Available funding opportunities from the Ontario Government
Find out what funding is currently available from the Government of Ontario, if you’re eligible and what you need to apply.
Overview
You can apply for funding from the Government of Ontario through Transfer Payment Ontario.
Read about the funding opportunities that are currently available and what you'll need to know to apply.
Learn how to register for Transfer Payment Ontario and start applying.
Aboriginal Participation Fund
The Aboriginal Participation Fund was developed to help support Indigenous communities and organizations participate in:
- regulatory processes under the Mining Act
- economic development activities associated with mineral exploration and development
There are five streams available:
- advanced exploration and development support
- early exploration support
- education and relationship-building
- mineral development advisor stream
- values mapping and related projects
Contact
For questions about the Aboriginal Participation Fund, please contact:
Transfer Payment Coordinator
Mines and Minerals Division
Ministry of Mines
Email: aboriginalparticipationfund@ontario.ca
Advanced exploration and development support
Status: Open
Ministry of Mines
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Description
The advanced exploration and development support sub-stream assists communities in areas of high mineral development activity to respond to advanced exploration and mine development projects.
Funding through this stream is:
- project-based
- limited to the costs associated with coordinating the review of advanced exploration and development projects
- not intended to replace support received from project proponents
Eligibility
Funding is available to Indigenous communities in Ontario in areas of high mineral development activity.
While priority will be given to communities that do not have an existing Mineral Development Advisor (MDA), communities with MDAs are encouraged to apply if their workload requires additional support to respond to advanced exploration and development project requests.
Indigenous communities should discuss this sub-stream with one of the ministry’s Mineral Exploration and Development Consultants (MEDC) before applying.
Program Guidelines
Early exploration support
Status: Open
Ministry of Mines
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Description
The early exploration support sub-stream assists communities in areas of high mineral development activities to respond to early exploration projects.
Funding through this stream is:
- project-based
- limited to the costs associated with coordinating the review of early exploration projects
Eligibility
Funding is available to Indigenous communities or organizations in Ontario that:
- are experiencing high mineral exploration or development activity
- have received two to 10 exploration permit applications in the previous fiscal year (April 1 to March 31)
Eligible applicants may be:
- single applicants – Indigenous communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity
- joint applicants – two or more Indigenous communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity, or Indigenous organizations (for example, Tribal Councils, economic development organizations) representing communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity
Joint applicants must provide a Band Council Resolution in support of the application from each community represented on the application.
Applicants are encouraged, wherever possible, to work together to maximize the benefits of available funding.
Program Guidelines
Application guide for the Aboriginal Participation Fund – early exploration support sub-stream
Education and relationship-building
Status: Open
Ministry of Mines
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Description
The education and relationship building sub-stream helps Indigenous communities and organizations:
- enhance their understanding of mineral exploration and development processes
- develop relationships between Indigenous communities, industry and government
Eligibility
Project funding is open to Indigenous communities or organizations in Ontario.
Eligible applicants may be:
- single applicants – Indigenous communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity
- joint applicants – two or more Indigenous communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity, or Indigenous organizations (for example, Tribal Councils, economic development organizations) representing communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity
Joint applicants must provide a Band Council Resolution in support of the application from each community represented on the application.
Program Guidelines
Mineral development advisor stream
Status: Open
Ministry of Mines
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Description
The mineral development advisor (MDA) stream provides funding for a MDA for eligible Aboriginal communities and organizations to participate effectively in the regulatory consultation processes, including the review of:
- exploration plan and permit applications
- closure plans and closure plan amendments
- environmental assessments
This funding helps to increase a community’s knowledge and understanding of the mineral development sequence, mineral exploration, mineral development and mining activities, and the range of economic benefits.
Funding amount
Funding up to a maximum of $130,000 per year, for up to a three-year term.
Applicants are encouraged, wherever possible, to work together to maximize the benefits of available funding.
The ministry may consider funding additional positions, in part or in full, based on the mineral development activity and the community’s or tribal council’s need.
Eligibility
Funding is available to Ontario Aboriginal communities or organizations experiencing high mineral exploration or development activity, having received 10 or more exploration plans or permit applications in the previous fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
Communities that receive fewer than 10 exploration plans or permit applications may be eligible for this stream if they are engaged in reviewing two or more closure plans, closure plan amendments, or mineral development-related environmental assessments.
Eligible applicants may be either:
- single applicants – Aboriginal communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity, or
- joint applicants – Aboriginal communities and organizations (for example, tribal councils) in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity. Joint applicants must have the support of the communities they represent and a substantiated record of representing member communities on local lands and resources issues. Eligible joint applicants include either:
- Two or more eligible communities, applying jointly with combined exploration activities, or
- In specific circumstances, and at the discretion of the ministry, other Aboriginal organizations, such as a Provincial-Territorial Organization (PTO), if they have the support of the communities they represent.
Program guidelines
2020-2021 Mineral Development Advisor Program Guide
Contacts
For questions about program guidelines, contact:
Transfer Payment Coordinator
Strategic Services Branch
Mines and Minerals Division
Ministry of Mines
Level 2B2, 933 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON, P3E 6B5
Email: aboriginalparticipationfund@ontario.ca
Values mapping and related projects
Status: Open
Ministry of Mines
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Description
The values mapping and related projects sub-stream supports projects that focus on values identification or related projects between Indigenous communities, which will support communities’ capacity to effectively participate in and respond to information requests in regulatory processes under the Mining Act.
Eligibility
Project funding is open to Aboriginal Indigenous communities or organizations in Ontario.
Eligible applicants may be:
- single applicants – Indigenous communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity
- joint applicants – two or more Indigenous communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity, or Indigenous organizations (for example, Tribal Councils, economic development organizations) representing communities in areas of high mineral exploration or development activity
Joint applicants must provide a Band Council Resolution in support of the application from each community represented on the application.
Program guidelines
Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) program
Status: Open
Ministry of Health
Deadline
Deadline dates can vary.
Description
The Ministry of Health (MOH) - Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) program works with discrete service providers to deliver mental health support to children, youth and their families. The budget submissions for this program will be managed within Transfer Payment Ontario through the MOH CYMH Budget Form. This includes all subsequent activities related to the transfer payment contracting cycle along with all reporting.
Eligibility
This program is restricted and only available to existing approved/discrete service providers. Access to the MOH CYMH Budget Form is available through Transfer Payment Ontario to these eligible service providers.
Program guidelines
MOH CYMH Service Description Schedules
Resources
Video: How to submit your budget and interim report for 2021-2022
Contacts
For program specific inquiries, please contact your Program Supervisor.
Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
Status: Open
Treasury Board Secretariat
Deadline
Submit your application and supporting documents by November 30, 2023, 5:00 pm EST.
Description
The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) will help ensure Ontarians are safe, practiced and prepared before, during and after emergencies. The grant will provide funding to help community organizations purchase:
- emergency supplies such as smoke detectors, hard hats, first aid kits
- equipment such as chain saws, generators, sandbag machines
- services such as emergency training delivery, exercise planning and coordination, education
The grant funds supplies, equipment and services that range from $5,000 to $50,000.
Applicants must demonstrate how the activity or purchase will increase emergency preparedness and resilience for your organization and community. You must also demonstrate that your organization can complete the activity (for example, procurement, training, plan development) by the program end date of July 31, 2024. Any funds not spent must be returned to the Ontario government.
Eligibility
To be eligible your organization must be located in Ontario and one of the following:
- non-government organizations (NGOs) with an emergency preparedness mandate
- local services boards
- First Nations communities, Indigenous organizations including Tribal Councils, and other Indigenous service organizations that support emergency management programming in First Nations communities
- municipalities with a population under 100,000 (Statistics Canada data from 2021)
Program guidelines
Read the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant application guidelines
Contacts
For questions regarding program requirements or eligibility, please contact:
ServiceOntario
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, excluding holidays.
Email: emocommunitygrants@ontario.ca
Connecting Links Program 2024-25
Status: Restricted
Ministry of Transportation
Deadline
Applications are due by Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Description
The Ministry of Transportation’s Connecting Links Program provides dedicated provincial funding for road and bridge projects on designated connecting link highways.
Connecting links are municipal roads that connect two ends of a provincial highway through a community or to an international or interprovincial border crossing. These are critical roadways that serve provincial and municipal interests, as they carry long-distance provincial highway traffic moving through communities, as well as local traffic within the community.
The Connecting Links Program provides funding for eligible capital improvement costs – not maintenance. The responsibility for maintenance of connecting links lies with the municipality.
Note: Only municipalities with connecting links are eligible for this grant.
Eligibility
There are 352 kilometres of Connecting Links, with 70 bridges in 77 Ontario municipalities.
All 77 Ontario municipalities with designated Connecting Links are eligible for funding, a municipality with one designated Connecting Link can submit one project per year, a municipality that has more than one designated Connecting Link may submit a maximum of two projects per year.
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will provide funding for up to 90 percent of total eligible project costs. The maximum amount of funding for eligible costs is $3 million per road project and $5 million per bridge project.
Program guidelines
The program guidelines will be hosted in TPON.
Contacts
Manager
Robert Hazra
Team lead
Jason Kline
Team member
Rafeef Ali
Electric Vehicle (EV) ChargeON Program
Status: Open
Ministry of Transportation
Deadline
Applications will be accepted from October 20, 2023 to January 31, 2024 until 5 p.m. EST.
Description
The EV ChargeON program provides funding for the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Ontario communities outside of major cities.
EV ChargeON aims to:
- increase the number of public EV charging stations throughout Ontario to build a more connected network
- make public chargers more accessible and affordable
- encourage more people to switch to EVs
The funding available for each project depends on the type of applicant and type of charging technology you propose. The maximum amount of funding available per project is $1 million.
Learn more about the program and the funding available for different projects.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants, located and operating in Ontario, include:
- businesses (small or medium-sized encouraged)
- not-for-profit corporations
- municipal governments
- Indigenous communities, organizations or businesses
- broader public sector organizations
Applicants must be the current owner of the site or have written approval from the owner or Band Council, to install and operate the charging station for a minimum of 5 years.
EV charging station sites must:
- be publicly accessible 24/7
- at minimum, include at least one of the following:
- four Level 2 ports
- one Level 3 port and one Level 2 port
- two Level 3 ports
- include the following connector types:
- Level 2 chargers: SAE J1772 standard connector
- Level 3 chargers: Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors must represent a minimum of 25% of the connectors at a site, The remaining connectors may include CCS, NACS, and/or CHAdeMO
- be located in a community with a population of 170,000 or less or in any Indigenous community in Ontario
See a map of eligible communities.
Program guidelines
Electric Vehicle (EV) ChargeON Program
Contacts
Please email evchargeon@ontario.ca for questions about the program and application process.
Fire Protection Services Reimbursement: Unincorporated Ontario
Status: Open
Ministry of Solicitor General
Deadline
You must submit your application by March 24th, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Description
This program is designed to provide municipalities with reimbursement opportunities related to the provision of emergency services in unincorporated areas of Ontario that occurred between March 14th, 2023 - March 17th, 2024. Reimbursement rates will be based on service rates utilized by the Ministry of Transportation for fire departments responses on provincial highways.
Eligibility
The following call types may be eligible for payment:
- motor vehicle collisions occurring on roads that are not considered provincial highways by Ministry of Transportation
- hazmat calls occurring on roads that are not considered provincial highways by Ministry of Transportation
- structure fires
- vehicle fires occurring on roads that are not considered provincial highways by the Ministry of Transportation
- false alarms
- rescue (defined as an emergency incident primarily involving activities directed at locating and rescuing endangered persons and removing those persons to a safe location. This could also include but is not limited to the provisions of emergency medical care)
- public hazard assistance calls (Incidents such as carbon monoxide, public utility, electrical and natural gas or propane gas utility incidents)
- provision of any emergency services listed above, within a provincial park in Unincorporated Ontario
Contacts
For all municipalities submitting applications for reimbursement please contact your local fire protection adviser to obtain the associated operational guideline with the eligible reimbursement rates and required Transfer Payment Agreement.
For any program queries:
Josh Colling at:
Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program
Status: Open
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding will follow an open, competitive rounds-based application process. Learn more about current and upcoming rounds of evaluations.
Description
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program provides funding for strategic investments in the forest sector that:
- enhance competitiveness
- support new market access
- provide benefits to Ontario’s broader forest sector
- strengthen regional economies
Support is available under two project categories:
- business projects
- collaboration projects
Learn more about the funding amounts and selection process.
Eligibility
Business projects
Support is available for Ontario-based projects with at least $3 million in eligible costs undertaken by for-profit manufacturers and processors of wood and forest biomass across Ontario, including:
- saw mills
- pulp and paper mills
- secondary wood manufacturers
- bio-economy projects
Harvesting and resource extraction projects are not eligible for funding.
Collaboration projects
Support is available for Ontario-based projects with at least $3 million in eligible costs undertaken through a collaboration of:
- forest sector for-profit businesses
- not-for-profit research organizations
- forest industry associations
- academia
Eligible collaborations should develop, diversify and transform Ontario’s forest sector through innovation in technology, process or products.
A minimum of three partners are required (including at least one Ontario-based for-profit forestry/wood products company).
Program guidelines
Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) – program guidelines
Contacts
For information please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Business Development Branch by:
Email: FSIIP@ontario.ca
Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program
Status: Open
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs
Deadline
You must submit your application by December 21, 2023, 5:00 p.m. EST.
Description
The Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP) funds the feasibility study, detailed design, renovation and construction, of Indigenous community infrastructure on-and off-reserve. The ICCGP supports infrastructure projects that contribute to economic development, create jobs and provide social benefit to the community or organization.
ICCGP funding supports First Nations, Métis communities and Indigenous organizations by:
- assisting with infrastructure projects across Ontario
- supporting the realization of cultural, social, and economic development objectives
- improving the quality of life for Indigenous people and closing the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Ontario
Eligibility
The following Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario are eligible to apply for ICCGP funding:
- First Nation communities
- Métis communities
- Indigenous organizations
Program guidelines
Guidelines are available by logging in to the TPON system.
Contacts
For more information, please contact the Program and Services Branch, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs at IndigenousCommunityCapitalGrantsProgram@ontario.ca.
Indigenous Economic Development Fund: Economic Diversification Grant
Status: Open
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs
Deadline
Applications must be received by December 19, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Description
The Economic Diversification Grant (EDG) supports strategic economic planning to assist Indigenous communities in Ontario to expand their economic base and explore opportunities for job creation. Projects are approved through a competitive process.
Eligibility
You may apply to the Economic Diversification Grant if you are a:
- Political Territorial Organization (PTO) in Ontario
- Tribal Council in Ontario
- First Nations community in Ontario
- Métis community in Ontario
- regional or provincial organization representing First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or urban Indigenous peoples, or an Indigenous service provider
Contacts
If you have questions, please email IndigenousEconomicDevelopmentFund@ontario.ca.
Indigenous Economic Development Fund: Regional Partnership Grant
Status: Open
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs
Deadline
Applications must be received by December 19, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Description
The Regional Partnership Grant (RPG) improves access for Indigenous people to the skills training required to gain sustainable employment and support Indigenous business development and economic growth in Ontario. Projects are approved through a competitive process.
Eligibility
You may apply to the Regional Partnership Grant if you are a:
- Political Territorial Organization (PTO) in Ontario
- Tribal Council in Ontario
- First Nations community in Ontario
- Métis community in Ontario
- Indigenous business in Ontario
- Indigenous organization recognized by the Province of Ontario
and you are applying in partnership with one or more of the following:
- Political Territorial Organization (PTO) in Ontario
- Tribal Council in Ontario
- First Nations community in Ontario
- Métis community in Ontario
- Indigenous business in Ontario
- Indigenous organization recognized by the Province of Ontario
- non-Indigenous business and/or organization
Contacts
If you have questions, please email IndigenousEconomicDevelopmentFund@ontario.ca.
Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund for Indigenous communities and organizations
Status: Open
Ministry of Transportation
Deadline
You must submit your application by December 5, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
Description
The Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund (ITIF) is an application-based funding program open to Indigenous communities and organizations interested in pursuing transportation-related projects.
The proposed projects must be connected to the transportation sector and demonstrate an alignment with priority themes selected by the ministry. The priority themes will be listed in the 2024-2025 application guide and application form.
Eligibility
The following Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario are eligible to apply for ITIF funding:
- First Nation communities
- Métis communities
- Indigenous organizations
Program Guidelines
You can find program details and guidelines when you log in to the TPON system and fill out an application.
Contacts
If you have any questions or need more information, you can email IRB@ontario.ca.
Investment Ready: Certified Site designation
Status: Open
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Deadline
Applications can be received at any time.
Description
An Investment Ready: Certified Site designation is issued to properties that have successfully completed a set of program requirements to demonstrate that the property is primed for development and ready for investment.
Learn more about the Investment Ready: Certified Site Program.
Eligibility
The eligibility requirements can be found in the Certification Instructions and Requirements Guide.
You can also request the Certification Instructions and Requirements Guide:
- by email: investmentready@ontario.ca
- by phone:
1-855-585-0475
How to apply
- Contact the Investment Ready team for your pre-application consultation.
- Submit your application package through Transfer Payment Ontario.
- We will notify you if your site has been approved and email you with your notification of acceptance.
- Complete the additional requirements within 2 years (the list is available in the Certification Instructions and Requirements Guide).
- Receive a certification designation after all your assessments and documents have been completed, submitted and approved.
Contacts
For program questions and advice on developing your application, please contact our office:
- by email: investmentready@ontario.ca
- by phone:
1-855-585-0475
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services – Generic Budget 2023-2024
Status: Open
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Deadline
Budget Submissions are due by June 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. EST.
Description
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) Generic Budget submissions for 2023 - 2024 will be managed within Transfer Payment Ontario through the MCCSS Generic Budget 2023 - 2024 category. This also includes all subsequent activities related to the transfer payment contracting cycle along with all reporting.
The MCCSS Generic Budget 2023 - 2024 category is open to all eligible transfer payment recipients.
For information on the following MCCSS programs or divisions that are already on Transfer Payment Ontario, please contact your ministry contact:
- Dedicated Supportive Housing (DSH)
- Partner Facility Renewal (PFR)
- Office of Women’s Issues
Eligibility
All transfer payment recipients eligible to access the MCCSS Generic Budget 2023 - 2024 category were notified by the ministry on their 2023 - 2024 funding allocation as well as when to access the budget submission through Transfer Payment Ontario.
Resources
Program information
Quick reference guides and training videos
- How to submit a budget form
- Quick reference guide (alternative formats: video and descriptive text)
- How to review and approve a contract in Transfer Payment Ontario
- Quick reference guide (alternative formats: video and descriptive text)
- How to access and submit a report back in Transfer Payment Ontario
- Submitting a Report (alternative formats: video and How to submit a report video transcript)
Contacts
You can contact your ministry program lead for program-specific inquiries.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services - Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy 2023-2024
Status: Open
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Deadline
Budget Submissions are due by June 30, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. EST.
Description
The Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy (IHWS) was established in 1994 between Ontario and Indigenous partners. It supports a continuum of Indigenous designed and delivered programs to:
- reduce family violence
- reduce violence against Indigenous women and children
- improve Indigenous healing, health and wellness
Eligibility
You must have an existing transfer payment agreement with MCCSS to deliver Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy programs and services.
All eligible MCCSS transfer payment recipients were notified by the ministry in their Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy 2023 - 2024 funding allocation letter.
Resources
Program information
Quick reference guides and training videos
- How to submit a budget form
- Quick reference guide (alternative formats: video and descriptive text)
- How to review and approve a contract in Transfer Payment Ontario
- Quick reference guide (alternative formats: video and descriptive text)
- How to access and submit a report back in Transfer Payment Ontario
- Submitting a Report (alternative formats: video and How to submit a report video transcript)
Contacts
You can contact your ministry program lead for program-specific inquiries.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services – Ontario Works Programs 2023 or 2023-2024
Status: Open
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Deadline
Deadline dates can vary. Please contact your Ontario Works program supervisor for more information.
Description
Transfer Payment Ontario will be used to manage the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) Ontario Works budget submissions for 2023 or 2023-2024.
This is only for:
- Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs)/District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs)
- First Nations full delivery
- First Nations financial assistance
Recipients must use the applicable Ontario Works Budget Form 2023 or 2023-2024 to complete their submission. Transfer Payment Ontario will also be used to support all subsequent activities related to the contracting cycle along with all reporting.
Eligibility
The Ontario Works Budget Form 2023 or 2023-2024 category is open to all eligible transfer payment recipients.
You would have been notified by the ministry about your 2023 or 2023-2024 funding allocations as well as when to access the budget submission through Transfer Payment Ontario.
Resources
Program information
- Service objectives document can be downloaded from TPON
Quick reference guides and training videos
- How to submit a budget form
- Quick reference guide (alternative formats: video and descriptive text)
- How to review and approve a contract in Transfer Payment Ontario
- Quick reference guide (alternative formats: video and descriptive text)
- How to access and submit a report back in Transfer Payment Ontario
- Submitting a Report (alternative formats: video and How to submit a report video transcript)
Contacts
You can contact your Ontario Works program supervisor for program-specific inquiries.
Municipal Energy Plan Program
Status: Open
Ministry of Energy
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
Description
Through the Municipal Energy Plan Program, you can get funding to develop a plan that will help your community:
- improve energy efficiency
- reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
- study the impact of future growth on energy needs
- foster renewable energy production and economic development
Learn more about the Municipal Energy Plan Program
Eligibility
All Ontario municipalities (including regional municipalities) can apply.
Contacts
For any program-related questions, you can email MEP@ontario.ca
Ontario FireSmart Communities Grant
Status: Restricted
Note: This is an invitational funding opportunity. Please read the eligibility requirements carefully.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Deadline
Applications must be received no later than September 29, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Description
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has limited funding available to support municipalities with FireSmart Community initiatives through an Ontario FireSmart Communities Transfer Payment Grant.
Funding will help municipalities:
- complete hazard forest mapping for wildland fire hazards
- develop a Community Wildland Fire Protection Plan (CWPP)
- Wildland Fire Hazard Risk Assessment
- Wildland Fire Mitigation Strategies
Eligibility
To be eligible, municipalities must:
- be located within the Fire Region of Ontario
- have received a letter from the Director of Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services inviting them to apply for an opportunity to receive the grant
Municipalities are selected based on the following:
- amount of area estimated to have a high to extreme wildland fire risk from the MNRF Hazard Forest Maps
- average number of annual wildfire occurrences
- project plan that is submitted through the application process
- demonstrated need for financial assistance to complete project
- level of financial commitment indicated by community to wildland urban interface program initiatives
- community support of wildland urban interface and FireSmart Community Programs
- commitment to implementation of mitigation strategy
Municipalities that have been chosen to receive the grant will receive support documentation by email from ministry staff.
Contacts
Sarah Allen
Provincial Coordinator, Communications and Mitigation Unit
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch
Sarah.Allen@ontario.ca
Chelsea Osesky
Mitigation and Partnerships Team Lead
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services Branch
Chelsea.osesky@ontario.ca,
Ontario Sport Hosting Program 2024-2025
Status: Open
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Deadline
You must submit your application by 5:00 p.m. EST on Monday January 8, 2024.
Description
The Sport Hosting Program provides project-based funding to help applicants deliver major national and international amateur sport events in Ontario.
The objectives of the program are to:
- create legacies that support sport at the provincial, regional and local level
- provide economic benefits through increased levels of tourism, expenditures and improved public infrastructure
- foster a culture of sport and physical activity in communities by creating role models and enhancing community spirit and involvement in sports
- increase opportunities for Ontario athletes to compete and participate in events in Ontario
- seek new avenues to further build and develop the sport capacity of the province by providing additional ways to develop and train coaches, officials and volunteers
- create a culture of sport that engages all Ontarians
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
To apply for this program, you must:
- be a legal entity and have been in existence for one year or longer as of the application date
- not in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario (for example, Ontario Trillium Foundation)
- not self-endorse your own application for the program
- be an eligible applicant under one of the three application streams for the program
Stream 1: Provincial or National Sport Organizations
- Provincial Sport/Multi-Sport Organizations recognized under Ontario’s Provincial Sport Recognition Policy
- National Sport Organizations funded by Sport Canada
Stream 2: event host organizations
- non-profit organizations (including universities and colleges)
- Ontario municipalities
- Indigenous organizations, First Nation, Metis or Inuit communities
Stream 3: emerging sports
- non-profit organizations (including universities and colleges)
- Ontario municipalities
- Indigenous organizations, First Nation, Metis or Inuit communities
Eligible events
- national events must be:
- sanctioned by the National Sport Organization (or the International Federation in Appendix 2 from the guidelines)
- include representation from no less than six provinces/territories including Ontario (a country may replace a province) or the National Championship for a specific sport, in a specific age group as confirmed by the National Sport Organization (or the International Federation in Appendix 2 from the guidelines). Ontario must be represented in these Championships.
- international events must be:
- sanctioned by the International Federation, as per the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and/or Panamerican Sport Association
- includes representation from no less than two countries, including Canada and one country from outside of North America. We will provide an exemption to events for Canadian National Teams as confirmed by the National Sport Organization funded by Sport Canada.
Program guidelines
2024–2025 Sport Hosting Program Guidelines and Reference Documents
Contacts
For questions about Sport Hosting Program guidelines, please contact:
Aimee Maggiacomo
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Telephone:
Email: Aimee.Maggiacomo@ontario.ca
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
Status: Open
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Deadline
You can submit applications starting November 1, 2023 to December 6, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Description
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is a competitive program supporting the Skilled Trades Strategy by encouraging new entrants to participate in technical and employability training needed to be job ready at no-cost, while addressing skilled trade shortages in high demand trades.
Pre-Apprenticeship Training proposals must focus on trades, sectors and/or geographic areas experiencing a skills shortage or a high demand. The proposals should also seek to empower workers and job seekers who face higher barriers of entry, and enhance pathways into meaningful and gainful employment, particularly for the following:
- youth (including youth at risk)
- women
- Indigenous peoples
- racialized people
- newcomers
- LGBTQI2s+
- members of at-risk and/or marginalized communities
Each applicant can submit a maximum of 3 applications for project delivery across Ontario.
Eligibility
Service providers of the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will be selected through the annual call for proposals process and may include:
- educational Institutions (for example, colleges or universities)
- not-for-profit organizations (for example, employment agencies, union training centres)
- associations (for example, professional, sector/industry, business, labour, community, etc.)
Multiple organizations can partner together to apply to become a service provider. There must be however one “lead” applicant that enters into an agreement with the ministry and assumes accountability for deliverables and outcomes.
Program guidelines
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program 2023-2024 Call for Proposals Application Guide
Contacts
Questions regarding the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program guideline may be submitted to PATP@ontario.ca.
Public Library Operating, Pay Equity, and First Nation Salary Supplement Grants 2023-2024
Status: Open
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Deadline
Applications must be submitted in Transfer Payment Ontario by November 9, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. EDT
Description
There are three grants under this program. You can apply to the Public Library Operating (PLOG), Public Library Pay Equity (PE), or First Nation Salary Supplement (FNSS) Grants through one single application form.
Public Library Operating Grants (PLOG)
Library operating grants are statutory under the Public Libraries Act. Library operating funding goes to:
- public library boards and First Nations public libraries
- municipalities, local service boards or First Nations that establish a contract for library service with a neighbouring public library board
Public Library Pay Equity (PE) and First Nation Salary Supplement (FNSS) grants
Applicants who receive a Public Library Operating Grant and have met all program terms and conditions may be eligible for Public Library Pay Equity and First Nation Salary Supplement grants.
Eligibility
The Public Library Operating (PLOG), Pay Equity (PE), and First Nation Salary Supplement (FNSS) Grants program is a restricted program.
Annual funding is distributed to recipients who:
- operate a public library or contract for library services with a public library board in accordance with the Public Libraries Act,
- received a Public Library Operating Grant in the previous year, and
- meet all grant program terms and conditions
Public Libraries Act
Frequently asked questions and answers about the Public Libraries Act
Program guidelines
There is no separate guidelines document this year. All program requirements and instructions are provided on the application form in Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
Contacts
Roopa Kanal
Program Advisor
Email: roopa.kanal@ontario.ca
Sarah Gletnak
Program Officer
Email: sarah.gletnak@ontario.ca
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (R.A.I.S.E)
Status: Open
Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
Deadline
You must submit your application for the program on or before December 8, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Description
The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) is a grant program for 2023-2024 that will provide access to the following:
- business development training
- culturally responsive and tailored business coaching
- networking opportunities
- a one-time grant of $10,000 to support Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs
Eligibility
Your businesses must meet the following requirements:
- is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- employ 1 to 10 full-time equivalent employees, including the business owner, or up to 25 employees for businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (as defined by the North American Industry Classification System)
- be operational in Ontario on November 17, 2023
- attest that it is in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and hate-related laws under the Criminal Code
Your business must not be any of the following:
- franchise, including those individually owned and operated
- not-for-profit organization or charity
- crown corporation, government agency, public administration or political organization
- business with a primary activity related to:
- tobacco, firearms, other weapons and related equipment (an exemption exists for businesses that process and/or sell tobacco for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual purposes, provided they meet all other program eligibility requirements)
- products, services or displays of a sexual nature
- limited memberships for purposes other than capacity or regulations, if applicable
- early development business (such as a business idea only, not yet registered with the CRA, or mature business planning for exit through sale)
You/the owner of the business must be:
- Indigenous, Black or other racialized individual (mandatory self-identification is required in the application)
- 18 years of age or older
- legally permitted to operate a business in Canada
- currently living and operating the business in Ontario
- committed to participating in the training, coaching and networking components of the program (minimum total time requirement of 10 hours), as well as developing a Business Action Plan to scale your business
Program guidelines
More information can be found on the application portal in the User Application Guide
Contacts
For questions, contact:
Our call centre is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, excluding government and statutory holidays.
Email: raise@ontario.ca
Video Relay Service (VRS) for Deaf and hard of hearing persons is available at
Regional Development Program: Eastern Ontario Development Fund and Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
The Regional Development Program provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in Ontario, by region.
The types of support available include:
- funding support
- complementary services and support
The program supports projects that:
- create jobs and build talent
- attract and encourage private sector investment
- lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
- encourage innovation, collaboration and cluster development
Funding opportunities are currently available for:
Eastern Ontario Development Fund
Status: Open
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Deadline
Applications are ongoing.
There are four application intake periods each year. Applicants will be notified of decisions within 60 business days of the application deadline.
Learn more about the intake period timelines.
Description
The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario.
Eligibility
The fund supports business and community economic development projects.
Learn about the eligibility requirements for different businesses and projects.
Contacts
For questions and advice on developing and strengthening your application, contact our regional offices at:
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
Status: Open
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Deadline
Applications are ongoing.
There are four application intake periods per year for full applications. Applicants will be notified of decisions within 60 business days of the application deadline.
Learn more about the intake period timelines here.
Description
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario.
Eligibility
The fund supports business and community economic development projects.
Learn about the eligibility requirements for different businesses and projects.
How to apply
Contacts
For questions or advice on developing and strengthening your application, contact our regional offices at:
Business Advisory Services - Western Region Main Office
Business Advisory Services - Central Region Main Office
(Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Niagara Region and Simcoe County)
Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream
This Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream of the Regional Development Program will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Ontario by way of investments in capital equipment, technology adoption and skills development that will accelerate recovery in Ontario and place our companies in competitive global positions.
The types of support available include:
- funding support
- complementary services and support
The fund supports projects that:
- create jobs and build talent
- attract and encourage private sector investment
- help companies to adopt technologies to improve their competitiveness
- lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
- encourage innovation, collaboration and cluster development
Status: Open
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Deadline
There are two application intake periods each year.
Learn more about the intake period timelines.
Description
Provides support for projects and investments to advanced manufacturing businesses.
Eligibility
Learn about the eligibility requirements for AMIC.
Contacts
For advice on developing and strengthening your application, you are encouraged to contact your provincial government advisor or our Business Advisory Services at:
Central Region
(Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Niagara Region and Simcoe County)
Email: centralregionbas@ontario.ca
Eastern Region
Email: easternregionbas@ontario.ca
Western Region
Email: westernregionbas@ontario.ca
Northern Region
Contact a northern development advisor
Skills Development Fund: Training Stream
Status: Open
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Deadline
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream is a competitive program. You can submit applications starting August 25, 2023, to December 4, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Description
The SDF Training Stream offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training or retaining workers, including apprentices, to drive Ontario's economic growth.
The current SDF Training Stream supports:
- projects that address the labour shortage and stimulate growth in key sectors of Ontario’s economy
- projects that will increase Ontario's long-term economic competitive advantage by creating a sustainable and resilient workforce
- projects helping people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, at-risk youth, those with disabilities, Ukrainian newcomers, and others facing barriers to employment
Eligibility
Eligible organizations
The following organizations are eligible to apply to the SDF Training Stream:
- employers in Ontario (other than the educational organizations listed as being eligible to apply as co-applicants)
- minister-approved non-college apprenticeship Training Delivery Agents (TDAs)
- non-profit organizations, including Indigenous Band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders
- professional/industry/employer associations
- trade unions or union affiliated organizations
- municipalities
- district social services administration boards
- consolidated municipal service managers
- hospitals
Eligible organizations to apply as a co-applicant
The following educational organizations are eligible to apply to the SDF Training Stream as a co-applicant with one or more of the organizations above:
- district school boards
- publicly assisted colleges, universities or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario
- private career colleges registered under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
How to apply
- Register or sign in to your My Ontario account to access Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
- Click on the Service Provider (SP) Connect image/link.
- Select “List Funding Opportunities” under the Applications section on your dashboard.
- Under “Programs Open for Application”, select the link for the Skills Development Fund application.
- Complete the required fields and submit your application.
Program Guidelines
SDF Training Stream program guidelines
Contacts
For any questions regarding the SDF Training Stream program, please reach out to SkillsDevelopmentFund@ontario.ca.
Summer Employment Opportunities Program
(formerly the Summer Experience Program)
Status: Open
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Deadline
Applications must be submitted online through Transfer Payment Ontario no later than 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
Description
The Summer Employment Opportunities Program (SEO) provides funding to eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations and First Nation communities to create meaningful summer employment opportunities for students.
The summer employment positions must focus on activities supporting key sectors within the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and provide students with training, work experience and skills transferable to the general workforce and to future careers. The positions must focus on activities that support the key sectors of tourism, culture, sport and recreation.
Position placements are expected to provide full time employment for a minimum of 217.5 hours or 30 days at 7.25 hours per day. Overtime on an occasional basis is allowed, but SEO funding does not cover this cost.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
Organizations eligible for Summer Employment Opportunities Program funding include not-for-profit organizations who have been incorporated for at least one year, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and First Nations communities. Eligible organizations must be legally incorporated or be band councils established under the Indian Act, Canada.
Eligible Employment Opportunities
SEO employment opportunities must offer training, work experience and skills transferable to the general workforce and to future careers. The positions must focus on activities that support the key sectors of tourism, culture, sport, and recreation.
Position placements are expected to provide employment for a minimum employment contract length of 217.5 hours or 30 days at 7.25 hours per day.
Eligible Students
Students hired by recipient organizations must meet the eligibility criteria of the program:
- all students must be currently enrolled in a secondary, or post-secondary institution or within 6 months of graduation and have reached the age of 15 upon commencement of employment
- students must be employed full time for a minimum employment contract length of 217.5 hours or 30 days at 7.25 hours per day
- proof of student enrolment must be provided to the employer
- students must be residents of Ontario during the period of employment
- students must be eligible to work in Canada and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- students should be living in Ontario at the time they start work
Program guidelines
Summer Employment Opportunities program guidelines
Contacts
For information about the Summer Employment Opportunities Program, please contact CommunitySEO@ontario.ca.
Technical support
Contact Transfer Payment Ontario Customer Care:
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST)
- Toronto:
416-325-6691 Toll-free: 1-855-216-3090 TTY: 416-325-3408 orToll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095 (for the hearing impaired)- Email: TPONCC@ontario.ca
Winter Roads Program: Bridges and Culverts Stream
Status: Open
Winter Roads Program: Bridges and Culverts Stream
Deadline
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Applications will be evaluated during assessment periods outlined in the program guidelines.
Description
The Winter Roads Program – Bridges and Culverts Stream provides funding to Northern Ontario remote communities for new water crossing infrastructure (pre-engineered bridges and culverts) and repairs to existing water crossing structures.
Projects are located on the Ontario winter roads network, which provides vital seasonal connections between the Far North and the provincial highway network.
Eligibility
Project funding is open to remote communities in Northern Ontario that are not connected to a provincial highway network by an all-season road. Eligible applicants include Indigenous communities, Indigenous organizations such as Tribal Councils, corporations or partnerships formed by eligible applicants to build or maintain winter roads, and the Town of Moosonee.
Applications may be submitted by:
Single applicants – one eligible applicant.
Joint applicants – two or more eligible applicants.
Applicants are encouraged, wherever possible, to submit applications with multiple projects that cover the same road network. Applicants are also encouraged to work together to maximize the benefits of available funding through joint applications.
Joint applications must be accompanied by a resolution in support of the application from each applicant represented on the application. The applicant responsible for maintaining the corridor where the project is located should be identified as the project lead and submit the application.
Program guidelines
Contacts
For questions about the Winter Roads Program – Bridges and Culverts Stream, please email winter.roads@ontario.ca.
Closed funding opportunities
Learn about past funding opportunities from the Government of Ontario.
Contact us
For questions about applying to specific funding opportunities, please contact the funding program directly.
For all other questions, please contact Transfer Payment Ontario Client Care from Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for government and statutory holidays, at:
Please include the following details for quicker service via email:
- the name of the program you are interested in
- your case or file number
- the name of your organization
For 24/7 assistance:
- Ask GOBot
- Refer to the resources in the Get help section