Capacity-Building Grants for Family Support Networks
Applications for 2024-2025 are now closed.
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) provides grants to Family Support Networks (FSNs) in Ontario – peer-based groups for family members and other unpaid caregivers who are supporting adults living with developmental disabilities. This program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
The grant program aims to make it easier for families and caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities to find peer support in their community, share information, and build connections for their own wellbeing and the people for whom they provide care. These capacity-building grants are intended to support, strengthen, and expand Family Support Networks across the province.
Watch this video to learn more and hear from past grantees!
Partners for Planning offers a map of Family Support Networks in Ontario. Find a Family Support Network in your community here.
Call for Applications for the 2024-25 Grant Program is closed.
Please see below for the Grant Guidelines and Application Form from the last call for applications.
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Who can apply?
- Are you a member of a family support network (FSN)?
- Are you a member of an organization that supports one or more FSNs?
- Are you a member of an informal family or caregiver group that supports people with developmental disabilities?
This grant program is open to new and established Ontario FSNs. These networks are made up of family members or unpaid caregivers who support adults with intellectual disabilities. Organizations that support family-led FSNs can also apply. Grants are only available to FSN as a group within the community. These grants are not intended to provide direct support to families or individuals. See the Guidelines and Application Form for more information on eligibility.
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Objectives of the Grant Program
The grants will build capacity and sustainability of existing Family Support Networks and encourage the creation of new Family Support Networks (FSNs) in order to achieve the following outcomes:
- Expand membership and enhance member engagement to deepen social connections and belonging for families of adults with a developmental disability.
- Provide forums for families and caregivers to support and mentor each other.
- Provide opportunities for members to share local initiatives and information related to developmental services, resources, and family/caregiver support.
- Support administrative needs of the network.
- Expand local activities and create network-specific resources.
- Share information and best practices with other Family Support Networks and communities.
All proposed activities for funding must align with one or more of these objectives.
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Types of Funding and Grant Amounts
Applicants can apply for one of three types of funding:
- New and emerging FSNs ($1,000 to $4,500): to support the creation of new FSNs and build the capacity of less established FSNs.
- Growth and support of existing FSNs ($1,000 to $4,500): to strengthen the capacity of FSNs already established, but which need funding to maintain, strengthen and develop.
- Impact and Collaboration Grants ($2,500 to $10,000): to support collaborative initiatives that will have a greater impact and benefit families and caregivers of adults within more than one FSN or that will affect several communities in the province.
- Guidelines and Application Form for 2024-25
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Information sessions for applicants
Applicants are encouraged to participate in an information session (via Zoom) offered on two dates. Both sessions will cover the same content. Please note that these sessions will only be offered in English. If you would like to speak to someone in French, please contact grants@archive.ontariocaregiver.ca.
Tuesday, February 20th @ 7 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
2024-25 FSN Grant Information Session #1
Meeting ID: 833 3851 6540
Passcode: 012568
Tuesday, February 27th @ 12 noon
Join Zoom Meeting
2024-25 FSN Grant Information Session #2
Meeting ID: 816 6630 6418
Passcode: 701316
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Contact Us
Have questions? Contact us at grants@archive.ontariocaregiver.ca.
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Grants Awarded in 2023-24
Capacity-Building Grants were awarded to support Family Support Networks from across Ontario for the 2023-24 grant program. Funding helped to strengthen and re-invigorate FSNs that were impacted by the pandemic, establish new networks, and create new tools, resources, and opportunities for mentorship and skill-building.
Autism Home Base Durham Hamilton FASD Parent & Caregiver Support Group Coalition Des Familles Francophones D’Ottawa Kingston & Area Family Network Connected Families (Community Living Burlington) Leeds and Grenville Family Network Connect-In FSN Microboards Ontario Courage Culture Club Moeen Centre Danforth Family Network New Paths Brant Disability Family Advocacy Network Ontario Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough P.A.D.D. Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County Perth County Family Network (Facile Perth) Durham Down Syndrome Association Prisms Options Program Ensemble (Community Living Essex) Réseau francophone des Conseils de familles Ontario Everyday Families (Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre) Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support Families as Partners (Community Living Ajax Pickering) Scarborough Residential Alternatives Families Matter Cooperative Stormont Dundas Glengarry (SDG) Caregivers Network Family Alliance Ontario Temiskaming & Area Family Nework Family Connections Cheer Group Thames Valley Family Network Family Suport Network Newmarket/Aurora TRM: The Right Madittude Family Support Network supported by Community Living York South Thunder Bay Family Network Family Voice of Lanark County Waterloo Region Family Network Guelph Wellington Family Network (Community Living Guelph Wellington) Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Association Halton FASD Support for Parents & Caregivers York South Family Support Network
