Strategy Improvements Streamline Process, Create Single Annual Deadlines
Since 2003, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has invested almost $1.5 billion in projects to help build healthy and vibrant communities across the province.
On Tuesday the OTF announced new application deadlines for 2017. The deadlines were revealed as part of a plan that extends recent reform initiatives to ensure OTF operations are more streamlined, simplified and responsive to the needs of community organizations. This plan builds on the successful outcomes-based investment strategy launched last year and reflects feedback from key stakeholders.
OTF will shift to a single annual deadline per year for three of its four investment streams: Seed, Grow and Capital. Applications for Collective Impact grants will continue to be accepted year- round.
The move to a single deadline is a best practice adopted by many other granting organizations including the Ontario Media Development Corporation and the Ontario Arts Council. It will provide a number of benefits to potential applicants including access to enhanced support and an even more focused and streamlined process. In addition, this move will provide Northern and rural Ontario with better access to a larger funding allocation.
“With a keen eye on the future, the Ontario Trillium Foundation continues to seek opportunities to increase our impact. That’s why we are committed to continuous learning and improvement. We’re always looking at ways to improve our systems so that we can help Ontarians make communities healthier and more vibrant.”
Janet Yale, Board Chair Ontario Trillium Foundation
OTF will also deliver enhanced support to community organizations across Ontario, building their capacity to submit stronger and more competitive grant applications, including individual support to potential applicants.
NEW 2017 DEADLINES:
In addition to these four investments streams, eligible community organizations will continue to have access to other programs administered by OTF, such as the Youth Opportunities Fund and the Local Poverty Reduction Fund.
As an organization dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, OTF improved its processes based on widespread input from community groups and valued stakeholders. These changes represent the next step in a plan that began last year with the launch of OTF’s new investment strategy which introduced customized investment streams, clarified its objectives through six Action Areas and simplified the application process.
Working closely with our grantees, successful and unsuccessful applicants, government partners, volunteers and community organizations, OTF will monitor these changes closely and remain committed to creating an even higher standard of responsiveness and accessibility.
Ultimately, our objective is to not only strengthen the granting process but to support even stronger results and improved outcomes for the benefit of all communities in Ontario.
To learn more, please read the related Questions and Answers.
