Investment will support Nutrition for Learning, a local non-profit organization to create jobs and build stronger communities
Waterloo Region ― The Ontario government is again supporting non-profit organizations, First Nations and small municipalities through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) Grow program. This funding helps organizations promote active lifestyles, protect arts, culture and heritage, and expand opportunities for children and youth across the province, while delivering on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening local services and build stronger, more resilient communities.
“In Waterloo Region and in communities across Ontario, non-profits are running proven programs that help people build skills, stay active, and feel more connected to where they live,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “This investment will help build on the successes of local initiatives, empowering them to reach more people, deepen their impact, and strengthen community life all across the province.”
“Erin and her team at Nutrition for Learning are bringing another innovative model to their work in our region,” said Jess Dixon, MPP Kitchener South – Hespeler. “The funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation GROW program means they can leverage more partnerships, include education pieces and provide a new Farm-to-Classroom program. It’s an example of a school nutrition program done right—efficient, effective, and impactful.”
“This is about more than food,” says Nutrition for Learning CEO, Erin Moraghan. “School food is an investment in the future excellence of our communities, nourishing the next generation’s potential. In our thirtieth year of operating, Nutrition for Learning — alongside our partners — is positioned to launch some of Ontario’s first ‘food for all’ school meal programs. This groundbreaking investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation allows us to begin piloting breakfast and/or lunch opportunities offered to all students, rich with fresh Ontario produce and agrifoods.”
Every year, OTF Grow grants support community organizations across the province to expand and improve the delivery of community-based programs and services that Ontario families rely on, with investments of up to $600,000 to support programs and services.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation is pleased to invest in this new round of Grow grants, which are designed to improve the lives of Ontarians. These grants play an essential role in helping non-profit organizations broaden their local programming to address diverse community needs,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Through OTF’s various granting programs, Ontario has invested more than $857 million in over 7,700 projects since 2018. These investments have created more than 10,700 full time jobs and generated over $1.3 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province. For more information and a list of recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Its mandate is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario by investing in community-based initiatives and strengthening the impact of the province’s non-profit sector. OTF programs support the arts, culture, heritage, sports and recreation, human and social services, and environment sectors across the province.
- Applicants can apply for funding of $100,000 to $600,000 over two or three years through OTF’s Grow grant to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.
- The application period for the next round of Grow grants is from October 7 to November 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.