The Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund Concept Definition and Production programs provide IDM content creators with funding for high quality, original interactive digital media content projects that make a positive contribution to the Ontario economy.

• Concept Definition - support for early-stage activities that will assist the applicant company in moving towards the production of a market-ready content project.
• Production - support for the creation of a market-ready content project that will be released to end users.
  

The 2021-22 IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition program includes program and administrative updates. Please read the program guidelines thoroughly.

Deadlines

April 12, 2021 by 5:00 pm and August 30, 2021 by 5:00 pm

Program and Administrative updates:

Program Update: 2021-22

The IDM Fund Production and Concept Definition programs now consist of two streams:

• Interactive Content (Non-Linear)
• Video Content (Linear)

The Ontario Creates IDM Fund – Interactive Content (Non-Linear) program provides IDM content creators with funding for activities related to the creation of interactive content. The Ontario Creates IDM Fund – Video Content (Linear) program provides IDM content creators with funding for activities related to the creation of digital first content which is intended to be accessed in a linear fashion.

Funding Available

Successful applicants are eligible to receive a non-refundable contribution of up to 50% of eligible Ontario expenses as follows:

• Concept Definition
  • Maximum request = $50,000
  • Minimum request = $10,000
• Production
  • Maximum request = $300,000
  • Minimum request = $25,000
    

As a requirement of the program, participating companies must spend at least twice the contribution received from the Ontario Creates IDM Fund on Ontario expenses. 

NOTE: Full eligibility requirements and details can be found in the Ontario Creates Interactive Digital Media Fund Guidelines. Please read the guidelines completely prior to commencing your application. Ontario Creates reserves the right to revise Guidelines and Application Forms. Please ensure that you have the current versions before preparing your documentation.

• Application Form/Online Application Portal

Notes Regarding Budget Templates

All documentation must be submitted on the relevant Ontario Creates IDM Fund budget template. Two templates are available, one for Concept Definition projects and one for Production projects. In order to be considered complete ALL relevant tabs in the budget must be filled in.

Application Process

• All applications must be submitted via the Ontario Creates Online Application Portal (OAP). Applications submitted by any other method will not be accepted.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to start the application process well in advance of the deadline in case technical support is required.
• Prior to starting an application, your company’s corporate information must be registered with the OAP. If you do not have a user account on OAP, please go to https://apply.ontariocreates.ca and click on “Register”.
• If your company is registered, the Ontario Creates IDM Fund program deadline will appear in your dashboard. To start the application, click on “Start new application” and follow the onscreen directions to access the application form.
• If you encounter problems setting up your company’s corporate information, you can email applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca for assistance. This email address can also be used for any technical questions you have about the OAP.

Information Sessions

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an Ontario Creates IDM Fund Information Session. Please complete the online registration form by 5:00 pm on the day prior to the Information Session. Unregistered guests will only be accepted if space permits.

Note: Information session participants will receive an invitation via email with a link and password to login and will be able to call in via conference call during the session.

If you are interested in attending an Ontario Creates Information Session but require it be conducted in French please send a request to idmfund@ontariocreates.ca and arrangements will be made to schedule an additional session on an alternate date.

If you are interested in attending an Ontario Creates Information Session and have accessibility issues that need to be considered, please contact us as above. 

Enquiries

Program Coordinator, Industry Initiatives
Phone: 416-642-6697
Email: idmfund@ontariocreates.ca

Enquiries regarding the Online Application Portal (OAP) should be directed to applyhelp@ontariocreates.ca.

To receive notification of upcoming deadlines and program updates, please register here with your complete contact information, including your full name, company name and telephone number, as well as the name of the program that you are interested in.