The Ontario government is investing more than $13 million through the Youth Opportunities Fund to support nearly 40 youth-focused projects across the province.
The grant program is delivered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and supports grassroots initiatives that help children, youth and families gain new experiences, access mentorship and leadership programs and develop skills. Funding recipients also receive coaching, mentorship and networking opportunities. The province says this year’s recipients will deliver programs that encourage youth to stay in school, build skills and move into employment, that provide mentorship and employment supports such as job shadowing and career guidance, and that connect youth and families to community programs, services and cultural supports.
“Local volunteers and community leaders are the backbone of thriving communities,” said Children, Community and Social Services Minister Michael Parsa. “That’s why our government is investing in grassroots initiatives that are making a real difference, helping more children, youth and families reach their full potential.”
Ontario Families for Disability Justice will receive $213,700 over three years to support parents, guardians and caregivers of children and youth with autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding areas. The Vision Quest Project will receive $299,000 over three years to strengthen Indigenous family wellness, parenting knowledge and cultural reconnection for Indigenous parents in the Muskoka and Renfrew regions.
Since 2018, the fund has supported more than 392 community projects through a provincial investment of nearly $135 million. Applications for the next round of System Innovations funding are open until March 10, 2027. Applications for the next Youth Innovations and Family Innovations round open Feb. 3, 2027, and close July 7, 2027.
“Through the Youth Opportunities Fund, OTF continues to provide essential grants and capacity-building support to grassroots groups and collaboratives led by and serving youth and their families, parents and caregivers. This year’s grant recipients are advancing important work in communities across Ontario, from urban centres and rural areas to Northern and remote communities,” said Bob Chant, chair of the foundation’s board of directors.
