Supporting Artistic Practice — National Arts Service Organizations

Type
GRANTS AND FUNDING
Application Difficulty
HARD
Application DeadlineJanuary 21, 2026
Time To Complete4 weeksProgram Budgetno cap
See If You Qualify

Highlights

This program is designed for businesses like yours that are committed to promoting and supporting the arts on a national level. By applying, you can receive up to 60% of your total annual revenues averaged over the last three years. This funding can significantly boost your ability to provide essential services and opportunities for artists and arts organizations.

Key Benefits:

  • Encourage dialogue, networking, and shared learning within the arts community.
  • Initiate research and analysis to better understand and support the arts sector.
  • Promote the arts to the public, increasing visibility and appreciation.
  • Provide ongoing services that strengthen the professional arts sector.

This funding is more advantageous than other financing options because it is a grant, not a loan, meaning you do not have to repay it. Approval will help you sustain and grow your operations, ensuring long-term impact and stability. The qualification process is straightforward, making it easier for you to access these valuable resources.

Financing Details

Type of Financing: Grant

Eligible Expenses:

  • Member services and activities that strengthen the vitality of the professional arts sector on a national basis.
  • Encouraging dialogue, networking, and shared learning.
  • Initiating research and analysis.
  • Representing and promoting the arts to the public.
  • Providing ongoing services and opportunities for artists and/or arts organizations.

Ineligible Expenses:

  • Activities that receive funding from another Canada Council program.
  • Activities listed on the general list of ineligible activities.

Fees:

  • No fees associated with the program.

Qualifications

  • Must be a national arts service organization.
  • Must be an incorporated not-for-profit arts organization.
  • Must work with a professional staff.
  • Must have at least 5 years of continuous activities and services that support the professional arts sector.
  • Must have had total revenues exceeding $75,000 in each of the last 3 years (some exceptions may be considered).
  • Must presently receive core support from this component or have received 1 composite grant or 3 Canada Council project grants in the last 5 years (excluding specific programs).

  • Disqualifications:

    • Organizations that receive funding from another Canada Council program for the same activities.
    • Organizations that have not received the required grants or core support as specified.

Description

This program offers your business a great opportunity to receive financial support. You can get up to 60% of your total annual revenues averaged over the last three years. This money can be used to enhance your business operations and support various activities.

You can use the funds for:

  • Encouraging dialogue, networking, and shared learning
  • Initiating research and analysis
  • Representing and promoting the arts to the public
  • Providing ongoing services and opportunities for artists and arts organizations

The funds are designed to strengthen the vitality of the professional arts sector on a national level. This is a fantastic chance to grow your business, expand your network, and increase your impact in the arts community.

Program Steps

  1. Create an Account on the Portal: Visit the program's portal and create an account. Ensure you submit one or more profiles for validation at least 30 days before you want to apply.

  2. Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. You will need:

    • Financial statements for the last three years.
    • Business plan.
    • Details of intended use of funds.
    • Proof of incorporation as a not-for-profit arts organization.
    • Evidence of professional staff employment.
    • Records of continuous activities and services supporting the professional arts sector for at least five years.
    • Documentation showing total revenues exceeding $75,000 in each of the last three years.
  3. Review Guidelines and Application Form: Download and review the guidelines and application form from the portal. Ensure you understand the requirements and the types of activities that can be funded.

  4. Contact a Program Officer: Reach out to a program officer if you have any questions or need clarification on the application process. This step is crucial if your organization is presently receiving core support from another component.

  5. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate and detailed information. Make sure all sections are completed and all required documents are attached.

  6. Submit the Application: Submit your completed application through the portal before the deadline. Ensure all information is accurate and all required documents are included.

  7. Await Notification: After submission, wait for the notification of results. The program will review your application and inform you of the outcome.

Visit Program Website