Ontario Government Grants & Funding Programs
Ontario offers one of Canada's most comprehensive suites of government grants and funding programs. From small business support and R&D tax credits to cultural funding and community development grants, this guide covers everything you need to know about securing funding in Ontario.
In this guide
Ontario Grant Landscape Overview
Ontario is Canada's most populous province and its largest economy, accounting for roughly 38% of national GDP. As a result, the provincial government — alongside federal agencies operating within Ontario — administers a vast and diverse portfolio of grants, contributions, and tax credits.
Funding in Ontario is administered through multiple channels: provincial ministries (Economic Development, Agriculture, Culture, Northern Development), provincial agencies (Ontario Creates, Ontario Trillium Foundation), federal regional development agencies (FedDev Ontario, FedNor), and municipal governments. Each has distinct priorities, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
The key sectors receiving Ontario government funding include advanced manufacturing,clean technology, life sciences, digital media,agriculture, and community services. Many programs prioritize projects that create jobs, stimulate innovation, support underrepresented communities, or advance provincial economic priorities.
Key Ontario Funding Programs
The table below highlights the most significant Ontario-specific funding programs currently active. Each program targets a specific audience and funding need.
Ontario Business Grant
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development · Up to $50,000
Supports new and existing small businesses with start-up costs, expansion, technology adoption, and operational improvements.
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)
Ontario Ministry of Finance · 10% of eligible R&D expenditures
A refundable tax credit for Canadian-controlled private corporations conducting scientific research and experimental development in Ontario.
Ontario Creates — Interactive Digital Media Fund
Ontario Creates · Up to $750,000 per project
Funding for the development, production, and commercialization of interactive digital media products including games, apps, and educational software.
Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
Ontario Trillium Foundation · Up to $500,000
Grants for nonprofits and charities in three streams: Seed, Grow, and Capital. Focus on youth, Indigenous, Francophone, and disability communities.
FedDev Ontario — Business Scale-Up and Productivity
FedDev Ontario · Up to $1 million
Helps businesses in Southern Ontario scale up operations, adopt advanced technologies, improve productivity, and access new markets.
Digital Main Street
Ontario Government / OMAFRA · Up to $10,000
Grants and digital service squads to help main street businesses build online capacity, adopt e-commerce, and improve digital marketing.
Ontario Automotive Modernization Program
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development · Up to $500,000
Helps automotive parts manufacturers upgrade equipment, adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, and improve competitiveness.
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC)
Ontario Ministry of Northern Development · Up to $500,000
Grants for businesses, communities, and organizations in Northern Ontario for economic development, infrastructure, and job creation.
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)
The Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) is one of the most valuable Ontario-specific incentives for businesses conducting research and development. It is a refundable tax credit that can be claimed in addition to the federal SR&ED tax credit, effectively stacking with federal R&D incentives.
Key Details
Ontario Creates — Creative Industries Funding
Ontario Creates(formerly the Ontario Media Development Corporation) is a provincial agency dedicated to supporting Ontario's cultural and creative industries. It administers multiple funding programs across book publishing, film and television, interactive digital media, music, and magazine publishing.
Key Programs
Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund
Supports development, production, and commercialization of digital media products. Includes concept, production, and export streams. Up to $750,000 per project.
Film Fund
Provides funding for Ontario-based film and television production. Includes the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit (OFTTC) and the Ontario Production Services Tax Credit (OPSTC).
Music Fund
Grants for Ontario musicians, labels, and music industry professionals. Supports recording, touring, marketing, and business development.
Book Fund
Supports Ontario book publishers with grants for publishing projects, digital transformation, and export market development.
Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)is an agency of the Ontario government and one of Canada's largest grant-making foundations. OTF provides grants to registered charities and nonprofit organizations across Ontario.
OTF Grant Streams
Seed
Up to $75,000 for 1 year
For new projects, pilot programs, and community initiatives.
Grow
Up to $250,000 for up to 3 years
For expanding proven programs and scaling impact.
Capital
Up to $500,000
For construction, renovation, and equipment purchases.
OTF prioritizes programs that support youth (ages 12-29), Indigenous communities,Francophone communities, and people with disabilities. Applications are accepted through OTF's online portal with multiple intake periods per year.
FedDev Ontario Programs
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is a federal agency that delivers funding programs to businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities in Southern Ontario. As a regional development agency, FedDev combines federal funding levels with regional economic priorities.
Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP)
Helps businesses scale operations, adopt advanced manufacturing technologies, improve productivity, and expand into new markets. Provides interest-free repayable contributions of up to $1 million.
Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)
Supports businesses and organizations in creating jobs and positioning local economies for long-term growth. Focuses on innovation, skills development, and green transition.
Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)
Grants for tourism businesses and organizations in Southern Ontario to recover and reposition for future growth. Covers product development, marketing, and infrastructure.
Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF)
Supports community infrastructure projects that revitalize public spaces, promote economic activity, and enhance tourism assets.
Northern Ontario Funding
Organizations in Northern Ontario have access to additional funding streams designed to address the unique economic challenges and opportunities of the region.
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
The NOHFC is a key funding vehicle for Northern Ontario, offering grants and contributions to businesses, communities, and organizations. Programs include job creation, business expansion, infrastructure development, and workforce training. Funding amounts range from $25,000 to $500,000+ depending on the program stream.
FedNor
FedNor is the federal regional development agency for Northern Ontario. It offers programs similar to FedDev Ontario but tailored to the economic realities of the north, including support for Indigenous economic development, mining innovation, and forestry sector transformation.
Application Tips & Strategy
Applying for Ontario government grants requires careful preparation. Here are strategies to maximize your chances of success:
Use Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
Many Ontario programs use the TPON portal. Create your profile early and familiarize yourself with the system before deadlines approach. Incomplete profiles can delay applications.
Align with provincial priorities
The Ontario government publishes its annual budget and economic priorities. Align your project with key themes like EV manufacturing, critical minerals, life sciences innovation, and regional economic development.
Stack federal and provincial funding
Ontario encourages stacking — combining OITC with federal SR&ED, or pairing FedDev funding with provincial grants. Ensure you understand each program's stacking rules.
Build relationships with program officers
Ontario program officers are generally accessible and willing to discuss eligibility. Contact them early to confirm your project fits before investing time in a full application.
Prepare strong financial documentation
Ontario programs often require detailed budgets, financial statements, and evidence of matching funds. Have your financial records audited and ready.
Apply to multiple programs
Don't rely on a single application. Ontario has dozens of active programs — apply to several that match your project to increase your odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ontario government grants are available for small businesses?
How do I apply for an Ontario government grant?
What is the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit?
Does FedDev Ontario provide grants?
Can nonprofits apply for Ontario Trillium Foundation grants?
What is the difference between FedDev Ontario and NOHFC?
Find Ontario grants now
Search Ontario-specific programs, filter by city and industry, and save your favourites on SubsidyFinder.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
Data sourced from Government of Ontario, Government of Canada Open Government Portal, and SubsidyFinder.ca database.