Advocacy


The OMA collects and shares funding opportunities for which museums may be eligible and that may help museums achieve their missions. The deadlines, specifics, and application processes for each funding opportunity are provided here for information only and remain the responsibility of the granting organization.

Funding Opportunities

  • Due:
    October 15, 2024

    Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

    Canadian Heritage

    Building Communities through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals component provides up to $200,000 to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists; local artisans; local heritage performers or specialists; and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers.

  • Due:
    July 26, 2024

    Enabling Accessibility Fund – Small Projects Component

    Employment and Social Development Canada

    This program provides up to $125,000 to make communities and workplaces across Canada more accessible for persons with disabilities. It will fund projects that create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, and access employment.

  • Due:
    July 17, 2024

    Accessible Canada – National AccessAbility Week

    Employment and Social Development Canada

    This program provides up to $200,000 to support projects that increase awareness through National Accessibility Week (NAAW) activities in 2025 and in 2026. It will fund projects that improve understanding and knowledge of Canadians on accessibility and disability inclusion, reduce stigma and attitudinal barriers towards persons with disabilities, and share best practices and lessons learned related to NAAW activities within the disability community.

  • Due:
    December 1, 2024

    Digital Projects

    Digital Museums Canada

    Receive an investment of up to $250,000 to develop an online project from the ground up, with the support of a web development agency.

  • Due:
    December 1, 2024

    Community Stories

    Digital Museums Canada

    Receive an investment of up to $25,000 to develop a community stories website using Digital Museum Canada’s website building platform.

  • Due:
    September 12, 2024

    Seniors Active Living Centres Program Expansion: Call for Proposals

    Government of Ontario

    The Government of Ontario is expanding the SALC program. Eligible organizations are invited to propose launching a new SALC program to serve older adults in places that are accessible for people with disabilities and will encourage active and healthy living, social engagement, and learning.

  • Due:
    September 26, 2024

    Great Lakes Local Action Fund

    Government of Ontario

    The Great Lakes Local Action Fund provides funding to projects that help communities take action to increase climate change resiliency and protect or improve water quality in the Great Lakes ecosystem.

  • Due:
    September 12, 2024

    New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects

    Employment and Social Development Canada

    The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) community-based stream is a federal grant. It supports projects that are designed by seniors and for seniors in their communities. This program provides up to $25,000 for projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being.

  • Due:
    September 17, 2024

    Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario

    Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

    Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years (2023-2024 – 2025-2026) to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.

  • Due:
    October 1, 2024

    Commemorate Canada

    Canadian Heritage

    The Commemorate Canada program provides funding to initiatives that commemorate and celebrate historical figures, places, events and accomplishments of national significance.

  • Due:
    November 1, 2024

    Access to Heritage – Museums Assistance Program

    Canadian Heritage

    The Access to Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) provides funding to heritage organizations for travelling exhibitions in Canada, and to promote access to heritage across different geographic regions.

  • Due:
    November 1, 2024

    Indigenous Heritage – Museums Assistance Program

    Canadian Heritage

    The Indigenous Heritage component of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) provides funding for projects related to the preservation, management, and presentation of Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada.

  • Due:
    November 1, 2024

    Collections Management – Museums Assistance Program

    Canadian Heritage

    The Collections Management component of the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) provides funding for projects to improve knowledge, skills and practices related to key museum functions.

  • Due:
    April 2, 2025

    Artistic Institutions – Engage and Sustain

    Canada Council for the Arts

    The Artistic Institutions component of Engage and Sustain funds major Canadian arts organizations rooted in their communities and dedicated to supporting artists and a variety of arts practices. Grants support institutions as artistic leaders to carry out activities that encourage and promote the work of creators, strengthening their relationships with the public.

  • Due:
    October 2, 2024

    Booster Fund

    Metcalf Foundation

    The Booster Fund invites organizations to request additional financial resources to increase their support for artists and arts workers who are participating in their existing activities or projects. The areas of support includes all aspects of an organization’s operations such as creation, programming, leadership development, training, outreach, or education.

    The 2024 Booster Fund will offer grants of up to $30,000 to boost projects or activities planned for 2025, primarily through the lens of increased remuneration and access. The Booster Fund focuses on elements of existing projects and activities, not new projects or activities created in response to this funding opportunity.

  • Due:
    January 15, 2025

    Exhibition Assistance

    Ontario Arts Council

    The program from the Ontario Arts Council supports Ontario-based artists and artist collectives working in visual arts, craft and media art practices in the presentation of their artwork in a confirmed public exhibition, offering a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $2000

  • Due:
    November 5, 2025

    Grow Grant

    Ontario Trillium Foundation

    OTF grants support the work of eligible non-profit organizations to help them deliver direct community-based programs and services in Ontario. Grow grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2 or 3 years. Grants support established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and meet community need. Applicants can apply for funding to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.

    OTF invests in projects that help build healthy and vibrant communities. OTF’s funding priorities focus on areas that identify the types of change OTF invests in. Select the funding priority that best meets the goal of your project:   

    • Foster physically active lifestyles
    • Help people build stronger connections and a deeper sense of belonging in their community 
    • Enrich lives through arts, culture and heritage
    • Support youth to develop stronger social, emotional and leadership skills
    • Support participation in the conservation and restoration of the environment
    • Enable economically vulnerable people to meet their basic needs and/or strengthen their financial stability

  • Due:
    October 25, 2024

    Arts and Culture Assistance Program

    City of Sault Ste. Marie

    The ACAP program provides arts, culture, and heritage funding through several grant streams. These include Project Grants (Large and Small), Operational/Seed Grants, Festivals/Events (Large and Small), and cultural diversity grants. Funding is available to local and area arts, culture, and heritage organizations, collectives/groups, and individuals working in or serving the Sault Ste. Marie community.

  • Due:
    October 25, 2024

    Cultural Hotspots – Live Arts Mentor (LAM) Funding

    Cultural Hotspot

    Live Arts Mentor (LAM) funding seeks to build the capacity of IBPOC-led or serving arts organizations that deliver innovative, engaging arts programming and services in neighbourhoods that have been animated by the Cultural Hotspot, an annual arts program that celebrates Toronto’s outside-the-core communities. Funding of up to $22,000 is provided to high impact and innovative project proposals that foster community engagement. In 2024, LAM funding is available for eligible organizations based in Little Jamaica that previously received Cultural Hotspot funding (Signature, SPARK or Little Jamaica Special Projects). Smaller or newer organizations will partnered with established arts organizations through a mentorship program to strengthen emerging organizations and to build the infrastructure of Toronto’s community arts sector.

  • Due:
    January 13, 2025

    Cultural Hotspots – SPARK Project Funding

    Cultural Hotspot

    SPARK Project funding supports emerging and established equity-deserving artists, artist collectives, not-for-profits and community-based organizations from diverse communities with up to $9,000 per project. This includes up to $1,500 in funding to support youth workforce development opportunities either through employment or paid mentorships. Successful SPARK funding recipients that do not have official not-for-profit status must work with a trustee organization to receive funding. The funding is open to all art disciplines based in or with experience working in the Jane and Finch area.

  • Due:
    January 13, 2025

    Cultural Hotspots – Signature Project 

    Cultural Hotspot

    Signature Project applicants should be established organizations with a proven track record to successfully deliver mid to large-sized community-based arts and cultural projects. Youth workforce development opportunities via job placements and/or paid mentorship are a mandatory component of each Signature Project with priority given to youth from equity-deserving communities. Signature Project funding is up to $22,000 per project inclusive of up to $2,000 to make projects more accessible for persons with disabilities.

  • Due:
    December 1, 2024

    Endowment Incentives – Canada Cultural Investment Fund

    Canadian Heritage

    Part of The Canada Cultural Investment Fund, which encourages private sector investment, partnership and sound business practices to help arts and heritage organizations be better rooted and recognized in their communities, The Endowment Incentives component encourages arts organizations to build new revenue streams. Canadians are encouraged to support the arts by providing donations to professional arts organization’s endowment fund. The government provides a funding incentive for these donations.

  • Due:
    December 2, 2024

    Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant 

    Government of Ontario

    The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (2024-25) is a program that will provide funds to eligible faith-based, cultural, 2SLGBTQQIA+, First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Indigenous organizations and communities to enhance or implement measures to ensure community spaces remain safe and secure from hate-motivated incidents. 

    To be eligible for the grant, the applicant must hold gatherings of religious, spiritual or cultural significance, at least once a month as part of regular activities. 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations that primarily hold 2SLGBTQQIA+ annual cultural gatherings are also eligible. The applicant must be a registered charity or not-for-profit corporation without share capital, First Nations band council, First Nations tribal council or First Nations education authority.

    Eligible organizations in Ontario can receive a one-time grant of $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000 as well as additional funding for non-registered chapters that meet eligibility guidelines.

    Applicants are required to use the entirety of the grant on eligible expenses related to safety, security and capacity building measures against hate-related incidents for the organization (including additional non-registered chapters, if applicable). All approved applicants will have until September 2, 2025, to spend all funds received on eligible expenses.

  • Due:
    April 9, 2025

    Youth Innovations Test Grant

    Ontario Trillium Foundation

    Grassroots work is community-led and community-designed. Shared identities and lived experiences are essential to building relationships with those benefiting from the work and help set the stage for grassroots groups delivering impactful, local projects. A key requirement for Youth Innovations grants is that they must be led by and for priority populations.

    Through this grant stream, the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in projects led by youth or youth-adult partnerships to improve the social and economic wellbeing of youth. YOF’s work is founded in the belief that young leaders have the tools and skills to come together based on shared experiences to address the needs of youth. Young leaders are driven to find solutions that can have lasting impact and design projects that reflect how culture and traditions can enhance learning and life-long skills development to improve wellbeing.

    A Youth Innovations Test grant is designed to help groups: 

    • Try out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
    • Research, learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue.
    • Bring youth together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively.

    YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and/ or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

    In addition to prioritizing Black and Indigenous grassroots groups and youth, YOF prioritizes investing in projects that positively impact youth with the following intersecting lived experiences or identities:  

    • Youth in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law   
    • Youth in care or leaving care   
    • Youth at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school
    • Youth living with disabilities and/or special needs between the ages of 12 to 29   
    • Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) youth

    Complete the Expression of Interest: Step 1 of the grant application

    The Expression of Interest is the first step of a grant application and it provides OTF with the information needed to assess your proposed project. The deadline for Expressions of Interest is April 9, 2025.

    Groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete Step 2 of the grant application.

    Deadline to submit the grant application is July 9, 2025, at 5 PM ET.

    Term length is minimum 1 year, maximum 3 years. Funding up to a maximum of $100,000

  • Due:
    April 9, 2025

    Family Innovations Test Grant

    Ontario Trillium Foundation

    The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) recognizes the impact that healthy and resilient families have on the future success of young people. 

    We define a parent, guardian or caregiver as someone who is responsible for the physical, emotional, and economic wellbeing of children and youth.  Our definition of parents, guardians and caregivers is inclusive and respects diverse cultural and decolonized interpretations of these roles. 

    By investing in grassroots projects that are community-led and community-designed, opportunities are created for families to develop culturally anchored solutions to issues faced by people like them, and empower parents, guardians and caregivers to improve their social and economic stability. Through shared identities, culture and traditions, families can find ways to connect and create networks of support to navigate social systems and services that present obstacles to their success through a Family Innovations Grant. 

    Eligible groups can apply for a Family Innovations Test grant to support a project designed With a Family Innovations Test grant, parents, guardians and caregivers can:

    • Try out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of parents, guardians and caregivers
    • Research, learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue
    • Bring parents, guardians and caregivers together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively

    YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) and/or Black parents, guardians and caregivers who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

    In addition to the prioritization of Black and Indigenous grassroots groups and parents, guardians and caregivers, YOF prioritizes investing in projects that positively impact parents, guardians and caregivers with the following intersecting lived experiences or identities:  

    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers at risk of contact or in contact with child welfare services
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers whose children are at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children living with disabilities or special needs
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+)

    The Expression of Interest is the first step of a grant application and it provides OTF with the information needed to assess your proposed project. Groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete Step 2 of the grant application. It is due April 9, 2025.

    The final grant application is due July 9, 2025, 5 PM ET.

    Term length: Minimum 1 year, Maximum 3 years
    Amount awarded (per year): Maximum $100,000

  • Due:
    April 9, 2025

    Youth Innovations Scale Grant

    Ontario Trillium Foundation

    Successful local projects tailored to the needs of youth can resonate in ways that require a scaled-up response to continue to meet the demand created through trust and collaboration. 

    YOF believes that grassroots leaders with at least two years of experience running community-based projects have the skills to expand and improve them for the communities they serve. By scaling these proven initiatives, they can further improve the social and economic well-being of youth in their communities. A Youth Innovations Scale grant is designed to help groups: 

    • Enhance their existing project to create a deeper impact, or
    • Expand their project to reach more youth.

    YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous and/ or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

    In addition to prioritizing Black and Indigenous grassroots groups, YOF prioritizes investing in projects that positively impact youth with the following lived experiences or identities:  

    • Youth in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law   
    • Youth in care or leaving care   
    • Youth at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school  
    • Youth living with disabilities and/or special needs between the ages of 12 to 29   
    • Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) youth

    Term length: Minimum 2 years, Maximum 3 years
    Amount awarded (per year): Maximum $150,000

    The Expression of Interest is the first step of a grant application and it provides OTF with the information needed to assess your proposed project. Groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete Step 2 of the grant application. It is due April 9, 2025.

    The final grant application is due July 9, 2025, at 5 PM ET

  • Due:
    April 9, 2025

    Family Innovations Scale Grant

    Ontario Trillium Foundation

    The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) recognizes the impact that healthy and resilient families have on the future success of young people. Through the Family Innovations grant stream, established groups led by parents, guardians and caregivers can apply for a grant to scale work they have been delivering to community. YOF believes that grassroots leaders with at least two years of experience running community-based projects have the skills to expand and improve them for the communities they serve. 

    We define a parent, guardian, or caregiver as someone, or one of the people, responsible for the physical, emotional, and economic wellbeing of children and youth. Our definition of parents, guardians and caregivers is inclusive and respects diverse cultural and decolonized interpretations of these roles. With a Family Innovations Scale grant, parents, guardians and caregivers can:

    • Enhance the quality of parents, guardians and caregivers’ experiences to deepen the impact of a current project, or
    • Expand a current project to impact more parents, guardians and caregivers.

    YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous and Black parents, guardians and caregivers who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

    In addition to prioritizing Black and Indigenous grassroots groups, YOF prioritizes investing in projects that positively impact parents, guardians and caregivers with the following intersecting lived experiences or identities:  

    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers at risk of contact or in contact with child welfare services
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers whose children are at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children living with disabilities or special needs
    • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+)

    The Expression of Interest is the first step of a grant application and it provides OTF with the information needed to assess your proposed project. Groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete step 2 of the grant application. It is due on April 9, 2025.

    The final grant application is due July 9, 2025, at 5 PM ET. 

    Term length: Minimum 2 years, Maximum 3 years
    Amount awarded (per year): Maximum $150,000

  • Due:
    February 19, 2025

    System Innovations Grant

    Ontario Trillium Foundation

    System Innovations grants support collaboratives as they aim to understand and strengthen systems so they work better for youth.

    Sectors such as education, justice, child welfare, language and culture, social services and employment play a critical role in the social and economic wellbeing of youth. When there are gaps in the infrastructure and interactions within and between these sectors, communities and organizations work together to create meaningful change. This is what we define as systems change.  

    Systems change work examines how policies, practices and procedures can be improved to better reflect the needs of youth impacted by systemic issues. In this grant stream, YOF prioritizes systems change work that improves the experiences of Indigenous and Black youth who continue to face system barriers and oppression.  

    YOF recognizes that systems change takes time, trust and a deep understanding of how systems function. Youth must be included in the process along with youth-serving organizations and other key stakeholders who directly support policy, design and grassroots work. This collaboration ensures real change goes beyond any single organization and/or isolated program. 

    In the System Innovations grant stream, we invest in collaborative work that strengthen systems to:  

    • Improve how young people navigate and experience services. 
    • Reimagine more unique and equitable access to supports, resources and programs.  
    • Involve youth in the creation of new processes and approaches to better meet their needs.  
    • Reduce the impact of systemic barriers and oppression as a result of historical and current-day realities of Indigenous (First Nation, Métis and Inuit) and Black youth.  

    YOF prioritizes investing in collaborative projects that positively impact youth with the following lived experiences or identities:  

    • Youth in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law   
    • Youth in care or leaving care   
    • Youth at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out   
    • Youth living with disabilities and/or special needs between the ages of 12 to 29   
    • Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) youth 

    Please read the information on this page carefully and access available supports and resources before you apply for a grant.

    Organizations must book a required pre-application coaching call by February 19, 2025, 5 PM ET. This call will discuss key eligibility requirements, the details of your project and the readiness of your collaborative.

    Deadline for lead organizations to submit the Organization Information is February 26, 2025.

    The final grant application submission is due March 12, 2025, 5 PM ET.

  • Due:
    March 5, 2025

    Capital Grant

    Ontario Trillium Foundation

    Improve community facilities and spaces. Capital grants provide funding over one year to help organizations respond to the capital needs of Ontario’s communities.

    Programs and services that support the people of Ontario are delivered locally in a range of community buildings and spaces. These places provide opportunities for activity, recreation and connection and play an important role in creating healthy and vibrant communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging. 

    In the Capital grant stream, OTF funds projects that update buildings, enhance spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so people and communities can thrive.

    OTF invests in projects that help build healthy and vibrant communities. OTF’s funding priorities focus on areas that identify the types of change OTF invests in. Select the funding priority that best meets the goal of your project:   

    • Foster physically active lifestyles
    • Help people build stronger connections and a deeper sense of belonging in their community 
    • Enrich lives through arts, culture and heritage
    • Support youth to develop stronger social, emotional and leadership skills
    • Support participation in the conservation and restoration of the environment
    • Enable economically vulnerable people to meet their basic needs and/or strengthen their financial stability

    Term length: Maximum 12 months
    Amount awarded (per year): Minimum $10,000 Maximum $200,000

  • Due:
    December 19, 2024

    Experience Ontario 2025 Grant Program

    Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

    The Experience Ontario 2025 program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact to motivate visitors to discover Ontario, connect people with local experiences, and increase tourism spending.

    Program Objectives
    Experience Ontario 2025 supports in-person festivals or events in Ontario that will:

    1. Offer programming that encourages people to travel, experience events in-person and
      celebrate Ontario.
    2. Draw tourists and increase visitor spending through innovative programming in partnership with
      businesses and community partners.
    3. Provide job opportunities for Ontarians in the tourism, culture and entertainment sectors.
    4. Increase Ontario’s profile through various media channels.

    Program eligibility

    Eligible organizations must:

    • Be a legal entity, established by or under legislation; federally or provincially incorporated; or a First Nation in the province of Ontario. OR, an Indigenous community in Ontario; a regional or provincial organization representing First Nation, Métis, Inuit or urban Indigenous peoples; or an Indigenous service provider in Ontario (e.g. band councils, tribal councils, Indigenous education authorities, Provincial Territorial Organizations).
    • Be in existence since January 1, 2024, or before.
    • Be an operating business (e.g., business address, physical presence) in Ontario.
    • Not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario.
    • Be conducting business in Ontario (e.g., business address, physical presence) and have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applicant at a Canadian financial institution.

    Ineligible Organizations:

    • Sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships and general partnerships.
    • Federal or provincial governments and/or their agencies.

    Eligible Tourism Festivals or Events

    Tourism festivals or events must meet all the following eligibility requirements:

    • Take place between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, over a minimum of two consecutive days with a minimum of 5 hours programming per day.
    • Occur in the province of Ontario.
    • Be open to the public at large without membership in a club or group.
    • The festival or event must have been held at least once in the previous three-year period.
    • Previous year’s attendance must include tourist attendance at 30% of overall attendance or 5,000 tourists.
    • Follow all municipal and provincial guidelines, including health and safety guidelines.
    • One-day tourism festivals or events held on Canada Day are eligible for funding.
    • Submit expenses for your festival or event that are not solely related to marketing or media buys.

    Ineligible Tourism Festivals or Events

    Ineligible tourism festivals or events include:

    • One-day tourism festivals or events (except for those held on Canada Day).
    • Non-consecutive day festivals or events. Festivals or events that offer a series of days, are only eligible for the consecutive days.
    • Virtual/broadcast festivals or events.
    • Festivals or events that are receiving funding through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program or the Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF).
      • An organization can only apply for Experience Ontario and OMIF if the organization is applying for separate events.
    • Sporting events offering programming that is of primary benefit to event participants/athletes only (e.g., sport tournaments/competitions, marathons), with no ancillary programming for visitors, and is not marketed to, or does not attract tourists.
    • Festivals or events that seek to attract only a special interest audience, restrict audiences (e.g., students only), or recruit new members (e.g., religious, or political gatherings).
    • Festivals or events of a primarily commercial nature, where the main intent of the event is to sell or promote one or multiple products, services, or sponsorships (e.g., trade fairs and shows, business events, consumer shows, artisan, and craft fairs).
    • Fundraising events or events with a primarily charitable purpose.
    • Symposia, conventions, meetings, conferences, seminars, clinics, workshops, contests, and events that solely consist of an award show.
    • Applicants who apply only for marketing funding.
  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario

    Government of Canada

    Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

    Canadian Heritage

    Building Communities through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists; local artisans; local heritage performers or specialists; and local First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Museums Assistance Program – Exhibition Circulation Fund

    Canadian Heritage

    The fund component assists museums with the costs related to the hosting of travelling exhibitions originating from another museum or from a federal heritage institution and the borrowing of artifacts from any of the National museums of Canada. Read the Application Guidelines for more information.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund

    OCAF has three specific aims: to increase cultural tourism by providing investments to assist Ontario cultural organizations to promote, market and present one-off or first-time events, or a significant expansion of existing activity, which are designed to attract new tourists and visitors to cultural events; increase the earned revenue capacity of the applicant organization; and support events that foster economic growth and contribute to job creation.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

    Canadian Heritage

    The fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage culture and creative innovation. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Community Enhancement Program

    Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

    The program is designed to help build strong and resilient Northern communities through infrastructure investments, to upgrade / repair existing assets to improve community quality of life, economic development infrastructure and strategic economic development initiatives. It has three streams; Enhance Your Community Program, Rural Enhancement Funding Stream and Broadband and Cellular Expansion Projects.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Community Events Stream

    Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

    The stream supports organizations that host events that increase community profile and promote economic development in Northern Ontario. Municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations, and Local Services Boards located in Northern Ontario are eligible to apply.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    People and Talent Program

    Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

    The program is designed to attract, retain and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce. It has 2 streams: Indigenous Workforce Development Stream, and Workforce Development Stream.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Events – Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program

    Canadian Heritage

    The program provides funding to community-based events that promote intercultural or interfaith understanding, promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination, or celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament. Read the Application Guidelines for more information.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Movable Cultural Property Grants

    Canadian Heritage

    The grant helps designated organizations acquire cultural property of outstanding significance and national importance to Canada, as outlined in the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. Designated organizations are located in Canada and demonstrate the ability to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural property. Grants can be used to purchase cultural property for which an export permit has been denied; or that is important to Canada’s national heritage and available for purchase outside the country.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Legacy Fund – Building Communities through Arts and Heritage

    Canadian Heritage

    Provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. 

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Economic Development Initiative in Southern Ontario

    FedDevON

    FedDev Ontario delivers $800,000 annually through EDI to support projects encouraging economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Francophone communities in Southern Ontario. 

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Canada Travelling Exhibitions Indemnification Program

    Canadian Heritage

    Through the program, the Government of Canada assumes the financial responsibility for loss or damage to objects and appurtenances in eligible travelling exhibitions. The Program has two objectives: first, to increase access for Canadians to Canada’s and the world’s heritage through the exchange of artifacts and exhibitions in Canada; and second, to provide Canadian art galleries, museums, archives, and libraries with a competitive advantage when competing for the loan of prestigious international exhibitions.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program

    Canadian Heritage

    The objectives of the programs are to support Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures, and in the production and distribution of Indigenous audio and video content. 

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Regional Development Program: Eastern Ontario Development Fund

    Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

    The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Regional Development Program: Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

    Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

    The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Public Outreach – Arts Across Canada

    Canada Council for the Arts

    The Public Outreach component of Arts Across Canada supports activities of Canadian groups and organizations, as well as professionals in architecture, that contribute to the public appreciation and enjoyment of the arts. Grants fund a wide range of live events, publications and other initiatives that build connections between artists and diverse audiences.

  • Due:
    Ongoing

    Documentary Heritage Communities Program

    Library and Archives Canada

    The purpose of this program is to provide approximately $ 1.5 million in funding each year to local organizations in support of Canada’s documentary heritage. The term “documentary heritage” refers to records and publications (written or audio-visual) that reflect Canada’s history. Some examples include:

    • photographs
    • audio or visual recordings
    • treaties
    • dictionaries and lexicons
    • portraits
    • diaries
    • maps
Further funding opportunities

For more funding opportunities, please visit: