Ontario Creates — IP Fund (Linear Content)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Ontario's provincial film/TV production grant (formerly Film Fund). Development stream up to $25K (50% of ON spend). Production stream up to $400K dramatic / $200K documentary (10% of ON spend). Two annual intakes. Next deadline: April 21, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
- Canadian-owned production company
- Incorporated in Ontario or federally with ON registration
- Principal place of business in Ontario
- For-profit, private sector
- In sound financial position
- Feature film or digital series
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Development: up to $25,000; Production: up to $400,000
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- April 21, 2026; September 22, 2026
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipContact ipfund@ontariocreates. ca well before deadline — consultations close 2 weeks prior. Development stream ($5K-$25K) is lowest-barrier entry. Stack with OFTTC (35% Ontario labour tax credit).
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Success Profile
Ontario-based Canadian production company with feature film or digital series, broadcaster/distributor attachment, strong ON economic impact.
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Evaluation Criteria
Job creation and Ontario economic impact (Ontario-resident employment generated); business growth potential (market access, distribution advances, co-production); content quality and diversity (original Canadian stories, cultural diversity, underrepresented voices); gender parity (Ontario Creates tracks and rewards gender-balanced teams); financial viability (confirmed financing from Telefilm, CMF, broadcasters); project readiness (for Production: ready to go; for Development: advanceable script stage).
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 5
Eligible Expenses 9
- Canadian and Ontario-resident cast fees
- Ontario-resident crew wages and salaries
- Ontario-based production facility and equipment rental
- Ontario-based post-production services (edit, colour, sound, VFX, music)
- Script and music rights (Ontario portion of costs)
- Production insurance and legal fees tied to the production
- Ontario-based location fees
- Development costs (Development stream only): writer fees, story editor, director and producer development fees, rights option fees, legal costs for development agreements, project-specific research costs
- Pitch materials production (Development stream only)
Ineligible Expenses 11
- Non-Ontario-resident labour costs (excluded from eligible Ontario spend base)
- Non-Ontario supplier costs (excluded from eligible spend calculation)
- Costs previously supported by another Ontario Creates program on the same project
- Marketing and distribution costs post-production
- Development costs claimed under the Production stream
- Costs incurred before application submission
- Short films, TV series, or documentaries below minimum runtime
- Capital equipment purchases
- Projects controlled by non-Canadian companies
- Non-profit organizations
- Overhead and general administration
Intake Periods
Two annual intakes: Spring (April 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET) and Fall (September 22, 2026). Fiscal year April-March.
Deadline Notes
Two annual intakes: April 21, 2026 (5 PM ET) and September 22, 2026. Apply via Ontario Creates OAP. Staff consultations unavailable within 2 weeks of deadline.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Non-Canadian-owned or non-Canadian-controlled companies
- Companies not incorporated in Ontario or federally registered in Ontario
- Companies without principal place of business in Ontario
- Non-profit organizations
- Companies not in good standing with Ontario Creates
- Companies with unfulfilled obligations from prior Ontario Creates funding
- Government entities
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How Ontario Creates — IP Fund (... Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Creates — IP Fund (Linear Con... | up to $25,000 | Moderate | Lump Sum | April 21, 2026;... |
| Canada Media Fund | up to $250K | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing (multiple... |
| Telefilm Canada Funding Programs | Varies | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Multiple annual intake... |
| Canadian Film or Video Production Tax... | 25% | Moderate | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
| Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit | 25% of eligible BC | Moderate | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
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