New initiatives grants support creative risk-taking in the form of pilot projects, new initiatives in development and the early work of emerging groups.

Grants may be awarded up to a maximum of $6,500 or 35% of the proposed project budget.* Matching funds can be a combination of cash and in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are limited to 25% of the overall project budget.

* Applicants who are not yet established or registered as non-profit societies may be awarded grants up to a maximum of $5,000 or 50% of the project budget. 

Program & project grants support creative programs and projects of all kinds that exhibit quality artistic, cultural or heritage practices, and that clearly articulate a high level of benefit to the community. While program & project grants are available for a wide range of creative, artistic and cultural practices, the defining focus of the program is to support:

• The production or presentation of a single program, project, show or series that recurs on a regular, annual or bi-annual basis (annual support);
• One-time only projects that do not meet the criteria for New Initiatives Grants (Special Projects); OR
• The programming of community-based arts, cultural or heritage organizations with an annual operating budget (not including in-kind contributions) that is less than $50,000.

Grants may be awarded up to a maximum of $12,500 or 30% of the proposed budget.* Matching funds can be a combination of cash and in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are limited to 20% of the overall project budget.

* Applicants who are not yet established or registered as non-profit societies may be awarded grants up to a maximum of $7,500 or 40% of the project budget. 

Annual programming support provides annual support for year-round programming initiatives across a wide range of artistic, creative and/or cultural practices.  While annual programming support is available for a wide range of creative, artistic and cultural practices, the defining focus of the program is to support:

• Groups that produce or present multiple programs, projects or series that recur on a regular, annual or bi-annual basis (annual programming);
• Arts and cultural organizations with professional practices, but that do not otherwise qualify for operating assistance; 
• Arts and cultural organizations with an annual operating budget (not including in-kind contributions) that is greater than $40,000–$50,000.

Grants are available up to a maximum of $22,500 or up to 25% of the proposed budget. Matching funds can be a combination of cash and in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are limited to 15% of the total programming budget.

Annual programming support is available to organizations that might not otherwise qualify for operating assistance. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult with the grants officer to ensure that they submit to the correct grant program and category.