Expressions of Interest Open

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) is now accepting Expressions of Interest for the 2025 granting year, and will continue supporting grassroots groups who are committed to the wellbeing of youth and families, with a focus on Indigenous and Black communities across Ontario. A program of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), YOF is funded by the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Grassroots groups applying for funding must be led by people who share the same identities and lived experiences and who face the same systemic barriers as those who will benefit from their projects.

There are two streams for grassroots groups:

Youth Innovations stream: invests in the work of youth-led groups or youth-adult partnerships to test and launch new projects or scale successful projects for youth between the ages of 12-25 (and up to age 29 for those living with disabilities, special needs, addictions or mental health issues).

Family Innovations stream: invests in the work of groups led by parents, guardians and caregivers (PGCs) of children and youth to test and launch new projects or scale culturally anchored projects that empower, support, and strengthen PGCs.

Through the Youth Innovations and Family Innovations streams, we offer two types of grants:

• Test grants are ideal for newly formed grassroots groups or those who are looking to test or launch a new idea or approach. Test grants provide up to $100,000 per year, for 1 to 3 years.
• Scale grants are for established grassroots groups that have delivered two or more years of core activities, and have a program model they want to expand or enhance. Scale grants provide up to $150,000 per year, for 2 to 3 years.

Ready to apply?

Eligible groups are invited to connect with the YOF team and access supports to discuss their project idea:

• Review eligibility requirements
• Read the Expression of Interest questions and other resources
• Register for information sessions
• Book a one-on-one coaching call

Deadlines:
Step 1: Expression of Interest deadline: April 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.
Only shortlisted groups will be invited to complete the Grant Application. 

Step 2: Grant application deadline: July 9, 2025, 5 p.m. ET. 
Includes submission of a collaborative agreement with an Organizational Mentor.

OTF requires all Expressions of Interest to be submitted through its Granting Portal.