The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario’s charity casino initiative.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation distributes its funding to charities and not-for-profits through two granting programs: Community and Province-Wide. Within those programs, funding is allocated in four sectors: Arts and Culture, Environment, Sports and Recreation, and Human and Social Services.
The Community Program is for activities that take place in one catchment area and have a local impact in one or more communities within that catchment area. Community grants account for 80% of the Ontario Trillium Foundation's funding.
Through the Community Program, the Foundation makes grants of up to $375,000 over five years. This can include up to $75,000 per year for operating or project expenses and up to $150,000 over one or more years for capital initiatives such as building renovations and/or equipment purchases. The decision to fund all or part of a request depends on how well an application fits with OTF’s granting priorities and assessment criteria as well as the overall demand and granting budget in the catchment area.
The Province-Wide program is for activities that have a province-wide impact. At a minimum, the work must take place in three catchment areas or two catchment areas in the North. Province-Wide grants account for 20% of Trillium's funding.
Through the Province-Wide Program the Foundation makes grants of up to $1.25 million over five years. This can include up to $250,000 per year for five years for operating and project expenses and up to $150,000 over one or more years for capital initiatives such as building renovations and/or equipment purchases. The decision to fund all or part of a request depends on how well an application fits with OTF’s granting priorities and assessment criteria as well as the overall demand and granting budget in the Province-Wide Program.
2004-2007
ParaSport Ontario (formerly Paralympics Ontario) was approved for a grant to increase awareness of the sporting opportunities available to persons with a disability, and improve accessibility and barrier-free participation to community-based sport. Ready Willing and Able, ParaSport Ontario’s Introductory Sport Program was developed as a result of this program. To date, over 17,000 individuals have experienced a Ready Willing and Able introductory sport session.
2007-2011
ParaSport Ontario was approved for another Trillium grant to implement a Community Sport Development program over four years. The initiative was identified to fill a gap in programming across the Province that will further enhance the opportunity for individuals with a physical disability to participate in sport and recreation. The program provides hands on support and programming for each identified community that will assist them in developing a sustainable parasport club for community members. Many communities have a high level of interest for participation but they do not have the leadership and knowledge base to actually move forward with the program implementation.
| Total Clubs to be targeted for possible club development |
18 |
| Total Clubs intended to be developed over 4 year period |
11 |
Total volunteers intended to be recruited over 4 year period
(11 clubs x 10 volunteers per club) |
110 |
The Community Sport Development Program includes the following strategies:
- Resource development and enhancement - there are currently resources available to communities which provide a general guide for club development. These resources are not usually sufficient. Communities need hands on support and resources that are tailored to their needs. Each community is unique in terms of sport interests, size and demographics and it is important to take this into consideration when developing a program. Professionals will be consulted to work with each community to develop a program that meets their needs.
- Volunteer Development - not only will consultants come into the community and provide all the necessary supports to start a club. All the volunteers will be provided with training to use in the community during the program development and beyond.
- Coach Development is one of the greatest barriers in communities interested in starting a club. Many individuals do not feel comfortable taking on the role of club coach due to lack of knowledge and uncertainity of work with persons with a disability. The programl provides community club coaches with a year long mentorship from experienced coaches and athletes in Ontario.
- ParaSport Ontario also provides support in many different perspectives to ensure there was the necessary equipment within the community to make it a positive experience for participants. This will be done through equipment fund programs and assistance in writing equipment grants. As well, there will be assistance in purchasing the equipment and how to provide proper maintenance.