Ontario Creates’ new IP (Intellectual Property) Fund will launch in January 2025. The IP Fund is intended to drive economic growth in Ontario’s screen sectors by investing in activities that support the production and exploitation of innovative, high-quality, consumer-focused content. The IP Fund will combine the current Film Fund and Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund – Concept Definition and Production programs into a single, integrated program that supports screen-based content creation by Ontario companies.

Details regarding the new IP Fund will be posted on the IP Fund page.

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 take place prior to and assist the applicant company in preparing for full production of a market-ready interactive content project
• Production - support for the creation of a market-ready interactive or video content project that will be made publicly available to an audience

The 2024-25 IDM Fund: Production and Concept Definition program includes program and administrative updates. Please read the program guidelines thoroughly.

Deadline

August 26, 2024 by 5:00 pm

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

• Interactive Content (Non-Linear) - provides IDM content creators with funding for activities related to the creation of digital first interactive content which is intended to be accessed in a non-linear fashion. This can include, but is not limited to: video games, mobile content, e-learning content, XR experiences with substantial interactive content and digital publishing projects.

• Video Content (Linear) - 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. This can include, but is not limited to: web series, video content for online magazines, XR experiences with minimal interactive content, etc.

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
    

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.

Companies are encouraged to contact Ontario Creates to review eligibility criteria. New companies and first-time applicants are required to contact Ontario Creates at least three weeks in advance to determine their eligibility before submitting an application.

You are welcome to schedule a meeting to discuss your company and project eligibility, and to ask any questions about the application process. Ontario Creates staff has phone / online meeting availability until Friday, August 16. After the date, prospective applicants may email with any questions, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee a response. All queries should be addressed to idmfund@ontariocreates.ca.  

Ontario Creates Program Policies

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. 

Information session participants will receive an invitation via email with a link and password to login

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. 

Recording of an Information Session 

Attending an Information Session is not a substitute for reading the guidelines. Please read the guidelines.

Enquiries

Program Coordinator, Industry Initiatives
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