Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) - Youth Innovations Test Grant is sponsored by Ontario Trillium Foundation (funded by the Ontario Government's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services). The Youth Opportunities Fund Youth Innovations Test Grant is a multi-year Ontario grant that supports grassroots groups in piloting new ideas, testing different approaches, or researching issues that affect youth.

YOF Youth Innovations Test Grants | Piloting Youth-led Projects Youth Innovations Test Grant Grants support grassroots groups to test new ideas, explore different approaches, or research important issues. Minimum 1 year, Maximum 3 years Amount awarded (per year) Look for better ways to support young people Grassroots work is community-led and community-designed.

Shared identities and lived experiences are essential to building relationships with those benefiting from the work and help set the stage for grassroots groups delivering impactful, local projects. A key requirement for Youth Innovations grants is that they must be led by and for priority populations.

Through this grant stream, the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in projects led by youth or youth-adult partnerships to improve the social and economic well-being of youth. YOF’s work is founded in the belief that young leaders have the tools and skills to come together based on shared experiences to address the needs of youth.

Young leaders are driven to find solutions that can have lasting impact and design projects that reflect how culture and traditions can enhance learning and life-long skills development to improve wellbeing. A Youth Innovations Test grant is designed to help groups: Try out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Research, learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue.

Bring youth together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively. YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and/or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression. Expression of Interest assessment Most common application mistakes The Expression of Interest submission period is now closed.

We thank everyone who submitted their EOI. OTF will notify all applicants of the final decision and invite shortlisted groups to submit an application. All our supports and resources are complimentary – and designed so applicants can access the most up-to-date, comprehensive information that enables them to initiate, write and submit grant applications directly to OTF.

Register for a webinar to learn about the YOF program and eligibility criteria for applicants. Book a coaching call with a Program Manager for in-depth support and help with navigating the application process. For immediate support, contact us at 1 800 263-2887 or yof@otf.

ca . Step 1: Expression of Interest Only groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete the grant application. From February 4, 2026 to April 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.

m. ET. (Closed) All applicants will be notified of the status of their Expressions of Interest approximately 6 weeks after the deadline.

Step 2: Organizational Mentor application period From January 7, 2026, to June 17, 2026, at 11:59 p. m. ET.

Step 3: Deadline to submit the grant application July 8, 2026, at 5:00 p. m. ET.

All applicants will be notified of the final funding decision approximately 8 weeks after the deadline. Project start dates must be on or after November 1, 2026. YOF supports projects that are led by youth who share the identities and lived experiences of the people who will benefit from the project.

This “led by and for” principle is a requirement in all YOF funding streams. Review all eligibility criteria A grassroots group that is not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit. The work of a grassroots group is inspired by the community.

Grassroots group means that core group members share the identities and lived experiences of the young people who will benefit from the project. If you are a grassroots group from a First Nation, you are eligible to apply. Your group cannot have more than 50% of its members as part of the band office or band council.

An organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction. This includes a Chartered Community Council, operating under the Métis Nation of Ontario, or Inuit communities that are registered as not-for-profit corporations without share capital in Canada. The organization cannot have more than $50,000 in gross revenue in each of the last two fiscal years.

Revenue also needs to be independently managed. Board members and day-to-day management must also meet youth-led group and youth adult-partnership definitions. Groups can only apply for one Youth Opportunities Fund grant at a time.

If your group has an active Youth Opportunities Fund grant, you can only apply for funding if you are in the last year of your active grant. Work with an Organizational Mentor All applicants need to partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement. An Organizational Mentor provides administrative support, project mentoring, and financial accountability to grant recipients and is a partner in the project.

Groups need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for funding: Youth (ages 29 and under) must make up more than 50% of the core group. The group has at least three core group members. More than 50% of core group members need to be at arm’s length relationship to each other.

An ‘arm's length’ relationship means board members and group members are not married or related to each other, do not work as business partners or are otherwise in a relationship where interests may be compromised. The group is based in Ontario and the work will benefit youth in Ontario.

The group exists independently of a larger organization (other not-for-profit), charitable organization or municipality, university, school, religious institution and/or hospital. The group agrees to work with an Organizational Mentor and has autonomy to choose their Organizational Mentor, design the project, identify group members, and plan for the future. 2.

Reflect communities served Core group members (including board members, where applicable) need to share the identities and lived experiences of the youth they are working with and for. The proposed project will benefit young people between 12-25, and/or 12-29 for youth living with special needs, disabilities, mental health needs, or addictions.

YOF prioritizes projects led by and for Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) and Black youth . In addition to meeting the requirements for core groups and reflecting communities served, there are three (3) types of eligible leadership structures: The project is managed by youth, from planning and implementation to evaluation. Governance and decision-making roles are held entirely by youth.

A youth-adult partnership This is a group that has young people as its primary audience and where youth and adults share power. This looks like: Shared responsibility for decision-making about the project and the group. Shared responsibility for planning and delivery of activities and the budget.

Shared responsibility for planning for the future of the project and the group. An adult-initiated youth partnership This group has adults, 30 years of age and over, who have brought youth together to build out an idea and have a significant role in decision-making about the project and group. Over time, adults will: Have a reduced role in the partnership and will ensure the leadership of youth to drive the work.

Create space for youth to take on more responsibility in planning, delivering of activities and establishing plans for the future of the project and group. Note: This type of leadership is only applicable in Test grants.

Note: Adult groups, where most or all members are 35 or younger, are eligible to apply if they seek to advance the following Priority Outcome: Supporting youth in and/or leaving care and/or involved in the justice system to navigate and access resources for well-being.

Ineligible applicants include, but are not limited to: Religious entities established for the observation of religious beliefs, including, but not limited to, churches, temples, mosques and synagogues Groups who are largely or entirely composed of adults, aged 30 or older Groups with all adult board of directors, aged 30 or older (only applicable for registered not-for-profits) Groups or projects that are part of an existing organization Groups specifically designed to serve young people through committees or clubs of institutions, including municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals For-profit organizations and businesses Your project may be eligible if it meets the assessment criteria .

Ensure that your project: Strongly aligns with your chosen Priority Outcome . Complies with OTF policies : Our policy requirements define eligibility for OTF funding and outline exclusions. Funds are granted to eligible applicants delivering eligible project activities that directly align with a Priority Outcome.

Benefits young people ages 12-25, and/or 12-29 for youth living with special needs and/or disabilities, mental health needs and/or addictions. Three types of projects qualify for a Test grant. All project types must align with one Priority Outcome.

Choose the type that most closely aligns with your project: This type of project focuses on trying out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. For example: Start a new project that supports youth to learn a new skill. Create a space that honours youth wellbeing and creativity.

Connect youth to knowledge of land, culture and language. Support youth to navigate systems (such as education, health, child welfare, justice). Research an issue or new concept Choose this project type if your group wants to learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue.

For example: Develop participatory research about an experience or issue youth face. Explore something new in your community that can be enhanced through technology. Discover how a new initiative may impact youth in your community.

Consider how your group will conduct the research, how much time this work will take, and how your group will share what you learn, for example through a research paper, report, website, or presentation. Strategize around an issue affecting youth This is an opportunity to bring youth together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively with youth and community.

For example: Understand an issue and its impact on your community. Discover who is already working on an issue, who is joining the conversation, and who might be left out. Develop some common goals or strategies to respond to the issue.

Come up with next steps as a collective. Priority Outcomes reflect the changes YOF is investing in. All approved projects must advance one of these outcomes through project activities.

While many of the outcomes focus on key priority populations or experiences, we prioritize Indigenous and Black youth as part of our commitments to addressing systemic barriers to economic and social well-being. The one Priority Outcome your group chooses identifies the impact your project will have. List of Priority Outcomes Empowering girls and young women to lead, including women’s economic empowerment initiatives.

Supporting Indigenous, Black, and/or newcomer youth to enter the labour market and transition to sustainable career pathways. Supporting youth in and/or leaving care and/or involved in the justice system to navigate and access resources for wellbeing. Note: For this outcome, core group members can be up to 35 years old.

Addressing racism and its impacts on youth in urban, rural and/or Northern communities. Creating safe spaces for Indigenous and/or Black youth to build strong community and cultural connections. How to choose a Priority Outcome Make sure that the identities and lived experiences shared by the primary beneficiaries of your project and by your core group members are reflected in your Priority Outcome.

Select the Priority Outcome that most aligns with the change you want to make through your project. As your group completes the first step of the application, you should align your answers to the Priority Outcome your project will achieve. In the Expression of Interest, identify the youth who will benefit from your project.

These are your primary beneficiaries. Select all the identities and lived experiences shared by the youth benefiting from your project. Keep in mind: Young people can have multiple identities or lived experiences, which can increase the barriers they face.

The majority of your core group members must also share the identities and experiences as your primary beneficiaries. This is a grant requirement. Ensure that the primary beneficiaries you select and the priority populations mentioned in your Priority Outcome are aligned.

Throughout your Expression of Interest: Be specific about which youth will benefit from your project. Describe how your project is designed to meet the unique needs of young people and support their well-being.

List of primary beneficiaries Indigenous youth (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit) When selecting Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit), beneficiaries can be from urban, rural and on reserve communities Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) youth * Youth living with disabilities or special needs between the ages of 12 to 29 * Youth living in rural, remote and/or Northern communities Youth in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law * Youth in care or leaving care * Youth in low-income situations or from low-income families Youth who are homeless or at risk of being homeless Youth at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school * Youth living with mental health needs and/or addictions between the ages of 12 to 29 Youth who are not engaged and/or at risk of not being engaged with education, employment and training programs * In addition to prioritizing Black and Indigenous grassroots groups and youth, YOF prioritizes investing in projects that positively impact youth with these intersecting lived experiences or identities.

Budget and eligible costs Prepare a clear Budget and ensure that the identified costs correspond with the deliverables and major activities of your Project Plan. All costs funded must be eligible and directly attributable to the project. Ensure that budget amounts align with Project Plan activities.

Familiarize yourself with the sample Project Plan and Budget . Eligible budget categories You can apply for funding to cover project costs across the following categories: As you consider the roles and responsibilities of staff, ensure you include livable wages to support your program delivery (with considerations for Mandatory Employee Required Costs (MERC) of 20%).

Full Time Staff (35 hours or more per week) Part Time Staff (less than 35 hours per week) Honorarium (to recognize the contributions of community leaders, elders and/or volunteers) Support Services (translation, interpretation, child-minding) Project supplies and materials Project equipment (rental or purchase) Food (for program participants) Communications (website, promotions) Fees (for services delivered by experts, facilitators) Costs listed simply as "miscellaneous" will not be eligible.

We need to know exactly what you're asking for. Required budget categories The following costs are required for this grant: Administrative Support Costs (for Organizational Mentors) : 15% of total budget. Capacity Building Costs : $2,000 to $4,000 per year.

Learn more about eligible capacity building activities . Taxes, such as GST and HST, for which the Organizational Mentor is eligible for a tax rebate, and all other costs eligible for rebates. Capital infrastructure costs (renovations to space).

Costs related to political or religious activities. General or ongoing operating costs (unrelated to the project). Personal one-on-one professional services (including expenses related to direct therapy, counselling/ legal and/or accounting advice).

Costs related to paying for participant groceries, household supplies, or equipment. Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships or individual requests (including regranting funds to other projects or people). Review all ineligible activities .

Explore our resources to help you prepare the required information with your team. The application checklist is a high-level summary of what is included in the Expression of Interest. Expression of Interest questions To help applicants prepare the right information with their team, OTF provides the complete overview of the Expression of Interest.

Sample Project Plan and Budget Examine a sample Project Plan and Budget for Test and Scale grants. All grassroots groups need to partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement. The Expression of Interest is the first step of a grant application and provides OTF with the information needed to assess the eligibility of your group and your project.

Only groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete the grant application. The application checklist below is a high-level summary of what is included in the Expression of Interest. 1) Gather your group’s details and assess your eligibility Details for newly formed groups.

Incorporation number and year of incorporation (for incorporated not-for-profit only). List of current board of directors (for incorporated not-for-profit only). More than 50% of your board need to share the identities and lived experiences of your primary beneficiaries.

Prepare 1 or 2 examples of previous activities your group has delivered for primary beneficiaries in your community. Identify the identities and lived experiences of your core group members, and if applicable, also for your board of directors. The majority of your core group members need to share the identities and lived experiences of your primary beneficiaries.

Prepare your core group table. If your group does not meet the eligibility requirements for this grant stream: Your submitted Expression of Interest will not proceed to the next stage of the assessment process and your group will not be eligible for funding. 2) Prepare your project details Have a clear description of your idea.

Describe and list all major activities. Identify the systemic barriers and issues your project is trying to address. Explain how your primary beneficiaries are impacted by the issues.

Select one Priority Outcome. Identify your Primary Beneficiaries. Prepare your change statements.

Build out your Project Plan and Budget . Identify an Organizational Mentor. All applicants need to partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement.

3) Complete and submit your application All Expressions of Interest need to be submitted through OTF’s Granting Portal. When the application period is open: Existing users can Sign-in to the Granting Portal . New users will need to Create an OTF account .

The first step of the application process is to start completing your Expression of Interest as soon as it becomes available and work with your team to finalize requirements. Once submitted, your Expression of Interest will be reviewed and assessed.

Only groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete the next step of the grant application, which requires a signed Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Groups Collaborative Agreement . Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted. The application process involves various steps for groups and Organizational Mentors.

  Prepare your application Review the application deadlines . Plan ahead and use the application resources available to support you. Contact us at 1 800 263-2887 or yof@otf.

ca for support. 3. Submit the Expression of Interest Once the application portal opens, you can complete and submit the Expression of Interest by the deadline date.

Late submissions of the Expression of Interest will not be accepted. 4. Review and assessment of Expression of Interest Staff review your group’s eligibility, your readiness to do this work, the potential impact of your project, and how well you understand the needs, interests, and experiences of the beneficiaries you want to work with.

As part of the assessment process, we review the online presence of all applicants to ensure they deliver direct programs and services to Ontarians and that they are not engaged in ineligible activities. This includes: The majority of group activities are for the purpose of bringing about change in law or government policy, including public policy dialogue and development.

Political activities supporting or opposing any political party, elected representative, or candidate for public office. For more information about eligible and ineligible activities, review OTF’s Eligibility Policy . 5.

Notification of shortlisted Expressions of Interest We notify all applicants of the status of their Expression of Interest approximately 6 weeks after the deadline. Applicants with a shortlisted Expression of Interest will be invited to submit a grant application with an Organizational Mentor. Applicants are asked to start researching for potential Organizational Mentors at this stage.

Required feedback call: At this stage, applicants will receive feedback from OTF staff on the Project Plan and Budget. This is an opportunity to review the information provided before submitting the grant application. 6.

Connect with Organizational Mentors Applicants are required to confirm their Organizational Mentor at the grant application stage. We encourage you to start this relationship early. We will verify the eligibility of your Organizational Mentor.

For more information about how we assess eligibility, review OTF’s Policies and Organizational Mentor requirements . If your selected Organizational Mentor is not eligible, we will ask them to notify your group and project leaders. The YOF team will provide support to find a new potential Organizational Mentor.

Organizational Mentors need to have an OTF account to access the Organizational Mentor application through OTF’s Granting Portal. Discover the application process and eligibility requirements for Organizational Mentors . For shortlisted groups only 7.

Submit the grant application Your group needs to work with your Organizational Mentor to review the draft grant application, finalize your Organizational Mentor-Grassroots Groups Collaborative Agreement , and submit a complete grant application. You will need to upload your signed agreement with your grant application. 8.

Recommendation and selection OTF’s Board of Directors approves grant recommendations put forward by YOF’s Grant Review Committee. Your group will be notified of the status of your grant application approximately 8 weeks after the deadline. 10.

Confirmation and Orientation Successful groups take part in a mandatory orientation session and trainings. Your Organizational Mentor is sent an email with the OTF Grant Contract. Your Organizational Mentor is responsible for signing and upholding the Grant Contract with OTF.

Reporting & monitoring: In addition to scheduled check-ins, grantees track activities, spending, and learning to complete the annual progress report and a final report. Capacity building: This is an opportunity for learning and development to enhance group skills as you deliver your project.

Capacity building work will help you connect and network with other grantees by participating in YOF-led events and making the most of capacity building funds available in your project budget. Evaluation: Grantees are asked to measure their progress towards their selected Priority Outcome. Support is provided to grantees to complete the evaluation activities.

Grant Completion: After a group’s Final Report is approved by OTF, the grant hold-back funds, which is the final payment for the project, are released and the grant is closed. Grantee Compliance Audit: A random sample of grants are subject to a Grantee Compliance Audit. Grants can be audited for compliance at any point within the grant’s life, or after the grant has been closed.

Expression of Interest assessment Your Expression of Interest is assessed based on three areas of the application: Group Eligibility, People, and Strategy. Read the specific requirements The Project Plan and Budget will not be assessed with the Expression of Interest. However, if your Expression of Interest is shortlisted, it will be reviewed by a Program Manager at the grant application stage.

A Program Manager will contact you to share feedback on the Project Plan and Budget prior to the grant application deadline. If your Expression of Interest is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a grant application with an Organizational Mentor. The eligibility of the group is reviewed and assessed as either eligible or not eligible.

If the group does not meet requirements, their Expression of Interest will not proceed for a full review. Assessment criteria includes: Core group members (including board members, where applicable) reflect the shared identities and lived experiences of the youth they are working with and for. The group operates as a youth-led group, a youth-adult partnership or an adult-initiated youth partnership, as outlined in the core group table.

The application is complete and contains clear and detailed responses. Young people, ages 12-25, and/or those living with disabilities, special needs, mental health needs and addictions (ages 12-29) are the clear and direct beneficiaries of the project. The group exists independently of a larger organization (other not-for-profit), charitable organization or municipality, university, school, and/or hospital.

The group is based in Ontario and the work will benefit youth in Ontario. The group has at least three core group members. More than 50% of core group members are at arm’s length relationship to each other.

An ‘arm's length’ relationship means board members and group members are not married or related to each other, do not work as business partners or are otherwise in a relationship where interests may be compromised. Youth must make up more than 50% of the core group. The group is not a registered charity.

The Board of Directors table is complete with all active board members and all board members are included in the core group table (for registered not-for-profits only). The project complies with OTF Policies . The group is in compliance with advocacy requirements of OTF’s Eligibility Policy .

The group is either an unincorporated group or an incorporated not-for-profit corporation, with independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in either of the last two years. The group demonstrates that collectively they have the right mix of knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver this project. Youth are meaningfully engaged at the leadership and program delivery level of the project.

The group has connections to the issues and knowledge of the community they are looking to serve. The group operates as a youth-led group, a youth-adult partnership or an adult-initiated youth partnership, as outlined in the core group table. Setting the Context (Issue & idea) The group has fully and clearly described the idea they want to test or pilot the research they will conduct, or the strategy work they will lead.

The need, issue or opportunity connects to systemic barriers that youth face. The idea is an effective response to the need, issue or opportunity the group is addressing. The idea responds well to the context and experiences of the young people that they are engaging through this project.

Potential for Impact (Idea & impact) Youth are clear and direct beneficiaries of the project. The changes the group hopes to make can be achieved through their project idea. The changes or impacts the group hopes to make align with their chosen Priority Outcome.

Most common application mistakes Review some of the most common mistakes applicants make in their applications across the Youth Innovations and Family Innovations grant streams. This information will help you prepare an Expression of Interest and/or grant application that meets eligibility requirements.

Explore some common mistakes Applicant does not fit with who we fund The applicant does not meet the led by and for model Projects must be led by people who share identities, lived experiences, and face the same systemic barriers as the people who will benefit from the project. This “led by and for” principle is a requirement in all YOF funding streams.

When applicants do not meet these requirements, the application will not proceed to a full review. The group is a part of a larger organization Applicants who are part of a registered not for profit organization, charitable organization, business or a municipality, university, school, and/or hospital are not eligible funding. A grassroots group that is not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit.

An organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction. The organization cannot have more than $50,000 in gross revenue in each of the last two fiscal years. Revenue also needs to be independently managed.

When applicants do not meet these requirements, the application will not proceed to a full review. Larger organizations can explore OTF’s Community Investment Grants . Applications are incomplete It is important that all aspects of the application are complete.

Incomplete applications will not proceed for a full review and will not be eligible for funding. Commonly missed sections include: Board of Directors Table: Active board members are missing or the listed board members are no longer active directors. Core Group Table: The identities and lived experiences shared by core group members are either missing or do not align with the selected primary beneficiaries and Priority Outcome.

Groups that are registered non-profits: Incorporation number is missing or omitted from the application. Applicants do not have the right skills and experience for the project A common mistake is that groups apply for a grant without demonstrating that they are ready to deliver the project they are applying funding for.

All applicants must have the following: The group demonstrates that collectively they have the right mix of knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver this project. The group has connections to the issues and knowledge of the community they are looking to serve. Applicants must have the following: Experience delivering consistent core activities for 2 or more years.

A history of working together to benefit primary beneficiaries. When applicants do not meet these project requirements, the application will be declined. Projects do not serve the right primary beneficiaries Projects must be designed for the primary beneficiaries associated with the grant stream.

Family Innovations grants Projects must be led by parents, guardians and caregivers and must benefit parents, guardians and caregivers directly. Often, applications for projects coming in for a Family Innovations grant will benefit youth, children, or a mix, instead of primarily parents, guardians and caregivers. Projects must be delivered by a youth-led group or a youth-adult partnership.

They must serve youth, aged 12 to 25, or 12 to 29 for youth living with special needs and/or disabilities, mental health needs and/or addictions. When projects are not designed to benefit the right primary beneficiaries associated with the grant stream, the application will be declined. Incomplete or incorrect budget and project plan The budget and project plan are critical pieces to every application.

It shows how grant funds will be used and ensures funds are used effectively. There are a number of common mistakes related to the budget and project plan. Budgets often include expenses that are ineligible for funding.

The most common ineligible expenses submitted are: Personal one-one professional services (including expenses related to direct therapy, counselling/ legal and/or accounting advice) Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships or individual requests (including regranting funds to other projects or people) Investments in large capital items like building, housing and renovations. All project activities must be eligible for funding and aim