It’s funding season! Don’t miss the deadline for these 2024 grants

If you have big plans for your business in 2024 and a little more funding would be helpful in realizing your vision, take the time to apply for one of these four federal and provincial grants before they close.

Rural Economic Development (RED)

DEADLINE: February 21, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST

Ontario's Rural Economic Development (RED) Program provides cost-share funding to support activities that create strong rural communities in Ontario and opens doors to rural economic development, by funding projects that:

• address barriers to economic development
• better position rural communities to attract or retain investment
• address labour force development challenges
• build rural community capacity to attract, retain and expand businesses
• renew community assets to drive economic development
• support economic growth through regional partnerships

Tourism Growth Program

DEADLINE: February 29, 2024 at 8:59 p.m. EST

The Tourism Growth Program is a key part of the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. Over $30 million is available to businesses and organizations in southern Ontario to develop tourism attractions and experiences that will draw people to our communities. About 15% of the investment will support Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.

Indigenous applicants may submit their applications anytime by contacting FedDev directly.

Ontario Trillium Foundation - Capital Grant Stream

DEADLINE: March 6, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST

Through the Capital grant stream, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) supports projects that improve community facilities and spaces. OTF funds capital projects that update buildings, enhance spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive.

OTF has updated the Capital grant application and eligibility requirements. The latest Capital grant page contains all the information and resources you need to verify if your organization and project fit with this grant stream and plan your application.

Get support for your application

OTF offers a broad range of supports to help organizations access comprehensive and up-to-date information about our grants, including: 

• One on one coaching calls 
• Webinars begin January 25, 2024 to learn about eligibility criteria for applicants and Capital grant application requirements. 
• Answers to general questions and technical support through the Support Centre at otf@otf.ca or 1 800 263-2887.  The Support Centre is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM ET.  

Main Street Funding Program

DEADLINE: March 31, 2024

Applications are now open for My Main Street, a $15-million investment to support main street businesses and communities across southern Ontario. Funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), My Main Street is being delivered through two new streams that open for applications on February 22, 2024 and the application intake closes March 31, 2024. Read the application guide before submitting an application.

NOW CLOSED PROGRAMS

EV ChargeON Program

DEADLINE: January 31, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST

EV ChargeON is a competitive, application-based funding initiative for eligible municipalities in Ontario. The program's objective is to expand EV charging infrastructure, alleviate range anxiety, and support long-distance EV travel.

To assist in the application process, we have compiled materials, including Q&As and webinar recordings, available in the provided Dropbox link.

Ecosystem Fund

DEADLINE: January 31, 2024

The Ecosystem Fund has been designed to assist non-profit organizations that collaborate with and support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. These organizations are now eligible to apply individually or together with a partner organization for funding to fuel two core categories of projects:

1. Programs supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs 
2. Internal capacity-building initiatives

Review the funding guidelines to see if you are eligible.

Experience Ontario

DEADLINE: January 11, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST

The Ontario Government is launching the Experience Ontario 2024 program, allocating funding for eligible in-person festivals scheduled between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. 

Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy

DEADLINE: January 10, 2024 at 2:59 a.m. EST

The Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to eligible employers, facilitating the creation of quality summer work experiences for young people. The CSJ program welcomes applications from a diverse range of employers, including: 

• Not-for-profit organizations,
• The public sector, 
• And private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees. 

Employers who participate in this program will not only support the professional development of youth, but also benefit from the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm they bring to the workplace.