Capacity-Building Grants for Family Support Networks

The 2025-2026 Call for Applications Are Now Open! Application deadline is 4:00pm on Friday, March 14, 2025.

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 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.

See the Guidelines and the Application Form for more information.

Virtual Information Sessions: Applicants are encouraged to join an information session (online – Zoom) offered on two dates:

Thursday, February 20th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
2025-26 FSN Grant Information Session # 1
Meeting ID: 844 7152 1757
Passcode: 1FSN2025

Thursday, February 27th @ 12:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
2025-26 FSN Grant Information Session # 2
Meeting ID: 896 6209 6369
Passcode: 2FSN2025

Questions about the grant process? Ask by email.

Ask by Email

You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on OCO activities, including the next call for grant applications.

Partners for Planning offers a map of Family Support Networks in Ontario. Find a Family Support Network in your community by clicking here.

Information About the 2025-2026 Application Process

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 annual grant program is for 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 the Application Form for more information on eligibility.
Types of Funding and Grant Amounts (2025-2026)
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.

Grants Awarded in 2024-2025

“See the Guidelines and the Application Form for more information.Capacity-Building Grants were awarded to support Family Support Networks from across Ontario for the 2024-2025 grant program.

Funding will help to strengthen and reinvigorate FSNs, establish new networks, and create new tools, resources, and opportunities for mentorship and skill-building.

2024-2025 Grant Recipients

Bryan’s Place	Freedom Forgers Family Support Network
Care Connect	Guelph Wellington Family Network
Caregivers Network – Supporting Caregivers of Special Needs Family Members (SCSF)	Le réseau de soutien familial francophone de Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
Coalition des familles francophones d’Ottawa	Leeds Grenville Family Network
Community Living Oakville Family Group	Microboards Ontario
Connect In Family Support Network	Newmarket/Aurora Family Support Network
Connected Families (Community Living Burlington)	Ottawa Family Support Network
Connected Families – York South Family Network	Parent Resource Group Brantford
Danforth Family Network	Perth County Family Network
Deen Support Services	Prince Edward County Family Engagement Network
Disability Family Advocacy Network	Reach Centre Grey Bruce
Disability Advocacy Network of Eastern Ontario – Réseau d’action pour l’intégration des personnes handicapées de l’est ontarien	Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society
Down Syndrome Association of Niagara	Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support
Down Syndrome Association of Simcoe County	SDG Caregiver Network
Down Syndrome Association of Sudbury	Securing Journeys
Downtown Toronto Family Support Network	Thunder Bay Family Network
Everydayliving4us	Total Communication Environment Family Support Network
Families as Partners (Community Living Ajax, Pickering, Whitby)	Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society
Family Alliance Ontario	Windsor Essex Family Network
Family Connections Cheer Group	York South Family Network
Family Voice of Lanark County

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Guidelines for FSN Grants 2025-26 (word)

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Guidelines for FSN Grants 2025-26 (pdf)

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Application Form for FSN Grants 2025-26 (word)

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Application Form for FSN Grants 2025-26 (pdf)

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