Apply for a capital loan

With affordable rates, Infrastructure Ontario loans help eligible not-for-profit organizations (e.g. a hospice, community hub, sports organization) renovate buildings, buy land or fix equipment. Apply online now.

Use a vendor of record

The government works with many vendors. They can help eligible not-for-profits – community care access centres, for example – save on costs, from office supplies to telecommunications. Find out if your organization qualifies and then register as a buyer.

Find grant funding

For an updated list of government grants, please refer to the Available Funding page.

Expectations

A not-for-profit must show that it’s well-run, capable and accountable to receive government funding.
Review the eight key areas below to see if your organization will meet expectations.

Governance

Your organization has to be well-governed with a high-functioning board of directors.
Things to consider include:

  • your board of directors should reflect the diversity of the community
  • the board should take meeting minutes and keep official records
  • new board members should be given orientation training and/or a manual that covers bylaws, policies and programs
  • board members’ roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined and documented in key areas such as:
    • reviewing and approving audited financial statements
    • developing and approving policy
    • ensuring compliance with legal and contract requirements
    • establishing controls to manage risks that threaten financial viability or delivery of services
  • you should be meeting your corporate reporting requirements

Program delivery and service

The funded service or project has to be completed and delivered on time.
Your organization should have:

  • service delivery standards/criteria
  • a process to identify, collect, analyze and report on performance
  • a plan/process for reporting changes to program delivery or service disruptions
  • plans in place to ensure operational continuity in the event of an emergency, such as labour relations or environmental issues
  • a succession plan for delivering the service or project (e.g. back up staff available)

Information sharing

You have to provide complete, up-to-date, accurate information about the organization and about the project or service you are seeking funding for.
Your organization should have:

  • policies and procedures in place to protect sensitive information
  • a process to provide information about your organization and/or the service or project being funded in a timely, accurate, complete, current and relevant way
  • a process that ensures program-related knowledge and records are retained in accordance with government and/or transfer payment requirements

Stakeholder satisfaction

Your organization has to meet the expectations of its clients, the community and the public.

Your organization should:

  • communicate with target groups and build a positive relationship with them
  • have a process for getting feedback from your stakeholders
  • have a process for resolving complaints

Financial management

Your organization has to be fiscally responsible and able to meet budgets and plans.
Things to consider include:

  • having appropriate insurance and risk management strategies
  • having an approval policy for authorizing expenditures
  • your board should approve and sign cheques for all significant expenditures beyond approved budgets and cheque signers should review supporting documents (e.g. receipts and invoices)
  • having written policies and procedures for financial processes to safeguard against fraud and theft
  • having key duties and responsibilities in authorizing, processing, recording and reviewing transactions divided among individuals so that no one employee could allow an error or irregularity to remain undetected
  • your board should have regular access to the bookkeeper and financial records
  • the organization’s assets should be secure and not open to theft
  • providing year-to-date reports in a timely and accurate fashion
  • responding to any audit recommendations and providing the government with evidence that appropriate action had been taken

Human Resources

Your organization has to have capable staff and a plan to deal with resignations, turnovers or injuries.
Things to consider include:

  • having a good record for attracting and retaining staff with core competencies, skills and knowledge
  • your management team should have the knowledge and skills to deliver the services or programs you provide and serve your clients
  • having a succession plan for key management positions
  • having written HR policies and procedures, including:
    • health and safety
    • delegation of authority
    • recruitment
    • performance management
    • learning and development
    • pay, pension and benefits
    • conflict of interest
    • security and background checks
    • workplace violence and harassment

Legal compliance

Your organization has to comply with legislation, regulations and policy directives, such as the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and workplace discrimination and harassment prevention policies.
Your organization should:

Technology

Your organization has to have IT infrastructure that meets business requirements and ensures data is accessible, relevant and secure.
Your organization should have:

  • IT expertise and equipment to effectively manage the services you provide
  • protected electronic records and files
  • an up-to-date and regularly-tested disaster recovery and business continuity plan

Related

Start and operate a not-for-profit

Incorporate a not-for-profit

Ontario Trillium Foundation