How agricultural societies and non-profits can access Ontario government grants

Running an agricultural society or rural non-profit in Ontario means stretching every dollar. The Ontario government offers grants to help with community events, youth programs, safety projects, and rural development. One of the best-known options for these groups is the Grassroots Growth Program, which supports community-based agri-food projects.

Ontario government grants for agricultural societies and non-profits

Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) funds several programs to support local agriculture and rural communities. For most agricultural societies and non-profits, the Grassroots Growth Program is the main place to start.

Grassroots Growth Program: what it funds

The Grassroots Growth Program offers non-repayable grants of up to $100,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Projects must focus on at least one of these priorities:

Increasing public engagement and support for agriculture
Increasing youth involvement in the agri-food sector
Enhancing safety and risk management practices
Strengthening public trust and knowledge of agriculture
Encouraging agri-food and rural development outcomes

This program is a good fit for agricultural fairs, educational programs, youth leadership, and community outreach.

Eligible organizations include:

Agricultural and horticultural societies in Ontario
Incorporated non-profit organizations with an agri-food or rural development focus

Agricultural societies must be in good standing. This includes completing required annual return filings before applying.

Eligible expenses you can claim

The Grassroots Growth Program pays for practical, project-based costs. These include:

Buying or renting equipment, machinery, or supplies
Direct staff salaries and benefits while working on the project
Third-party professional services related to the project
Facility or equipment rentals tied directly to project delivery

General operating costs or expenses not directly tied to the approved project are usually not eligible.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Ontario programs by organization type and project focus, saving you time before you apply.

How to prepare a strong application

A strong application can make a big difference. Here’s how to get ready:

Show clear project goals: Explain what your project will do and how it fits with the program’s priorities.
Detail your budget: List all project expenses and show how you will cover your share of the costs.
Gather supporting documents: Have your annual filings, letters of support, and proof of matching funds ready.
Plan for reporting: Be prepared to track spending and report on your results if you receive funding.

Taking time to prepare these items can help your application stand out.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying with a general operating budget
This program funds specific projects, not day-to-day operations. Your application must link expenses to project outcomes.
Missing the 50% cost-share requirement
If you cannot show matching funds, your application will not be approved, even if your project is a good fit.
Weak alignment with program priorities
Projects that do not clearly connect to youth engagement, public trust, safety, or rural development are less likely to succeed.
Out-of-date organizational filings
Agricultural societies must be up to date with annual returns and compliance requirements before applying.

Application process and timing

The Grassroots Growth Program usually runs through set intake periods. Here are the main steps:

Check your eligibility for both your organization and your project
Define a clear project scope, timeline, and budget
Secure matching funds to cover at least 50% of total project costs
Apply through the Ontario government portal during an open intake

Deadlines can change each year. Always confirm the current intake dates on the official Ontario program page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Grassroots Growth Program in Ontario?
The Grassroots Growth Program is an Ontario government grant for community-based agri-food and rural development projects. It focuses on public engagement, youth involvement, safety, and building trust in agriculture.

Q: How much funding can an agricultural society receive?
Eligible organizations can receive up to $100,000, covering a maximum of 50% of total eligible project costs. The rest must come from the organization or other sources.

Q: Is the Grassroots Growth Program a repayable loan?
No. Funding is non-repayable as long as your group meets the program terms and completes the approved project as outlined.

Q: Are youth-focused agriculture projects eligible?
Yes. Increasing youth involvement in agriculture is a main program priority. Youth education, training, and leadership projects are a strong fit.

Q: When is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary by intake. Always check the current intake dates on the Ontario government’s official Grassroots Growth Program page before you apply.

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Next steps

Ontario government grants can help agricultural societies and non-profits run important projects. The most important step is to match your project to the right program priorities and funding rules. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—see which ones fit your organization’s needs and upcoming projects.

How agricultural societies and non-profits can access Ontario government grants