9 grants and funding opportunities for creatives in Canada
For creative businesses, it often takes a bit of time for things to kick-off financially, hence why grants and funding opportunities are well sought after. In this post, I’m sharing 9 grants and funding opportunities for creatives in Canada, spanning different art forms and career stages.
Please note that deadlines and eligibility criteria can change, so always double-check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
1. Canada Council for the Arts - Explore and Create Program
Focus: This program supports research, creation, and development for Canadian artists and artistic groups. It's broad and covers a wide range of disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literature, and interdisciplinary practices.
What it Funds: Research, experimentation, development of new work, travel for creative purposes, workshops, and collaborations.
Who can apply: Professional Canadian artists and artistic groups.
Key Features: Various funding levels available, multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Website: https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants/explore-and-create
2. Black Artists Network in Dialogue (BAND) - Grants and Opportunities
Focus: Supporting Black artists and cultural practitioners across Canada. BAND offers various programs, including grants, residencies, and professional development opportunities.
What it Funds: Varies depending on the specific opportunity, but can include project funding, mentorship, residency stipends, and more.
Who can apply: Black Canadian artists and cultural workers in various disciplines (visual arts, performance, literary, media arts, etc.).
Key Features: Actively seeks to address systemic barriers and provide culturally relevant support for Black creatives. Offers a growing number of opportunities.
Website: https://band-aid.ca/ (Check their "Programs" section for specific funding opportunities)
3. Ontario Arts Council (OAC) - Grants for Artists
Focus: The OAC provides funding specifically for artists in Ontario. They have a variety of grants catering to different art forms and career stages.
What it Funds: Project funding, exhibition assistance, creation grants, commissioning, etc.
Who can apply: Professional artists residing in Ontario.
Key Features: Disciplines are quite diverse (literature, visual, theatre, music, etc), multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Website: https://www.arts.on.ca/grants
4. Telefilm Canada - Talent to Watch Program
Focus: Supports emerging filmmakers in Canada, particularly for first feature-length films.
What it Funds: Development and production of feature films.
Who can apply: Emerging filmmakers with a producer, usually in their early stages.
Key Features: Requires a comprehensive project package and meeting specific eligibility criteria.
Website: https://telefilm.ca/en/financing/talent-to-watch-program
5. Factor - Artist Development Program
Focus: Specifically for Canadian musicians and music entrepreneurs.
What it Funds: Recording, touring, marketing, video production, and other career development initiatives.
Who can apply: Canadian musicians (solo artists, bands) and music companies.
Key Features: Requires some professional activity in the industry.
6. Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) - Funding Programs
Focus: Supporting Indigenous screen storytellers in Canada, including filmmakers, writers, and content creators working in film, television, and digital media.
What it Funds: Development funding, production funding, post-production support, marketing and distribution. Their programs cover various stages of production and offer different funding levels.
Who can apply: Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) creators who have an eligible project in the screen media space.
Key Features: Focused on empowering Indigenous voices and narratives in the Canadian media landscape, and providing culturally relevant mentorship and support.
Website: https://iso-office.ca/funding/
7. National Film Board of Canada (NFB) - Various Programs
Focus: The NFB has many programs for Canadian filmmakers (animation, documentary, fiction, and interactive media)
What it Funds: Production, post-production, and often support for emerging creators through workshops and mentoring.
Who can apply: Canadian filmmakers of varying experience levels, but with a focus on cultural relevance and innovation.
Key Features: Aims to develop Canadian talent and stories, and often results in distribution of the funded works by the NFB.
Website: https://www.nfb.ca/about-the-nfb/funding/
8. BC Arts Council - Grants for Arts and Culture
Focus: Supports artists and arts organizations in British Columbia
What it Funds: Project funding, professional development, creation grants, touring, and more.
Who can apply: Professional artists and arts organizations in BC.
Key Features: A wide range of disciplines are covered; specific funding for Indigenous artists.
Website: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/funding/
9. Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Letters (FACL) - Grants for Writers
Focus: Supports Canadian writers and literary creators.
What it Funds: Project grants, travel grants, publication grants, and residencies.
Who can apply: Canadian writers (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc)
Key Features: Aims to advance Canadian literature and help writers develop their careers.
Website: http://facl.ca/grants/
Important Tips:
Read the guidelines carefully: Before applying, thoroughly understand the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application process for each grant.
Start early: Applying for grants takes time. Give yourself enough time to prepare a strong application.
Tailor your application: Don't send the same application to multiple funders. Adjust your proposal to fit each funder's specific goals and priorities.
Ask for help: Reach out to the granting organizations if you have questions about the application process. Many also offer workshops and info sessions to assist potential applicants.
Seek out local opportunities: Many provinces, territories, and cities also have their own funding programs. Research local opportunities in your area.
Research and Network: Stay connected with BIPOC artist networks and communities, as they often share grant opportunities and resources.
This is a starting point, and there are many other grants and funding sources available in Canada.
Good luck!
