Wednesday, November 04, 2026
Ontario Investing $13 Million in Local Children and Youth Programs
Funding will support nearly 40 community-based projects that connect more children and youth to local supports
The Ontario government is investing more than $13 million through the Youth Opportunities Fund to support nearly 40 youth-focused projects across the province. Delivered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the grant program will support grassroots initiatives that help children, youth and families gain new experiences, access mentor and leadership programs and develop the critical skills they need to succeed.
“Local volunteers and community leaders are the backbone of thriving communities,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “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.”
The Youth Opportunities Fund supports community-led projects through three streams: Youth Innovations, Family Innovations and System Innovations. Together, these investments connect young people and families to the supports and community resources they need to succeed. Funding recipients also receive specialized coaching, mentorship and networking opportunities to maximize their impact. This year’s recipients will deliver programs that:
- Encourage youth to stay engaged in school, build skills and transition into employment.
- Provide mentorship and employment supports, including job shadowing and career guidance
- Connect youth and families to community programs, services and cultural supports that strengthen family well-being and community ties
Examples of community-led projects being supported through the Family Innovations and Youth Innovations grant streams include:
- Ontario Families for Disability Justice will receive a grant of $213,700 over three years to strengthen the well-being, confidence and support networks of parents, guardians and caregivers of children and youth with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Greater Toronto and surrounding areas. Through crisis navigation supports, peer support circles, educational workshops, and systems navigation assistance, participants will build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate education, healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and justice systems while advocating effectively for their children.
- The Vision Quest Project will receive a grant of $299,000 over three years to strengthen Indigenous family wellness, parenting knowledge, cultural reconnection and community support networks for Indigenous parents in the Muskoka and Renfrew regions. Through virtual workshops led by an Indigenous social worker, Elder-led sharing circles, family-centred cultural retreats, traditional skills learning, and individualized support, parents will build resilience, strengthen family relationships, and reconnect with Indigenous teachings and community values.
Since 2018, the Youth Opportunities Fund has supported more than 392 local community projects across Ontario through a provincial investment of nearly $135 million. Applications for the next round of the System Innovations grant funding is currently open, and will close on March 10, 2027. Applications for the next round of the Youth Innovations and Family Innovations grant funding will open on February 3, 2027 and will close on 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 OTF’s Board of Directors.
Quick Facts:
- The Youth Opportunities Fund provides funding through three streams:
- The Youth Innovations Stream supports youth-led projects that help young people facing social and economic barriers with the resources they need to design and deliver solutions to issues that matter to them.
- The Family Innovations Stream invests in grassroots groups delivering culturally-anchored projects that empower and support parents, guardians, and caregivers.
- The System Innovations Stream supports organizations working to research how specific systems work and implement strategies that lead to system-wide changes and improvements.
Additional Resources:
Media Contacts:
Julia Lombardo
Minister’s Office
Julia.Lombardo@ontario.ca
Media Relations
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
media.mccss@ontario.ca
|