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Apply for ATP Eligibility
Household size and income limits
Fare products and prices
How to apply
Purchasing fare products
Renewing your card
ATP brochure translated into multiple languages
The Affordable Transit Program (ATP) offers a 48% discount on the price of GRT fare products. ATP is open to anyone in Waterloo Region living with low income.

If approved, all members of your household can purchase the discounted fare products. This includes all children 17 or younger.
Apply for ATP
ATP replaces the Transit for Reduced Income Program (TRIP) and the Transit Study program products.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for ATP if:

You are 18 or older

You live in the Region of Waterloo

You are not a full-time college or university student

Your household income is below the income limit

A household can include a single person living alone, or a partner, child, parent or grandparent living with you for financial support.

Your household net income (add line 23600 from each members tax return) must be below these limits:
If you receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support:
Eligibility for the ATP is managed by the Region of Waterloo Department of Community Services. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact Community Services at 519-883-2100 ext. 3 (Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.).
If you receive subsidized child care:
Fare products and prices
Proof of address - 1 of the following:
Once you are approved for ATP, you can purchase monthly passes, stored value or MobilityPLUS tickets. All products offer the same 48% discount.
Proof of income - 1 of the following, for each income-earning member of your household:
Note that there is a $10 minimum load for stored value.

Applying for the Affordable Transit Program

If you have questions while completing the ATP application, call 519-883-2100 ext. 3. Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.

If you need assistance to complete the ATP application, you can also visit one of the Community Service Welcome Centres.

99 Regina St. S., Waterloo

235 King St. E., Kitchener

150 Main St. Cambridge

Online:
Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.
By phone:
Application documents

Here's what you'll need to submit your application:

Date of birth

SAMS Member ID OR Social Insurance Number

If you are not receiving OW, ODSP or subsidized child care, you'll need to provide proof of address and proof of income.

Valid driver's licence

Ontario health card (e.g. photo or temporary card)

Ontario photo ID card

Government issued mail

Current utility bill

Rent receipt or lease

Mortgage document

Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment: your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency that shows your income on line 23600. This is the document that the CRA sent you after they received your tax summary; it verifies your net income.

CRA Proof of income statement (Option C)

Letter from Registered Social Worker

You can submit your documents online by uploading a photo. You can also submit your application online and bring your documents in person to one of the Community Services Welcome Centres:

99 Regina St. S., Waterloo

235 King St. E., Kitchener

150 Main St. Cambridge

Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Getting your proof of income documents

Log in to your Canada Revenue Agency My Account

Once you've logged in, you can download your notice of assessment, or get a proof of income statement (Option C).

Call 1-800-267-6999

You'll need your:

Social Insurance Number

Full name and date of birth

Your complete address

Line 150 from your most recent assessment

Purchasing fare products

Once you're approved for ATP, you'll need to visit GRT customer service to get your ATP EasyGO fare card. Every eligible member of your household who is going to use transit will need to come to customer service in person to get their card.

Once you have your ATP EasyGO fare card, you can load reduced monthly passes or stored value.

You can load monthly passes:

You can load stored value

If you purchase a regular monthly pass before your eligibility is confirmed, you will not be able to have your pass refunded. You will be able to purchase a discounted monthly pass for the next calendar month.

MobilityPLUS customers

If you use MobilityPLUS specialized services, you can purchase reduced MobilityPLUS ATP tickets to pay your fare on MobilityPLUS vehicles.

ATP tickets can be purchased at:

GRT Customer Service Centre, 105 King St. E., Kitchener (corner of King and Benton streets)

Ainslie Street Terminal, 35 Ainslie St. S., Cambridge

By calling 519-585-7597 ext. 7347 (Credit card only)

Renewing your card

Your eligibility for ATP lasts for one year. Once the year is up, your card will no longer work on GRT. If you are still eligible for ATP, you can reapply for the program.

There are two steps to renewing your card:

1. Complete and submit the ATP application again, including your updated proof of income documents, if required.

2. Once your application is approved, visit GRT customer service to get your new ATP card. Any leftover stored value balance can be transferred from the old card to your new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Affordable Transit Program?

The Affordable Transit program offers a reduced fare for people living with low income in Waterloo Region. Those who qualify through the application process receive a 48% discount on specific GRT fare products. You must be 18-years-old or older to apply. If approved, eligibility lasts one year and individuals can apply annually.

2. Why is the Transit for Reduced Income Program (TRIP) being replaced?

The Affordable Transit Program replaces TRIP. The ATP makes it possible to now offer more residents living with low income a discounted transit fare.

3. What if Ontario Works (OW) is paying for my bus pass?

There are no changes for you; and you can continue to use your card. When you are no longer eligible through OW, you can apply for the ATP

4. What defines a household?

A household can include a single person living alone, or with a partner, child, parent or grandparent (spouse or dependants)who live with you for financial support.

5. I'm under the age of 18. Can I still apply?

If you are under 18 years old, you should:

Apply as part of your family. Your parent/legal guardian should fill out the application.

If special circumstances apply, contact your Ontario Works caseworker, or contact Region of Waterloo Community Services at 519-883-2100.

6. I've been approved. Now what?

If you are approved you can visit GRT customer service to get your fare card. Please bring valid ID. Your eligibility in this program will last one year, meaning you will have to apply each year to stay in the program.

7. Who determines eligibility?

ATP is managed by Region of Waterloo Community Services. Community Services determines eligibility based on the household income supplied in your application. GRT does not handle applications or eligibility for ATP.

8. My application was not approved. What can I do?

If you believe there is a mistake in your application or your financial circumstances change contact Community Services.

9. Where is the application? How do I apply?

The application for ATP will be available online at grt.ca beginning August 1, 2020.

10. I live with roommates, but make less than the single person income outlined. Can I apply or are my roommates considered part of my household?

Yes, you can apply. A household is defined as those who live with you for financial support, such as a spouse, parent or child.

11. How do I find out if I've been approved for the ATP?

You will receive an email or can find out the status of your application through Community Services or your case worker.

12. What documents do I need when applying?

You will need to provide proof of income and proof of address. Please review the application document section for a list of accepted documents.

13. I live in one of the townships. Can I still apply?

Residents of Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich, and North Dumfries are eligible to apply for ATP.

14. I'm over the age of 65. Can I still apply?

Yes. If your household income falls below the limits outlined you may be eligible for ATP.

15. My eligibility is going to end. What should I do?

Your card expires after one year. If you allow it to expire, it will no longer work. You will need to reapply for ATP. Submit your application at least 30 days before your card expires.

Any stored value left on your card can be transferred to a new card.

16. I've been approved. What fare products can I purchase?

Customers approved for ATP can purchase monthly passes or stored value. Both products offer the same 48% discount. For instance, when paying your fare with stored value, the fare deducted will be the discounted ATP rate.

17. How does stored value work?

The 48% discount is applied when you pay your fare on bus or train. Not when you load your card with stored value. For instance, if you want to load $20 in stored value on your card, you will pay $20. The discount is applied when you go to pay for a ride, the price deducted from your stored value will be the ATP discounted fare.

18. I forgot my card. Can I pay the reduced rate in cash?

No. To get the ATP rate you must use your EasyGO fare card.

19. Can I purchase a day pass or summer pass?

No. The ATP only applies to a monthly pass or stored value.

20. I've lost my fare card. What should I do?

Notify GRT if you have lost your card. Your monthly pass or stored value may be transferred to a new card, but you will be charged a $5 card replacement fee.

21. I have a transit pass paid for by Ontario Works. Do I have to apply?

If you already receive a transit pass paid for by Ontario Works (TAP), there are no changes to the program. You can continue to use your EasyGO fare card.

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Eligibility and application for discounted transit products for people living with low income

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Waterloo Region is one of the best places in the world to do business because it is diverse, inclusive, leading-edge, entrepreneurial and collaborative.

Waterloo Region offers diverse economic sectors spanning from business & financial services, digital media and ICT, manufacturing, automotive and food processing and agriculture. Additionally, Waterloo Region is comprised of world-class clusters such as artificial intelligence, security, autotech, industry 4.0 and big data. These sectors and clusters played a key role in developing a GDP of $26.35 billion in 2015.

Many organizations call Waterloo Region home and within the Region there are many resources to accelerate business growth, such as Communitech Hub, Communitech Data Hub, Catalyst 137, Velocity, Evolv1, Accelerator Centre, David Johnston Research + Technology Park, Open Sky Incubator and GaslightDistrict & Grand Innovations.

Research and development is strong in Waterloo Region with leading internationally-focused research institutes such as Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Institute for Quantum Computing, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy, Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research, Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology, Centre for Cold Regions & Water Science and Centre for International Governance Innovation.

Waterloo Region has access to over 2.7 million people within a 45 minute drive, and is an ideal gateway to markets around the world. It offers a strategic location, internationally-renowned post secondary institutions, a growing supply of talented and skills workers, rich traditions and a vibrant lifestyle.

Join world-class businesses like Google, BlackBerry™, Open Text, Christie Digital, Honeywell, Teledyne DALSA, Agfa HealthCare, Novocol Pharmaceutical, KaVo Canada, Toyota, Manulife Financial, Sunlife Financial, and many more which already call this leading growth region home.

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Information to business opportunities in Waterloo Region.

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Deadline is August ? Will you participate in co-writing a grant proposal?

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Resources to direct residents to the appropriate contact

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Expressions of interest due August 23

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Eligible groups can submit their Expression of Interest until August 23, 2023, at 5 PM ET.
Start now

Looking to enhance or expand an existing project?

By making connections in community, parents, guardians and caregivers can build networks of support to enhance and enrich each other's lives. Through the Family Innovations Stream, the Youth Opportunities Fund recognizes that parents, guardians and caregivers can look different for different families. We define them as someone, or one of the people, responsible for the physical, emotional, and economic wellbeing of children and youth. We acknowledge both legal and decolonized/culturally rooted understandings of guardians and caregivers.

In the Family Innovations Stream, we support grassroots groups that are community-led and community-inspired to scale work they have led for over two years. We invest in work that continues to empower and support parents, guardians and caregivers to improve their social and economic stability.

Through shared identities, culture and traditions, parents, guardians and caregivers can build meaningful relationships to reduce social isolation, adopt new skills, learn about social systems and create collective pathways toward improved wellbeing.

With a Family Innovations Scale grant, groups led by parents, guardians and caregivers can:

Enhance the quality of parents, guardians and caregivers' experiences to deepen the impact of a current project, or

Expand a current project to impact more parents, guardians and caregivers.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Submission opens for EOI

May 31, 2023

Deadline to submit EOI

August 23, 2023 at 5 PM ET

Notification of status of EOI

Approximately 6 weeks after EOI deadline

Step 2: Grant application
Only applicants with a successful EOI will be invited to submit a grant application.

Deadline to submit the grant application, which includes the signed OM- Grassroots Group Collaborative Agreement Deadline to register the Organizational Mentor (OM)

November 15, 2023, 5 PM ET

Notification of funding decision

Approximately 8 weeks after the grant application deadline

Organizational Mentor Application

Open year round

Start date for all Grants

March 1, 2024

We have made changes to the application process for this Youth Opportunities Fund grant. Please read this carefully.
November 15, 2023 at 5 PM ET is the deadline for shortlisted applicants to complete and submit the grant application. This includes:

Plan your application

A Scale grant can support your group to make more of an impact in your community by adding to or expanding the reach of a community project you have been delivering for over two years.

To give your application the best chance of being successful, please read the information on this page carefully. It will help you make sure that your group, project, and the people you want to support align with Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) funding priorities.

All grassroots groups applying for a grant must partner with an Organizational Mentor and enter into a collaborative agreement. An Organizational Mentor provides administrative support, project mentoring, and financial accountability to grant recipients. Learn more about requirements for Organizational Mentors.

Eligibility

The Youth Opportunities Fund supports projects led by parents, guardians and caregivers who share identities, experiences, and face the same systemic barriers as the parents, guardians and caregivers who will benefit from the project. This "by and for" principle is a requirement in all funding streams.

Discover if your group is eligible for funding, and make sure the people who will benefit are in YOF's priority beneficiaries. Potential Organizational Mentors (OMs) should also review the information in this section.

Review all eligibility criteria

Group requirements

Groups that apply for a Family Innovations grant need to meet the following requirements:

The group is led by parents, guardians and caregivers.

The group has at least three core group members.

More than 50% of core group members are at arm's length relationship to each other.

Core group members (including board members, where applicable) reflect the identities and experiences of the parents, guardians and caregivers they are working with and for.

Core group members have experience doing work together. This experience can included delivering core program model or other activities.

The group demonstrates that collectively they have the skills and experiences to deliver project activities and scale this project.

The group is based in Ontario.

The group exists independently of a larger organization (other not-for-profit), charitable organization or municipality, university, school, religious institution and/or hospital.

The group agrees to work with an Organizational Mentor and has autonomy to choose their Organizational Mentor, design the project, identify group members, and plan for the future.

We prioritize projects led by and for Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) and Black parents guardians and caregivers.
Note

Groups can only apply for one Youth Opportunities Fund grant at a time.

If your group has an active Youth Opportunities Fund grant, you can only apply for funding if you are in the last year of your active grant.

Eligible groups

The work of a parents, guardian and caregiver-led grassroots group is community-led and community-inspired. Grassroots group means that core group members share identities and lived experiences with the parents, guardians and caregivers who will benefit from the project.

Applicants that meet the group requirements must also be one of the following:

A grassroots group that is not registered as a charity or as an incorporated not-for-profit
If you are a grassroots group from a First Nation, you are eligible to apply. Your group cannot have more than 50% of its members as part of the band office or band council.

An organization incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation without share capital in a Canadian jurisdiction

This includes a Chartered Community Council, operating under the Métis Nation of Ontario, or Inuit communities that are registered as not-for-profit corporations without share capital in Canada.

The organization is required to have independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in either of the last two years.

Board members and day-to-day management must also be parents, guardians and caregivers.

Ineligible groups

The following are not eligible to apply:

Registered charities

Religious entities established for the observation of religious beliefs, including, but not limited to, churches, temples, mosques and synagogues.

Municipalities

Groups/projects based at an existing organization (not-for-profit or for profit).

Groups specifically designed to serve parents, guardians, and caregivers through committees or clubs of institutions, including municipalities, universities, schools, and hospitals.

Groups looking to design programming for children

For-profit businesses

Individuals

Project eligibility

Your project may be eligible if it:

Includes all required information

Strongly aligns with your chosen YOF Priority Outcome

Project model has been implemented for two or more years, and there are strong benefits to parents, guardians and caregivers you're engaging

Complies with OTF policies

Our policy requirements define eligibility for OTF funding and outline exclusions

Funds are granted to eligible applicants delivering eligible project activities that directly align with YOF Priority Outcomes

Benefits parents, guardians, and caregivers

Application process

YOF's application process involves various steps for groups and Organizational Mentors.

Prepare your application
2. Register your group

Once the application portal opens, create your user profile to register your group

You will need to enter the name of your group's primary contact and their email address.

We will email the primary contact a user ID, temporary password and instructions on how to access the online Expression of Interest application.

If your group is already registered with OTF, log in using your current user ID and password.

3. Submit the Expression of Interest

The purpose of the Expression of Interest is to equip our staff with the information needed to assess your project idea, group and potential for impact. This is the first step of a Youth Opportunities Fund grant application.

Once the application portal opens, you can complete and submit the Expression of Interest by the deadline date. Please note that any late submissions of the Expression of Interest will not be accepted.

4. Review and assessment of Expression of Interest

Using the assessment criteria, our staff review your group's eligibility, your readiness to do this work, the potential impact of your project, and how well you understand the needs, interests, and experiences of the parents guardians and caregivers you want to work with.

As part of the assessment process, we review the online presence of all applicants to ensure they deliver direct programs and services to Ontarians and that they are not engaged in ineligible activities. This includes:

The majority of group activities are for the purpose of bringing about change in law or government policy, including public policy dialogue and development

Political activities supporting or opposing any political party, elected representative, or candidate for public office

For more information about eligible and ineligible activities, review OTF's Eligibility Policy

5. Notification of shortlisted groups

We notify all applicants of the status of their Expression of Interest approximately 6 weeks after the deadline.

If your Expression of Interest is successful, your group will be shortlisted and invited to submit a grant application with an Organizational Mentor.
For shortlisted groups, begin to research potential Organizational Mentors

6. About Organizational Mentor

Groups are required to confirm their Organizational Mentor at the grant application stage. We encourage you to start this relationship early.

We will verify the eligibility of your Organizational Mentor. For more information about how we assess eligibility, review OTF's Policies and Organizational Mentor requirements.

If your selected Organizational Mentor is not eligible, we will ask them to notify your group and project leaders. The YOF team will provide support to find a new potential Organizational Mentor.

Is your Organizational Mentor new to OTF? The organization is required to be registered with OTF. Once OTF's application portal opens, your Organizational Mentor can create a user profile to register their organization.

Is your Organizational Mentor already registered with OTF? Once OTF's application portal opens, your Organizational Mentor can log in to complete the online application. Look for the button called Applications (YOF) in the top right corner of the portal. Then, click on the tab called Begin New Application Org Mentor.

7. Submit the grant application (for shortlisted groups only) 8. Recommendation and selection

YOF's volunteer Grant Review Committee review grant applications and recommends a list of applications to be approved by OTF's Board of Directors.

OTF's Board of Directors approves grant recommendations put forward by the Grant Review Committee.

9. Notification

Your group will be notified on the status of your grant application approximately 8 weeks after the deadline.

10. Confirmation and Orientation

Successful groups take part in a mandatory orientation session

Your Organizational Mentor is sent an email with the OTF Grant Contract.

Your Organizational Mentor is responsible for signing and upholding the Grant Contract with OTF.

11. After approval

Start date: The start date is no earlier than March 1, 2024

Reporting & monitoring: In addition to scheduled touch points, grantees track activities, spending, and learning to complete the annual progress report and a final report

Capacity building: This is an opportunity to enhance group skills as you deliver your project. Capacity building work will help you connect and network with other grantees by participating in YOF led events and making the most of capacity building funds available in your project budget.

Evaluation: Grantees must work with YOF's external evaluation partner, Students Commission of Canada, to evaluate progress towards the chosen YOF Priority Outcome

Completion: After our staff approve a Final Report, the grant hold-back funds, which is the final payment for the project, are released and the grant is closed

Grantee compliance: A random sample of grants are subject to a Grantee Compliance Audit. Grant files can be audited for compliance at any point during the grant's life, or after the grant has been closed.

Choose your project type

Scale grants can help you improve or expand your own successful project, where you've delivered core activities for over two years. Two types of projects qualify for a Scale grant. Choose the one that most closely aligns with your project.

Enhance the quality of parents, guardians and caregivers' experiences to deepen the impact of a current project

Your group has already been successfully delivering core activities through this project for at least two years and has had a positive impact on the parents, guardians and caregivers you serve. Throughout the delivery of your project, you have developed a program model with positive results.

Additionally, you can sustain the program as a result of your group's track record and continued engagement with parents, guardians, caregiver, and community. Now, your group wants to make the project even better to increase impact on parents, guardians and caregivers.

This project type also includes adding new program components, such as modifying and/or making refinements to your existing model.

Choose this project type if:

This is a project your group currently delivers and/or has delivered for at least two years

Your group has strong evidence of the project's success and impact that aligns with one of the Priority Outcomes associated with this grant

Your group can demonstrate how you can enhance your core project and deepen the impact for the parents, guardians and caregivers you are currently working with

Your group's core team of three or more members has history and experience doing work together. This experience can include delivering the core program model or other activities

Expand a current project to impact more parents, guardians and caregivers

Your group has already been successfully delivering core activities through this project for at least two years and has had a positive impact on the parents, guardians and caregivers you serve. Throughout the delivery of your project, you have developed a program model with positive results, and you can sustain the program as a result of your group's track record and continued engagement with parents, guardians and caregivers and the community. Now your group wants to reach more parents, guardians and caregivers and expand the impact of your project.

Expanding an existing successful project should also include aiming to increase the number of parents, guardians and caregivers who can access your program. For example, you could add more locations or hours to expand program delivery and increase access for your beneficiaries.
Choose this project type if:

This is a project your group currently delivers and/or has delivered

Your group has strong evidence of the project's success and impact that aligns with one of the Priority Outcomes associated with this grant

Your group can demonstrate how you can expand the reach of the project and achieve your chosen Priority Outcome to serve the same parents, guardians and caregivers you are currently working with

Your group's core team of three or more members has history and experience doing work together. This experience can include delivering the core program model or other activities

Choose your Priority Outcome

Family Innovations Priority Outcomes reflect the changes YOF is investing in. While many of the outcomes focus on key priority populations or experiences, we continue to prioritize Indigenous and Black parents, guardians and caregivers as part of our ongoing commitment to address systemic barriers to economic and social wellbeing. The one Priority Outcome your group chooses must align with the impact you have already had on one of YOF's primary beneficiaries. Your project should build on that impact in your Scale grant.

How to choose a Priority Outcome

When choosing your YOF Priority Outcome, ask yourself:

What key issues and/or challenges do your selected YOF parents, guardians, and caregivers face?

Over the past two years, what changes did your group achieve through your core project activities and what changes do you want to sustain as a group?

What results does your group hope to achieve through your project?

As you fill out your application, you should align your answers to the Priority Outcome your project will achieve.

All approved projects must advance one of these outcomes through project activities. The one you choose identifies the impact your project will have.

Creating safe spaces for Indigenous and/or Black parents, guardians, and caregivers to strengthen relationships, build strong community and cultural connections, and heal from trauma

Supporting parents, guardians, and caregivers to navigate and access resources for economic stability

Supporting parents, guardians and caregivers to effectively navigate, access, and influence systems that affect family well-being

Choose your Primary Beneficiaries

Who do you want to benefit from your project activities? The YOF invests in projects led by and for parents, guardians, and caregivers who face systemic barriers to wellbeing. If you see members of your core group and the people you want to engage through your project reflected in the list below, it's likely that your group is eligible.

Primary Beneficiaries

Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) parents, guardians, and caregivers
When selecting Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit), beneficiaries can be from urban, rural and on reserve communities

Black parents, guardians, and caregivers

Racialized parents, guardians, and caregivers

Newcomer parents, guardians, and caregivers

Francophone parents, guardians, and caregivers

Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+)

Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children living with disabilities or special needs

Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children living with mental health needs and/or addiction

Parents, guardians, and caregivers living in rural, remote and/or Northern communities

Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law

Parents, guardians, and caregivers at risk of contact or in contact with child welfare services

Parents, guardians, and caregivers whose children are at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school

Parents, guardians, and caregivers in low income situations

Parents, guardians and caregivers who are homeless or at risk of being homeless

Parents, guardians, and caregivers whose children are not engaged and/or are at risk of not being engaged with education programs, employment programs, or training programs

Eligible and ineligible project expenses

Staffing (with considerations for Mandatory Employee Required Costs (MERC) of 20%)
As you consider the roles and responsibilities of staff, ensure you include livable wages to support your program delivery

Transportation

Honorarium (participants, volunteers)

Support Services (translation, interpretation, child-minding)

Project supplies and materials

Project equipment (rental or purchase)

Food

Communications (website, promotions)

Fees (for services delivered by experts, facilitators, professionals)

Contingency (maximum of 10% per year)

Mandatory expenses that need to be included in every Family Innovations grant application:

Administrative support costs (OM): 15% of total budget

Capacity building: Minimum of $2,000 per year required and up to a maximum of $4,000 per year

Capital infrastructure projects (renovations to space)

Expenses related to political or religious activities

General or ongoing operating expenses (unrelated to the project)

Bursaries, scholarships, sponsorships or individual requests (including regranting funds to other projects or people)

Fundraising campaigns

For a full list of ineligible expenses, review OTF's Eligibility Policy.

Expression of Interest assessment

Your Expression of Interest is assessed based on three areas of the application: Group Eligibility, People and Strategy.
Read specific requirements

The Project Plan and Budget will not be assessed with the Expression of Interest. However, it will be reviewed by a Program Manager if your group's project is shortlisted. A Program Manager will reach out to share feedback on the Project Plan and Budget before the grant application deadline.

If your group is shortlisted, you'll be invited to submit a grant application with an Organizational Mentor.

Assessment Area #1: Eligibility
Eligibility is reviewed and assessed as either Eligible or Not Eligible.

Project leaders reflect the identities and experiences of those YOF parents, guardians and caregivers they are working with and for.

The group exists independently of a larger organization (other not-for-profit), charitable organization or municipality, university, school, and/or hospital.

The application is complete and contains clear and detailed responses.

Parents, guardians and caregiver are the direct beneficiaries of the project.

The group has at least three core group members.

More than 50% of core group members are at an arm's length relationship to each other.

The group is not a registered charity.

The group is a registered not-for-profit.

If yes: Board members are clearly identified and reflect the identities and experiences of the YOF parents, guardians and caregivers being served.

The group is based in Ontario.

The project complies with OTF policies.

The group is in compliance with advocacy restrictions of OTF's Eligibility Policy.

The group is either an unincorporated group or an incorporated not-for-profit corporation, with independently managed revenues of $50,000 or less in either of the last two years.

Assessment Area #2: People

Scoring weight: 40%
Strong Grassroots Leadership

The group members have a history of working together.

The group demonstrates that collectively they have the skills and experiences to deliver project activities and scale this project.

The group demonstrates that they can effectively administer the grant (annual planning and reporting, budget management etc.).

Assessment Area #3: Strategy

Scoring weight: 60%
Setting the Context (Issue and idea)

The group clearly and fully demonstrates they have delivered activities over two years to parents, guardians and caregivers.

The group has fully and clearly described how they want to scale their current project and for what purpose (to "Enhance the quality of parents, guardians, and caregivers' experiences to deepen the impact of a current project" or "Expand a current project to impact more parents, guardians, and caregivers").

The need, issue or opportunity connects to systemic barriers that YOF parents, guardians and caregivers face.

Original core activities and proposed plan to scale are an effective response to the need, issue or opportunity the group is addressing.

The idea (including plan for scaling) is culturally anchored and has been designed to respond to the experiences, needs and assets of YOF parents, guardians and caregivers.

Potential for Impact (Idea and impact)

YOF parents, guardians and caregivers are clear and direct beneficiaries of the project.

The changes the group hopes to make can be achieved through their project.

The changes or impacts the group hopes to make aligns with their chosen YOF Priority Outcome.

Eligible groups can submit their Expression of Interest until August 23, 2023, at 5 PM ET.
Start now

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Family Innovations Scale Grants support grassroots groups to scale proven community projects to help families thrive.

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Info found on pages 35-37 of the Resources Guide

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Staff at the WRDSB are not immigration officials. Parents must make sure that immigration documents are up-to-date with the Waterloo Region District School Board.

For families moving to Canada, eligibility for enrolment and fee-exempt status is based on status in Canada, Ministry of Education guidelines and supporting regulations. The Education Act determines whether students have a right to fee-exempt education in Ontario.

What is your Immigration Status?

Click on the immigration status which applies to you below to see relevant requirements:

Parent with Work Permit

Children under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee-exempt status if a parent has a valid Work Permit and the child lives with the parent. Visiting scholars are often included in this category.

Required documents for Parent with Work Permit:

Parent with Study Permit

Children under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee-exempt status if they live with the parent and all of the following conditions are met by a parent with a Study Permit:

The parent must have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario. This includes Ontario Universities and approved Ontario Colleges;

The parent must be accepted into a full time program leading to a post-secondary Degree, Diploma, or Certificate program. Certificate programs must be at least 2 semesters long;
If fee exempt status applies, the child may begin school 1 week before the start date of the parent's program; fees apply to students who wish to enrol prior to this date

The parent must maintain status as a full-time student; AND

The child must live with the parent who is studying in Canada.

Requirements for Parent attending English Classes

The parent's Letter of Acceptance must state that the English as a Second Language (ESL) program is a prerequisite for a Degree, Diploma or Certificate program.

The ESL program must be provided by a Designated Learning Institution thatreceives operating grants from the Government of Ontario. This includes Ontario Universities approved Ontario Colleges.

Prerequisite ESL studies must be completed within 1 year. If ESL studies are not completed within the first year of enrolment, tuition fees may apply for the child to remain in school until the parent begins their Degree, Diploma or Certificate program.

Required documents for Parent with Study Permit:

Parent's Study Permit (Note: The Study Permit is received upon arrival in Canada. See sample Study Permit)

Official Letter of Acceptance from the post-secondary institution that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario . This includes Ontario Universities and approved Ontario Colleges .

Tuition Receipt issued by the post-secondary institution showing that tuition fees are paid in full for the current or upcoming semester

If the parent has started their program, we require a current enrolment letter issued by the post-secondary institution. (Submit as Supplementary Document)

Child's Passport

Child's Birth Certificate

Child's Visitor Record or Study Permit, if available (Submit as Supplementary Document)

Proof of address in Waterloo Region (See the list of acceptable proof of address documents below. Submit as Supplementary Document)

Student with Refugee Claimant Document

Students under the age of 21 with a valid Refugee Claimant Document may be eligible for fee-exempt status.

Required documents for Student with Refugee Claimant Document:

In Application for Citizenship or Permanent Residence

Students under the age of 21 who are In Application for Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Resident status may be eligible for fee-exempt status.

Please contact the International Admissions Office at international@wrdsb.ca for information

Children under the age of 18 may be eligible for fee-exempt status if the parent is a religious worker authorized to work in Canada.

Required documents for Clergy:

A valid Visitor Record and Passport for the parent who is the religious worker

Children's Passports

Letter from the religious organization indicating the duties fulfilled by the parent

Proof of residence in the Waterloo Region (a rental agreement or utility bill)

Proof of Address Documents

We are able to accept the following documents as proof of your permanent address in Waterloo Region. The document must include a parent's name:

Lease agreement or purchase agreement (Must be signed by the parent and landlord. Please provide the first several pages including the signatures page.)

Recent utility bill (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet or property tax bill issued within 1-2 months of the date submitted.)

Property insurance bill or Ontario property assessment notice

If you do not have one of the documents listed above, please contact our office.
We cannot accept a driver's license or health card.
Categories: International

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Requirements for International Families - Register for Programs with the WRDSB

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Staff at the WRDSB are not immigration officials. Parents must make sure that immigration documents are up-to-date with the Waterloo[...]

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Register your child for school in the Catholic Board

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Register your child for school in the Catholic Board

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Information found on pages 35 - 37 or the Resources Guide.

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Which WRGR Host shall be profiled this month?

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Which WRGR Host shall be profiled this month?

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(add photo and thank you statement)

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Open your doors to Ukrainians needing shelter

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Tuesdays at 7:00 pm - all are welcome. Practice speaking English and build confidence.

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131 Victoria St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 2B6

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Apply for a 48% discount on transit fare

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Affordable Transit Application | Affordable Transit Program

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Hani answered on the first ring and said newcomers (who applied prior to July 1st with IRCC) require only a blood test and chest x-ray. Without OHIP the fee is $50.00. It's easy to book an appt. on the website. Book your appointment to get an OHIP card at Ontario Service Centre at the corner of Duke and Ontario streets in Kitchener (page 22)

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Use the library to:

Borrow books, magazines, movies, music, and more

Use computers and free wireless Internet

Attend free programs and events

Read to and play with your children

Find books, CDs, and DVDs to help you learn English

Learn about Canada and your new community

Meet with settlement workers

Get a Library Card

Study for the Citizenship Test

Are you preparing to take the Canadian Citizenship Test? These resources can help you study!
Library Settlement Partnership

The Library Settlement Partnership (LSP) program is joint partnership between Citizenship & Immigration Canada, the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, and the Kitchener Public Library.

Settlement workers can help new Canadians in the Kitchener-Waterloo area with needs such as language training, career and employment, housing, health care, education and more. Whether you are new to Canada or have been in Canada for some time, the settlement workers are here to help. Translation services can also be made available through referral.

Locations: Central Library, Forest Heights Library, Grand River Stanley Park Library

Languages:  Amharic, Arabic, English, Italian, Spanish and Tigrinya

Appointments: To book an appointment, or learn more about Library Settlement Partnership, please contact intake at 519-208-9582 or intake@kwmc-on.com.

Newcomer questions?

For questions about newcomer programs and services contact:

Erica Dudszus
Phone: 519-743-0271 x230
Email:  erica.dudszus@kpl.org

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Newcomers to Canada - Kitchener Public Library

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We are happy to help welcome newcomers to Canada into their new community.

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skip to main content

Go online with Onlia and save on car insurance in southeastern Ontario.

How much is car insurance in Kitchener?

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Car insurance in Kitchener | Onlia Insurance

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Get a car insurance quote in Kitchener and save more than $500 on premium coverage with Onlia Insurance. Get a quote today, and be covered tomorrow.

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Ask someone you know if they'd like to host!

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Ask someone you know if they'd like to host!

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Most people who are hosting a Ukrainian newcomer, say they were asked directly, to do so.

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Story on how a host was matched with a newcomer family

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Story on how a host was matched with a newcomer family

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Sign up for free courses

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Learn about working in the construction industry with this introductory course.
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Information, usage, best practices, and safety guidelines when using VR devices.
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Learn about working in the construction industry with this introductory course. Learn more Information, usage, best practices, and safety guidelines when using VR devices. Learn more