About 50 publishers and circulators attended yesterday’s orientation meeting for the newly expanded OMDC Magazine Fund program, learning the fund has doubled in size because of its success in creating economic activity for Ontario.

The biggest change to the fund, available to approved projects proposed by qualifying Ontario publishers, is the addition of a new stream to support digital enhancement projects. Deadline for project applications is July 6.

Also, whereas in the past publishers could apply for only one project, this year publishers can apply for two projects if one is a traditional project and one is a digital project. Or they can apply for one combined traditional/digital project.

Publishers must be based in Ontario and have produced a print magazine with minimum 75% Canadian editorial content for at least one year to apply. Magazines can be paid or controlled circulation, consumer or b-to-b, with a minimum circulation of 2,500. Eligibile projects must be approved by a jury and not every submission is approved because of limited funds. Grants cover a maximum of 75% of total project costs.

Funding levels have increased from a maximum of $25,000 per approved project in previous years to $75,000 this year, depending on the size of the publishing company and the nature of the project. Publishers may apply for the the following levels of funding, based on eligible sales revenue (revenue attached to the magazine brand including brand extensions):

Eligible sales revenue	Traditional Project - up to	Digital Enhancement - up to	Total    Funding Available per Applicant
Over $2 million	$55,000	$75,000	$75,000
$501,000 to $2 million	$45,000	$60,000	$60,000
$20,000 to $500,000	$25,000	$35,000	$35,000

The full set of guidelines, the application form, and a new budget template for applications can be found on the OMDC web site here. You can e-mail your specific questions to program administers from that page.

Visit the Government Links page on Masthead (always available under the Links & Blogs button) for links to other government support programs across the country.