Press Release: Ontario Grant Fuels Fora’s Long-Term Financial Sustainability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Ontario Government Grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Fuels Fora’s Long-Term Sustainability”
Pictured above (from left to right): Fora’s CEO, Emma Asiedu-Akrofi with MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam and Fora’s Senior Development and Operations Manager Marija’s Shaw, holding the OTF grant certificate.
Toronto, ON– On Friday during Fora: Network for Change’s Leadership Forum, the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) was recognized for its crucial support in strengthening Fora’s sustainable revenue generation models and diversification of their funding streams. MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam was onhand to meet with everyone and hear more about how the two-year, $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant that it received from OTF in 2023 is helping it to develop a sustainable model that empowers Fora to continue advancing youth leadership, particularly for young women and others who navigate gender-based discrimination.
"Supporting organizations like Fora: Network for Change is an investment in our community,” said Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre. “Their work empowers young leaders to grow and bring their potential into the future. Thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for committing to building resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to make a difference for the better."
Through this OTF grant, Fora was able to develop a sustainable revenue generation and diversification strategy that strengthens Fora’s organization’s resilience, enabling them to provide consistent and impactful programming to young leaders. The OTF grant is giving them the opportunity to strengthen Fora's organizational sustainability and secure the resources needed to support young leaders in advancing gender equity for the long term.
This kind of support is crucial and ensures that Fora can continue fostering leadership opportunities and amplifying young voices in decision-making spaces, through programming like the Rise on Boards Program, and Fora’s annual leadership Forum.
“We’re grateful for OTF’s support in helping us build a sustainable future,” said Emma Asiedu-Akrofi, Chief Executive Officer, Fora: Network for Change. “By investing in our capacity to generate sustainable revenue, OTF has enabled us to stay focused on our mission and continue to empower youth leadership for years to come.”
Fora’s programming is dedicated to creating a more just and equitable society, where young people who experience gender-based discrimination are central to shaping their communities. With the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s support, Fora is better equipped to sustain its work and expand its reach to more young leaders.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Marija Shaw, Senior Manager, Development and Operations
Fora: Network for Change
marija.shaw@foranetwork.org