IP Fund — Linear content

💡What Is This Program?

🎁What Benefits Are Offered?

Provides non-repayable contributions for the Development and Production phases of feature films (drama and documentary) and digital series. Funding covers a percentage of Ontario spend, with specific maximums varying by project phase and content type (e.g., Development up to $25,000; Production for dramatic feature films up to $400,000; Production for documentary feature films up to $200,000; Production for digital series up to $200,000).

📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

📝Steps to ApplySource

• Review the IP Fund – Linear Content Guidelines and Ontario Creates Program Policies
• Prepare required application materials as outlined in the Online Application Portal (OAP)
• Submit the application via the Online Application Portal by the deadline
• If applicable, provide a brief project update on financing plan one week before the jury meeting
• Wait for eligibility and completeness review by Ontario Creates
• Receive communication regarding decision within 16 weeks of the deadline
• Accept and sign the conditional award letter if successful

🌐Application PortalSource

https://apply.ontariocreates.ca/

📤Submission MethodSource

online

📅Key DatesSource

April 21, 2026Application Deadline

September 22, 2026Application Deadline

🔄Intake TypeSource

fixed-deadline

📄What Documents Are Required?

✅Required DocumentsSource

• IP Fund – Linear Content Guidelines
• Ontario Creates Program Policies
• Schedule of Minimum Commitment of Ontario Expenditures (SMCOE)

📎Optional DocumentsSource

• Marketing and Sales Strategy

📐Format Requirements

PDF only, max 10MB

📥Templates AvailableSource

• Schedule of Minimum Commitment of Ontario Expenditures (SMCOE)

✉️Supporting LettersSource

A signed letter outlining involvement and commitment from a qualifying executive producer is needed.

💰What Expenses Are Eligible?

🧾Eligible ExpensesSource

• Option fees
• Research costs
• Writer and story editor fees
• Story consultant fees
• Community or Diversity consultant fees
• Casting fees and expenses
• Location scouting
• Demo reel
• Sustainability research/planning
• Producer’s fees and corporate overhead
• Legal and administrative fees

🚫Ineligible ExpensesSource

• Costs supported through other Ontario Creates programs or initiatives

📏Expense CapsSource

Up to 50% of Ontario spend*

💳Payment ModelSource

mixed

⏪Retroactive Expenses EligibleSource

No

🤝Is Matching Funding Required?

🔀Matching RequiredSource

Yes

📊Matching RatioSource

50%

🏦Eligible Matching SourcesSource

• cash
• in-kind

📚Stacking RulesSource

Costs supported through other Ontario Creates programs or initiatives will not be eligible for support under the IP Fund.

🛡️Proof of Matching RequiredSource

Documentation to confirm project ownership and financing is required.

📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?

🗓️Reporting FrequencySource

final only

📑Reporting RequirementsSource

• interim report
• final report
• submission of final deliverables

🔍Audit RequirementsSource

receipt and acceptance of the final cost report / audited statement of production costs and final deliverables

📢Branding RequirementsSource

acknowledgment of funding

🗄️Record Retention PeriodSource

7 years