37 grassroots projects awarded $13M through the Youth Opportunities Fund

November 4, 2024

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced a $13 M investment in 37 Youth Opportunities Fund grants.

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in community-led projects that play a critical role in meeting the diverse needs of youth and families facing systemic barriers across the province.

In the YOF’s 11th year of granting, $13 million is awarded to 37 projects. These projects provide safe spaces, empower youth and families, support career pathways and address issues faced by our communities

Through the YOF program, a range of grants are available to support grassroots groups and collaboratives as they create unique solutions and test new ideas. This year, grants awarded include:

• 18 Youth Innovations grants are received close to $5.2 million
• 16 Family Innovations grants are receiving close to $4.8 million
• 3 System Innovations grants are receiving nearly $3 million

Explore the grants awarded list.

“These initiatives are crucial for helping grassroots groups and collaboratives create tailored solutions for youth and families who face a variety of different barriers in our communities. Beyond funding, YOF offers capacity building support and resources to help groups learn new skills, grow their networks and become young leaders. Thank you to the Ontario government for investing in the wellbeing of youth.”

Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Quick facts

• The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. OTF administers the Youth Opportunities Fund on behalf of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
• Since 2013, YOF has awarded close to $123 million to 390 projects to improve the wellbeing of youth, and families facing barriers across Ontario.
• The Youth Innovations Stream provides young people facing systemic barriers with the resources they need to design and deliver inspiring solutions to issues that matter to them.
• The Family Innovations Stream invests in the work of grassroots groups delivering culturally anchored projects that empower and support parents, guardians and caregivers.
• The System Innovations Stream supports collaboratives that are strengthening the quality and responsiveness of systems, so they work better for youth facing systemic barriers.

NT5