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Before you begin your application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, you need to ask ‘Is your organization a good fit for OTF funding?’
Hi. I’m Clare Nolan. I’m a program manager at the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and I help dozens of not-for-profits shape their ideas into grant applications.
So first – Ask yourself ‘Does my project mesh with the OTF Mission? ‘
OTF has identified 6 ways we want to build local communities. Does your project echo one or more of our strategic enablers?
We fund in 4 sectors: Arts and Culture, the Environment, Human and Social Services, and Sports and Rec
And for each of those 4 sectors, we’ve identified ‘priorities’ that help guide our decision-making.
Below them, we also list ‘desired outcomes’ - that measure the impact or the change we want to see.
So – for example – If you are an arts organization, make sure your initiative fits with 1 or more of both the priorities and their desired outcomes.
You’ll also want to check out how OTF responds to local contexts. See whether your idea is a fit here, too.
I won’t go into the details right now, but we welcome applications that meet a specific community or local need.
Next: Can you clearly describe the impact you expect your project to have – either on the people you serve, or the community you live in?
Be ready to talk about : - What the clear, measurable benefits to the community would be
- The long-term impact – after the grant is over - Do you have community support behind you – be it in volunteer time, or in-kind support
- Can you collaborate? Partner with others in new ways? - Does your approach break down old barriers, or makes your community more inclusive?
We’ll also be asking about your organization; - Why are you the best organization to do this work?
- Can you really do what you say you’re going to do? - Do you have a track record in the community, or can you partner with a more established group ?
These are some of the assessment criteria that we, at OTF, use to evaluate your online application.
Check out the full application criteria on our website, then call us.