Grant Recognition Policy

1.0 Rationale

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF invests in community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. 

OTF maintains a high level of accountability and transparency in the distribution of its funds. To do so, OTF has this policy in place for grantees to recognize both the Ontario Trillium Foundation and its funder, the Government of Ontario for the funds received. This grant recognition also provides an opportunity for grantees to promote and celebrate the work they do in communities. OTF recognizes the wide variety of projects it funds and works with each grantee to define recognition activities that suit their needs and those of the Foundation.

2.0 Purpose

This policy outlines how grantees are to recognize their OTF funding.

3.0 Policy

All OTF grantees are required to recognize OTF and its funder, the Government of Ontario in a variety of ways, as per the requirements outlined below.

3.1 Recognition Activities

All OTF grantees are required to publicly acknowledge their funding through recognition activities. To meet this requirement, OTF grantees are to:

• Invite their local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), regardless of party affiliation, to participate in grant recognition events and media releases.
• Host a recognition event with an accompanying media release. This is an opportunity to gather, celebrate and promote the grant and recognize the OTF funding received. Examples include: a program launch, AGM, press conference, opening ceremony, ribbon cutting, groundbreaking, photo opportunity, open house, festival, an end of year event. A virtual option may be considered when in-person is not possible in consultation with OTF.   
• Contact the OTF Communications Advisor assigned to their grant at least 3 weeks prior to the event.
• Follow OTF Grant Recognition Requirements as outlined on the OTF website. 
• Use the OTF logo and name according to OTF brand guidelines.
• Display any promotional material received from OTF in a public area.
• Report on all public recognition activities and media coverage in their Progress and/or Final Reports.

3.2 Additional Requirements

In addition to the requirements above, some grant streams may require additional recognition activities. In those instances, OTF will advise grantees of the additional requirements.

3.3 Communications Embargo Period

OTF requires that grantees observe a Communications Embargo Period. This means that grantees must not make any public/media announcements about their new grant during this period unless initiated by the Minister or their MPP. The embargo period starts once the grantee has been informed of their grant and ends when notified by OTF.

4.0 Definitions

Media release: A written communication sent to members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something newsworthy.