The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF), administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), is a vital initiative supporting grassroots, community-led projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of children, youth, and families across Ontario. Since its inception in 2013, YOF has invested over $125 million into more than 400 projects, focusing on communities facing systemic barriers, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous and Black populations. (Ontario Trillium Foundation, NationTalk)

What is the Youth Opportunities Fund?

YOF provides financial support and capacity-building resources to unincorporated grassroots groups and collaboratives that are led by individuals sharing the identities and lived experiences of the communities they serve. The fund is designed to empower these groups to develop and implement culturally relevant solutions that address the unique challenges faced by their communities.(NationTalk)

Key Objectives:

  • Create Safe Spaces: Foster environments where youth and families feel secure and supported.(Sustain Ontario)
  • Empower Communities: Enable youth and families to take active roles in shaping their futures.(Ontario Trillium Foundation)
  • Support Career Pathways: Provide resources and opportunities that facilitate skill development and employment readiness.
  • Address Systemic Issues: Tackle the root causes of inequity and exclusion within communities.(Ontario Trillium Foundation)

Grant Streams

YOF offers three distinct grant streams to cater to various community needs:

1. Youth Innovations Stream

Purpose: Support projects led by youth or youth-adult partnerships that aim to improve the social and economic well-being of young people aged 12 to 29.(Ontario Trillium Foundation)

Grant Types:

  • Test Grants: For piloting new, untested ideas.
  • Scale Grants: For expanding successful projects to reach a broader audience.

Eligibility:

2. Family Innovations Stream

Purpose: Invest in grassroots initiatives that empower parents, guardians, and caregivers to support the well-being of their families.(Ontario Newsroom)

Grant Types:

  • Test Grants: For developing new approaches to family support.
  • Scale Grants: For expanding proven strategies to assist more families.

Eligibility:

  • Projects must be led by individuals with lived experience relevant to the communities served.
  • Initiatives should address systemic challenges affecting families.
  • Collaboration with an Organizational Mentor is required.

3. System Innovations Stream

Purpose: Support collaboratives aiming to transform systems to better serve youth and families facing systemic barriers.(Ontario Trillium Foundation)

Eligibility:

  • Open to collaboratives comprising multiple organizations.
  • Projects should focus on systemic change and long-term impact.
  • An Organizational Mentor must be involved to provide oversight and support.

Organizational Mentors

Organizational Mentors play a crucial role in the success of YOF-funded projects. They provide administrative support, project mentoring, and financial accountability to grassroots groups. Selecting the right Organizational Mentor is essential, as they act as partners in delivering impactful community initiatives.(Ontario Trillium Foundation)

Success Stories

YOF has funded numerous projects that have made significant impacts across Ontario. For instance, in 2024, the fund awarded $14 million to 39 grassroots groups and collaboratives. These projects focused on areas such as supporting youth to stay engaged in school, empowering girls and young women to be leaders, and helping children, youth, and their families address racism. (Ontario Trillium Foundation, NationTalk, Ontario Newsroom)

How to Apply

Step 1: Determine the appropriate grant stream for your project.(NationTalk)

Step 2: Ensure your group meets the eligibility criteria, including the requirement to partner with an Organizational Mentor.(Ontario Trillium Foundation)

Step 3: Create an account on the OTF Granting Portal to access application forms and resources.(Ontario Trillium Foundation)

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by the specified deadline.(Sustain Ontario)

Step 5: If your EOI is shortlisted, complete and submit a full application.

Support: OTF offers information sessions, coaching calls, and resources to assist applicants throughout the process.(Sustain Ontario)

Contact Information

For more information about YOF grants and eligibility requirements:

Explore more at the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Youth Opportunities Fund page.