Ontario Invests $45 Million in Non-Profit Sector to Expand Community Programs

Trillium Foundation Grow grants return to support youth housing, women’s shelters, food equity, and cultural inclusion

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing over $45 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help 140 non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, and small municipalities expand and improve community services across the province.

Announced by Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho, the funding marks the return of the OTF’s Grow grant stream — a key component of Ontario’s strategy to protect and strengthen communities by supporting programs that promote youth development, active living, cultural connection, and social services.

“Whether it’s helping seniors stay physically active and learn new skills or connecting young people to their communities through the arts, non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programs and services that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it’s vital that we help ensure local non-profit groups can build on their successes in ways that protect and build Ontario and benefit communities across the province.”

Supporting Resilience Through Targeted Grants

The Grow grant program offers $100,000 to $600,000 in funding per organization over two to three years to scale or adapt existing services. This year’s funding is the first round of Grow grants since 2019, following a temporary pause during the pandemic when funds were redirected to emergency response programs.

Among the 2025 recipients:

• Huron Women’s Shelter receives $599,700 to pilot an innovative housing model for women and children impacted by gender-based violence.

• Durham Youth Housing and Support Services receives $429,800 to support 190 youth through in-school and on-call housing aid.

• Food for Life (Halton Region) receives $345,600 to increase food equity and culturally appropriate food distribution.

• YMCA of Three Rivers receives $288,200 to expand youth camp spaces at Camp Belwood for ages 4–15.

“Grow grants provide essential funding that helps to strengthen Ontario’s nonprofit sector,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. “By supporting the expansion of programs and services that matter, these grants help organizations deepen their impact and build more connected, resilient communities.”

Investing in Community Infrastructure and Economic Growth

Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $792 million through OTF in over 7,300 projects, generating more than $1.1 billion in community economic benefits and supporting over 9,490 full-time jobs.

The 2024–2025 return of the OTF’s Capital, Seed, and Grow streams is expected to deliver long-term social and economic value, particularly in youth engagement, community health, and equity-based service delivery.

For the full list of grant recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation website.

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