How to Apply for the Grassroots Growth Program in Ontario

How to Apply for the Grassroots Growth Program in Ontario

If you run a community-focused agri-food or rural development project in Ontario, funding can be a challenge. The Grassroots Growth Program helps eligible organizations cover up to half of their project costs, offering funding of up to $75,000 per project. This guide explains how to apply for the Grassroots Growth Program in Ontario, what the province looks for, and how to avoid common application issues.

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Understanding the Grassroots Growth Program

The Grassroots Growth Program is run by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). It supports projects that strengthen Ontario’s agri-food and rural communities through engagement, education, and capacity building.

What the program funds

Your project must focus on at least one of the following priorities:

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

Eligible projects can receive:

• Up to $75,000 in non-repayable funding
• Coverage for up to 50% of total eligible project costs

You must secure the remaining 50% from your own funds or other sources that do not conflict with program rules.

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Who Can Apply and What Costs Are Eligible

Eligible applicants

Eligibility depends on both the project and the organization. OMAFRA lists these as possible applicants:

• Agricultural and horticultural organizations and associations
• Agricultural and horticultural societies (with required annual return filings)
• Other community-based or sector organizations delivering qualifying projects

Your organization must show that the project will benefit Ontario’s agri-food or rural sector.

Eligible expenses

The Grassroots Growth Program covers practical, project-related costs. Examples include:

• Purchase or rental of goods like equipment, machinery, and supplies
• Staff salaries and benefits for people working directly on the project
• Third-party services, such as consultants or facilitators

Costs must be directly tied to the approved project and must happen within the eligible project period.

For a broader view, see also:
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Grassroots Growth Program in Ontario

1. Check your project fits program priorities
   Match your project outcomes to at least one Grassroots Growth priority. Applications that do not fit are often rejected.

2. Build a clear project budget
   Show total project costs, the 50% cost-share, and where your matching funds come from. Incomplete or unrealistic budgets cause problems.

3. Prepare your project plan
   Include timelines, activities, and measurable outcomes. For example, number of participants, events delivered, or training sessions completed.

4. Gather supporting documents
   You may need proof of incorporation, financial statements, or confirmation of matching funds. Requirements depend on your organization type.

5. Submit through the Ontario application portal
   Applications are submitted online. Intake periods change, so always check the official program page before applying.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if this program—and others like it—fit your organization and project before you apply.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Misaligned project goals
  Projects that do not connect clearly to engagement, youth involvement, safety, trust, or rural development are often declined.

• Including ineligible expenses
  General operating costs not tied to the project can make your budget non-compliant.

• Weak outcome measurement
  Saying a project will “raise awareness” is not enough. Use specific, measurable results.

• Ignoring the cost-share requirement
  The program will not cover more than 50% of eligible costs, even for strong applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I receive from the Grassroots Growth Program?
You can receive up to $75,000 per project, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible costs.

Q: Is the Grassroots Growth Program funding repayable?
No. This is a non-repayable grant, as long as you meet the program terms and finish the approved project.

Q: Can youth-focused agriculture projects apply?
Yes. Increasing youth involvement and leadership is a core program priority and strongly aligns with funding objectives.

Q: What expenses are most commonly approved?
Approved expenses often include equipment rentals or purchases, project-specific staff time, and third-party service fees directly related to the project.

Q: When is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary by intake. Always check the current intake dates on the official Ontario program page before applying.

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Next Steps

Applying for the Grassroots Growth Program in Ontario takes planning and attention to detail. This grant can reduce the cost of delivering community projects. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including Ontario agriculture and rural development funding. This helps you quickly see what matches your organization and project goals.

You may also want to explore related funding guides, such as Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada and Small Business and Regional Development Grants: Eligible Expenses.