in Northern Ontario.

These latest Future Fund grants are being made public at events in Thunder Bay (February 5) and Toronto (February 9).

In Toronto, the recipients of four projects totaling $729,900 are:

Access Community Capital Fund – $125,500 over three years to develop chapters of Access Community Capital Fund in six Toronto neighbourhoods. Micro-loans will be extended to low-income individuals who are starting or running small businesses but unable to secure traditional bank financing.

Social Investment Organization – $90,000 over 18 months to investigate and develop the early stages on an Ontario Community Venture Fund, an province-wide fund that would make it easier for private capital to be invested in not-for-profit social enterprise ventures.

Woodgreen Community Services – $484,400 over three years to replicate in Peel Region Woodgreen’s successful Homeward Bound program, which helps homeless single mothers get on their feet through supportive housing, training, child care, job readiness, work internships and placements.

Artscape Inc. – $30,000 over one year to study the feasibility of establishing a multidisciplinary incubation centre. The centre would deliver specialized training and business support for creative sector enterprises.

Waterloo’s Lutherwood received $488,500 to develop a new model for job readiness and training programs to help displaced industrial workers move more quickly into entry level jobs in knowledge-based sectors of Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin.

The Ojibwe community of Pikangikum First Nation north of Red Lake received $445,000 to integrate – for the first time – indigenous knowledge and land stewardship principles into the province’s forestry management program. Students will graduate from a college forestry technician program having learned new curriculum specifically incorporating an indigenous approach to forest stewardship and then be able to access local forestry jobs in the community’s Whitefeather Forest Initiative or elsewhere in Canada.

PARO: Centre for Women’s Enterprises in Thunder Bay receives $336,600 to establish the Accelerated Placement Agency, a new social enterprise that will provide training and support needed to grow existing women-centred businesses.

QUOTES
“These seven organizations each have a deep understanding of the needs of their communities and the workers and entrepreneurs who live there,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture. “Their projects are innovative, collaborative and offer a focused approach to helping individuals participate fully in Ontario’s economy.”

“These grants are a vote of confidence in communities and local residents. They recognize that often-marginalized people and places are in fact remarkably resilient and enterprising,” said OTF Chair Helen Burstyn. “The 2009 Future Fund grants to these seven organizations will help individuals and communities participate more fully in Ontario’s shifting labour market and become more active contributors to our economy. By making them stronger, we make Ontario stronger.”

QUICK FACTS
The 2009 Future Fund grants support two types of projects:

Initiatives that build local or province-wide systems that support:

New approaches to skill development
Improved access to employment
New economic opportunities, through social purpose enterprises or community economic development initiatives
Increased access to financial capital for small scale entrepreneurs

Initiatives that prepare communities to take action – the support needed to take a germ of an idea, explore it, then collaborate with others to address tangible economic opportunities that leaders can see within in their own organization, professional network, or community

Today’s announcement builds on a June 2009 Future Fund announcement in which six innovative projects and collaborations received $2 million in Ontario Trillium Foundation support. These projects focused on social enterprise and social financing, creating new partnerships with employers, and boosting skills training and business creation for Northern youth.

ABOUT
OTF established the Future Fund in 2007 as part of its commitment to invest in Ontario’s future. In 2007 and 2008, the Future Fund targeted leadership in the environment sector. In 2009, the fund focused on innovative initiatives that create social and economic opportunities for Ontarians.

MORE

Full list of Future Fund recipients

Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter

For more information, contact:
Angela Kooij
Senior Communications Officer
1.800.263.2887 ext. 217
akooij@otf.ca

Recession Not Over, Not-for-Profits Still Struggling

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Ontario Trillium Foundation survey finds most organizations surviving, some barely hanging on while others try new approaches

NEWS
Not-for-Profits across Ontario continue to feel the aftershocks of the recession, though many have used the downturn to launch new partnerships or explore alternative revenue streams, according to a survey released by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

Following up on conversations first held in January 2009, the OTF returned in the fall to ask 100 Ontario not-for-profit organizations how they were faring, and what actions they had taken to cope with lowered donations, sponsorship or funding as well as higher demand for services.

There were notable changes in the status of organizations:

The positive…

More than 72% of respondents reported collaboration was increasing in the sector

A large majority of organizations (87%) have now developed plans to manage through the current economic uncertainty

There have been minimal layoffs or cutbacks in services (they're coping but stretched)

The negative…

More than 75% of respondents indicated that their organizations were feeling the effects of the recession (compared to about 30% in January)

Almost two-thirds of organizations surveyed reported a decline in funding over the past year

68% of respondents reported the fundraising climate was worse (34%) or the same (34%) as in January 2009

About 30% of respondents reported some reduction in the number and value of corporate sponsorships

68.9% reported experiencing an impact on their programs and services as a result of the downturn – 77% for social service organizations, 56% for arts organizations, 67% for environmental organizations (which may see opportunities to increase revenue, community engagement or further environmental goals)

Food banks reported an average 25% increase in demand for services across the province

QUOTE
“On the bright side, a majority of respondents indicated collaboration was increasing,” said OTF CEO
L. Robin Cardozo. “Several organizations noted that, in tough times, agencies are often forced to come together to look at what they have in common and how to support each other. That’s a good thing.”

QUICK FACTS
Examples of what the Ontario Trillium Foundation heard:

In Toronto,an environmental organization said some institutional funders or donors who in the past may have given $10,000 - $15,000 have pulled back, giving in the $2,000-to-$5,000 range

In Eastern Ontario, a credit and family counseling service was swamped with 1,000 new clients coming through the doors - in one month alone

In Southwestern Ontario, an employment resource centre reported that by July client numbers had doubled over the previous year

Organizations with endowment funds continue to face low returns on their endowment funds and the possibility of several more years of low investment earnings

Examples of collaboration/resiliency:

In Leamington, the Ontario Association of Food Banks partnered with local farmers to bring 300,000 pounds of fresh peppers to food banks in the area after donations from food manufacturers dropped significantly

In Toronto, several women’s shelters have come together, with support from the province, to undertake a collective strategic planning exercise

In Cochrane and other northern communities, credit counseling agencies are exploring a joint marketing plan to make their advertising go further

Ecology Ottawa is collaborating with low-income housing providers to find ways to lower energy bills for their buildings

ABOUT
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities.

MORE

Read more about the results of the OTF’s Challenging Times survey or listen to audio clips

Follow L. Robin Cardozo on Twitter

For more information on the survey or more examples of how local community organizations said they are responding to the downturn, contact:

Alexis Mantell
1.800.263.2887 ext. 218
amantell@otf.ca