Funding Opportunities for Group Home Service

Providers and Residents with Developmental

Disabilities in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Detailed Report
2.1 Government Programs for Group Home Service Providers:

Lev Dov can benefit from various government-funded programs dedicated to supporting group
home service providers and residents with developmental disabilities. These initiatives provide
financial assistance, healthcare coverage, employment support, and access to developmental
services. The amounts of funding available will be presented with each funding source.

Ontario Trillium Foundation

• Program: Resilient Communities Fund - Next Deadline: October 25, 2023, at 5 PM ET -

Amount Awarded (Per Year): Minimum $10,000, Maximum $100,000
• Program: Community Investments (Seed Grant, Grow Grant and Capital Grant) - Next
Deadline: no future deadlines - Amount Awarded (Per Year): Seed Grant $5K-$75K,
Grow Grant $50K-$250K, Capital Grant $10K-$150K
• Program: Community Building Fund (Capital Stream and Operating Stream) - Next
Deadline: no future deadlines - Amount Awarded (Per Year): Capital Stream $10K-
$100K, Operating Stream $10K-$250K

Ontario Autism Program (OAP) - Workforce Capacity Fund

The needs-based Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is changing the way many autism
services are delivered. With more funding going directly to families for core clinical
services, (applied behaviour analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy,
mental health services, including counselling and/or psychotherapy, technology, program
materials and/or therapy equipment) The demand for clinicians continues to rise, and the
sector is adapting to offer a broader range of flexible and individualized services in an
open market. The workforce capacity fund gives grants to service providers and
community organizations to help address challenges and transition to delivering service
within the needs-based program.

• Service Provider Expansion Stream: Provides financial support for children's service
providers to expand capacity in delivering OAP clinical services. Grants range from $25,000
to $200,000 for 12 months.

• Sector Innovation Stream: Supports capacity-building projects for system-wide

change and innovation at the community, regional, or provincial level. Grants range from
$25,000 to $300,000 for 12 months.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Seed Funding: Interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions to develop and

preserve affordable housing. Property Type: • All tenure types and building forms • No
restrictions on future residents of the project • Must have a minimum of 5 affordable units
(beds) • Primary use must be residential Investment Type: New construction: Non-
repayable contributions, interest-free loans Preservation: Non-repayable contributions
Eligibility: New construction: • Community housing sector (non-profit housing
organizations and rental co-operatives) Investment Amount: New construction:
Contribution of up to $150,000 and/or an interest-free loan of up to $350,000.

National Housing Co-Investment Fund: Low-cost repayable loans and forgivable loans
to create new or repair existing affordable housing that covers a broad range of housing
needs Property Type: • Community and affordable housing • Mixed use market/
affordable rental housing • Shelters • Transitional housing • Supportive housing
Investment Type: Low-cost repayable loans, forgivable loans, contributions as well as
repayable and forgivable. Eligibility: • Community housing sector (public or private non-
profit housing organizations, rental co-operatives) Private sector developers and builders
(not eligible under the Contribution Only stream) Investment Amount: New
construction: $1,000,000 minimum federal investment (Repayable and forgivable loan)
Repair/renewal: $250,000 minimum federal investment (repayable and forgivable loan)
For forgivable loans only, smaller investments will be considered.

Affordable Housing Innovation Fund: Flexible financing options will be considered to

encourage new funding models and innovative building techniques to revolutionize the
affordable housing sector Property Type: Varies based on projects Investment Type:
Flexible financing options that may include repayable loans, forgivable loans, equity
capital investments, other innovative arrangements Eligibility: • Non-profit housing
providers (including faith-based organizations) Investment Amount: Varies based on
proposals
The Community Housing Transformation Centre

Local Projects Grant

The Local Projects Grant is designed to improve the quantity and quality of the services
you provide to your tenants and your community. It is designed to support community-
based housing providers at the local level, either individually or in small clusters. Grants
under this category encourage transformative projects that seek to provide new services
to the community, enhance existing services, and build organizational capacity among
recipients. The projects must offer realistic solutions and be aligned with the
organization’s mission.

Funding

The funding range may vary by project because of evolving specific conditions and needs.
Proposals are evaluated according to two categories: projects up to and under $50,000
and projects over $50,000. Applications to the Sector Transformation Fund: Local Projects
are limited to $150,000.

Sectoral Projects Grants

The Sectoral Projects Grant is designed to enhance the service offering to community
housing developers at the regional, provincial or national levels. Grants under this
category support transformative projects that seek to provide new services to diverse
communities in multiple regions, or enhance existing services. The project must provide a
viable solution and contribute to strengthening the housing sector as a whole, in a specific
region or for a specific type of housing.

Funding

The funding range may vary by project because of evolving specific conditions and needs.
Proposals are evaluated according to two categories: projects up to and under $50,000
and projects over $50,000. There is no pre-determined limit to the amount of funding that
can be granted from the Sector Transformation Fund: Sectoral Projects, but it must remain
within the financial capacity of the Centre.
Canada Summer Jobs

Purpose: Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-
profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer
full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15
to 30 years.

Wage Subsidies: Up to 50% of employee minimum hourly rate; Non-profits can receive
grants up to 100% of minimum wage plus Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs);
Capped at a maximum of $300K per employer/province or territory. Currently $4200 per
employee

Enabling Accessibility Fund

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for projects that make Canadian
communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. EAF aims to
create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities,
programs and services, or access employment.

The small projects component

The small projects component provides grant funding for small-scale construction and
communication technology projects that improve accessibility in communities and
workplaces. Grants can be up to $100,000 per project.

Project examples may include building ramps, accessible doors and accessible
washrooms, installing screen reader devices and hearing loop systems, constructing a
universally designed office or creating an accessible playground.

The mid-sized projects component

The mid-sized projects component gives funding for larger construction projects. These
projects must offer a holistic suite of programs and services to include persons with
disabilities in their communities, and the labour market. Contributions can be up to $3
million per project.

Eligible projects may include constructing or renovating centres or hubs that offer
programming and services for persons with disabilities in their communities or expanding
existing centres or hubs that offer programming and services for persons with disabilities
in their communities.

Flat rate

The EAF has introduced flat rate costing to the small and mid-sized projects components.
Flat rate costing determines the amount of funding for constructing: ramps, accessible
doors, accessible washrooms, elevators, lifts, pool lifts, multi-sensory rooms/stations, or
accessible playgrounds.
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) supports the improvement of physical conditions
for arts, heritage culture and creative innovation. The Fund supports renovation and
construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies
related to cultural spaces. The CCSF receives applications on an ongoing basis.

The Program’s support for an individual project is limited to 50% of total eligible expenses.
Maximum contribution amounts are set per type of project.

The maximum contribution payable for an individual construction or renovation project is

$15,000,000 or 50% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.

The maximum contribution payable for an individual project in respect to the purchase or
rental of specialized equipment is $5,000,000 or 50% of total eligible project costs,
whichever is less.

The maximum contribution payable for an individual feasibility study is $500,000 or 50% of
total eligible project costs; whichever is less.

In exceptional circumstances, we can fund up to 75% of eligible expenses per project. The
specific funding criteria related to exceptional circumstances include: projects occurring in
rural or remote areas; underserved communities and groups, such as: official-language
minority communities, Indigenous communities, ethnocultural communities; and any
other exceptional cases determined by us.

Applying for more than 12 months - You may request funding for a project spanning more
than 12 months. You must then show that there is a need for a multi-year commitment
and that you have the capacity to complete the project. This is demonstrated with a
realistic project timeline and budget projections as well as sound governance.

City of Toronto (Grants and Rebates)

This program helps parents with some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a
severe disability to help the child live as normal a life as possible at home and in the
community.

Ethno Cultural Property Tax Rebate: Property tax rebate for owners or lessees of
properties used as Ethno-Cultural Centres. Department: Revenue Services

Property Tax Rebate for Charities: Registered charities may be eligible for a rebate of
40% of property taxes paid if they meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Section 329
of the City of Toronto Act, 2006. Department: Revenue Services
2.2 Specialized Funding Programs for Group Home Residents:

In addition to government initiatives, specialized funding programs provide financial resources

for individuals with disabilities and their families. While primarily aimed at direct support to
individuals, these programs can support group home residents through respite care, personal
support workers, and community participation supports.

Assistive Devices Program

This program provides financial assistance to help Ontario residents with long-term
physical disabilities obtain basic, competitively priced, personalized assistive devices
essential for independent living.

How much is covered

We cover 75% of the cost for most equipment and supplies. For these items, we are billed
directly by the supplier and you pay 25% when you buy the item. In some cases, you will
receive a series of payments throughout the year to help cover the cost of supplies.

What is covered

These types of equipment and supplies: mobility aids, hearing aids and other devices,
communication aids, visual aids, diabetic equipment and supplies, respiratory equipment
and supplies, home oxygen therapy, artificial eyes and facial prosthetics, custom orthotic
braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps, prosthetic breasts or limbs,
enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies.

Home and Vehicle Modification Program (March of Dimes Canada)

You could get money to help with the cost of making your home and vehicle more
accessible if you or your child has a disability that restricts mobility.

HVMP - Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must: Be a permanent Ontario Resident. Be in financial need (combined

household income of under $60,000). Have a permanent ongoing or recurring disability
that impedes mobility and results in substantial restrictions in activities of daily living
(eating, bathing, toileting, transferring, and mobility) and/or getting in and out of your
home to access essential medical care or community services.

If eligible, you may apply for: Up to $15,000 lifetime maximum for home modifications,
adaptions and devices - Up to $15,000 for vehicle modifications every 10 years

Applicants (and their spouses, life partners, or guardians, if applicable) with an annual
income of more than $35,000 are required to contribute toward the cost of the
modifications, adaptions, and devices.
Developmental Services Ontario – Passport Program

The Passport Program, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
(MCCSS), helps adults with a developmental disability be involved in their communities
and live as independently as possible by providing funding for community participation
services and supports, activities of daily living and person-directed planning. The program
also provides funding for caregiver respite services and supports for primary caregivers of
an adult with a developmental disability.

If you are approved, is the $5,500 continued each year? Will the amount change? If
approved for Passport funding, it will automatically renew each April 1st for the same
funding amount.

How is it determined whether an applicant can receive more than the initial $5,500
funding? Once you have completed your Application Package (ADSS/SIS) with a DSO
Assessor, it is then forwarded to your local Passport office for review of funding
allocations.

What is the maximum amount of Passport funding that an individual can receive in a year?
The maximum amount of funding a person can receive is $44,275.00.00 per year which is
dependent on assessed need, priority, and available government resources.

Developmental Services Ontario – Specialized Supports

Specialized supports are provided by local agencies and funded by the Ministry of
Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). Agencies offer different types of
specialized services and supports across the province. Some of the types of specialized
services and supports that may be available to you include: Adult protective service worker
(APSW), Behavioural services, Case management services, Person-directed planning,
Housing Supports, Caregiver Respite Supports, Community Participation Supports.

Ontario disability support program (ODSP) – Income Support

If you are eligible to receive ODSP income support, you will receive a monthly payment.
The amount you receive depends on your living situation.

If you rent or own your own home, your monthly payment will include two parts: basic
needs and a shelter allowance. The amount you can receive for your ODSP income
support is up to $1,228 a month and may be adjusted based on your situation. This income
support is also adjusted in July each year, based on inflation.
Ontario Disability Support Program health and disability benefits

This program helps parents with some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a
severe disability to help the child live as normal a life as possible at home and in the
community.

Prescription drug coverage - If you receive ODSP income support, you and your family will
get coverage for prescription drugs that are both: listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit
Formulary and prescribed by an approved health care professional. 100% Coverage – no
limit on coverage

Dental coverage - You and your spouse may get coverage for: basic dental services and
additional services if your disability, prescribed medications or prescribed treatment
affects your oral health.

Vision coverage and glasses - If you do not have vision care coverage under the Ontario
Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), you and your family may be able to get help with costs of:
routine eye examinations (once every two years) for you and your family if coverage
under OHIP is not available. Assistance with the cost of prescription eyeglasses (once
every three years) for you, your spouse and your children under 18 years of age.
Assistance with the cost of eyeglass repairs for you, your spouse and your children under
18 years of age.

Mandatory Special Necessities Benefit - You and your family may be able to get help with
the cost of: transportation for medical appointments and treatment, diabetic supplies,
such as syringes, alcohol swabs and blood glucose monitors, and surgical supplies,
surgical dressings and incontinence supplies.

Transportation for medical appointments and treatment - You may receive money to
cover the cost of travel to and from a medical appointment with an approved healthcare
professional if you and your family spend $15 or more a month on transportation.
Approved health care professionals include doctors, dentists and nurses.

If you are attending mental health therapy, mental health counselling, or drug or alcohol
recovery groups, the cost of transportation may also be covered under the Mandatory
Special Necessities Benefit.

Coverage for assistive devices - If you have a long-term physical disability, you can get
help paying for equipment and supplies when you qualify for the Assistive Devices
Program. If you need an assistive device, you should contact your doctor who can help you
apply. ODSP can help with some of the costs that the Assistive Devices Program does not
cover.
Here are some categories of assistive devices: mobility aids, hearing aids and other
devices, communication aids, visual aids, diabetic equipment and supplies, respiratory
equipment and supplies, home oxygen therapy, artificial eyes and facial prosthetics,
custom orthotic braces, compression garments and lymphedema pumps, prosthetic
breasts or limbs, and enteral-feeding pumps and ostomy supplies

How much is covered

We cover 75% of the cost for most equipment and supplies. For these items, we are billed
directly by the supplier and you pay 25% when you buy the item.

Hearing aids and devices - The Ontario Disability Support Program may help with:
purchasing a hearing aid or an alerting system (for example, a visual smoke alarm),
repairing a hearing aid, replacing a battery for a hearing aid

This benefit covers the cost of items if other funding is not available. You, your spouse and
children under 18 years of age are eligible for help with alerting systems, and batteries
and repairs for hearing aids and devices.

Batteries and repairs for mobility devices - ODSP can also provide help with the cost of
batteries and repairs for mobility devices if no other funding is available. Here are some
examples of mobility devices: manual or electric wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, lifting
devices. You and your family members are eligible for help with batteries and repairs for
mobility devices.

Special Diet Allowance - The Special Diet Allowance (SDA) helps eligible ODSP recipients
and their family members with the extra costs of a special diet for an approved medical
condition.

Registered disability savings plan (RDSP)

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) can help you or your family save for the
future. An RDSP can earn interest tax-free until it is taken out of the plan.

The government can make contributions if you have a low or modest family income,
regardless of whether or not you contribute financially to your plan. It can also provide
grants based on matching contributions from private sources.

The government offers up to $20,000 in bonds and $70,000 in grants to eligible individuals.

These government contributions are paid to your RDSP until you become 49 years of age.
Any contribution to your RDSP will have no impact on your other federal benefits such as
the Canada Child Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax Credit, Old Age Security payments
and Employment Insurance.