External Funding Opportunities

The BC Arts Council is an independent agency supporting arts and culture, focusing on financial assistance, research, advocacy and public education. The council provides grants to artists and arts organizations including galleries and museums. For more information, please visit their website.

The Accelerate Pilot Program is a two-year initiative to improve access and reduce barriers to funding for equity deserving and regional arts and culture organizations and collectives. Funding is intended to offer stability while being flexible in supporting a range of expenses.

The Arts Impact Grant is a responsive and flexible funding program. This grant allows applicants to prioritize a project that will provide the most necessary and meaningful impact to their organization, practice, and/or community during this time of recovery, renewal, and change.

Project Assistance: Arts Infrastructure enables eligible organizations to develop and enhance spaces that support the work of B.C.’s arts and cultural practitioners.

Internship supports arts and culture organizations to host an early career practitioner in a paid internship. Cohort supports arts and culture organizations to host a group of early career practitioners in paid professional development positions.

Operating Assistance for Community Arts Organizations provides funding to assist the general operations of established community-based non-profit arts and cultural organizations that provide public access to a range of artistic and cultural activities, develop and encourage leadership for arts and culture at the community level, and encourage support for arts and culture from local and regional governments.

Operating Assistance: Public Museums and Indigenous Cultural Centres provides funding to assist the general operations of established museums and Indigenous cultural centres that sustain an annual artistic or cultural history program encompassing exhibitions, creation, presentation, collections, dissemination, and public program activities.

Project Assistance: Professional Development assists professional artists, cultural practitioners, production and technical personnel, and arts administrators: to attend career and professional development opportunities which require travel; or with specific, short-term learning activities that will advance their practice or career.

Project Assistance: Community Arts Organizations supports the development of artistic projects of community-based arts and cultural organizations in British Columbia to increase community participation in the arts.

Project Assistance: Museums and Indigenous Cultural Centres supports the development and creation of artistic or cultural history programming; including exhibitions, dissemination projects, artists’ residencies, exploration of new museological and curatorial practices, community engagement projects and collections management projects.

Project Assistance: Professional Arts Training Organizations assists eligible arts and culture organizations with special training activities and the development of recognized arts and cultural training programs in B.C.

Canada Council grants are available to artists, artistic groups and organizations. For more information, please visit their website.

The Artist-Driven Organizations component of Explore and Create supports the development of artistic activities, from research, creation, and production through to dissemination, by Canadian arts organizations that are driven by the vision of artistic leaders. Grants fund the activities of organizations mandated to support the creative process of artists, stimulating the emergence of new artistic voices and offering a range of artistic experiences to the public.

The Artistic Catalysts component of Engage and Sustain funds Canadian arts organizations that play a pivotal role in nurturing artistic practices and respond to the evolution of creative communities across Canada. Grants support the activities of organizations that facilitate interactions among artists and connections with the public.

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.

The Concept to Realization component of Explore and Create supports the full creative cycle – from the initial idea through to presentation, at any stage of the creative continuum. Canadian artists, artistic groups and arts organizations can apply to create projects intended for presentation. Grants provide support for artistic research, creation, project development, remounts, production, post-production and presentation.

Digital Generator is a short-term initiative to support Canadian arts groups, collectives, and organizations to build their digital capacity and transform their business model and operations.

The Digital Greenhouse is a digital innovation initiative for Canadian individuals, groups and organizations. It supports short-term projects that leverage digital technology to address sectoral and digital challenges.

The Indigenous Organizations component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations that engage in contemporary, customary or traditional artistic and cultural activities. These activities can include non-Indigenous artists and collaborations with non-Indigenous organizations. Grants support the exploration of innovative strategies for Indigenous creative and cultural expression, and related administrative activities.

The National Arts Service Organizations component of Supporting Artistic Practice funds Canadian arts service organizations with mandates to promote and support the arts on a national level. Grants assist service organizations committed to developing and sustaining the vitality of the Canadian professional arts sector through representation, promotion and exchange.

The Professional Development for Arts Professionals component of Supporting Artistic Practice supports the career growth of Canadian arts professionals by encouraging knowledge-sharing and participation in a wide range of development opportunities. Grants fund activities that contribute to the advancement of Canadian arts professionals.

The Research and Creation component of Explore and Create supports the initial stages of the creative process. Canadian artists, artistic groups and arts organizations can apply to develop and make creative works. Grants provide support for creative research, creation and project development.

The Sector Innovation and Development component of Supporting Artistic Practice funds projects by Canadian and First Nations, Inuit and Métis arts professionals, cultural connectors, groups and organizations that aim to grow and improve the arts sector. Grants in this component encourage initiatives that strengthen and develop support for artists in Canada.

Our innovation fund responds to the arts sector’s aspirations to build back better. Together, we can develop a stronger, and more equitable, inclusive and sustainable arts sector. So which problem would you like to solve? Whether you’re looking to develop a new business model, go digital, contribute to a greener arts sector, or advance equity, diversity and inclusion, the Canada Council for the Arts’ Strategic Innovation Fund can support you every step of the way.

The Support Organizations component of Supporting Artistic Practice funds Canadian arts organizations that reinforce Canadian art practice through a range of targeted activities and services, including those that bolster the creative and professional capacities of artists working in all disciplines.

For an in-depth list of other funding and assistance programs from Canadian Heritage, please visit their website.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation component of the Commemorate Canada program provides funding (up to a maximum of $10,000 per organization) to eligible recipients for initiatives that increase awareness and commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30).

The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program was created to help you celebrate your community – both its past and its present. This program increases opportunities for local artists, artisans, heritage performers or specialists to be involved in their community through festivals, events and projects. It also allows local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.

The Canada Arts Training Fund (CATF) supports arts training in Canada. The CATF provides financial support for the ongoing operations of Canadian arts organizations that specialize in training artists for professional national or international artistic careers, at the highest levels.

The objective of the Supporting the Foundations of Cultural Infrastructure Initiative is to help alleviate the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for Canadian not-for-profit professional arts and heritage organizations.

Canada Cultural Investment Fund – Endowment Incentives component encourages private donors to contribute to endowment funds for not-for-profit professional arts organizations, so they can access new sources of funding in the future. Raising capital and creating endowments gives these organizations greater capacity for realizing artistic expression by supporting their long-term stability.

The objectives of the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program are to strengthen Indigenous cultural identity and participation in Canadian society; and to support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages and cultures. The Program offers two funding components to eligible Indigenous organizations: the Indigenous Languages and Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component.

Canada Cultural Investment Fund – Limited Support to Endangered Arts Organizations component assists professional arts organizations that are facing the prospect of closure.

The Museums Assistance Program (MAP) supports heritage institutions and workers in the preservation and presentation of heritage collections. The program fosters the preservation of Indigenous culture and facilitates access to heritage collections for all Canadians. It also promotes professional knowledge, skills and practices related to key museum functions. The MAP provides funding to Canadian museums and related institutions through five separate components: Access to Heritage, Exhibition Circulation Fund, Indigenous Heritage, Collections Management, and Canada-France Agreement

The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program provides funding for community development, anti-racism initiatives and engagement projects that promote diversity and inclusion by encouraging interaction among community groups.

The Department of Canadian Heritage supports a range of Official Languages Funding Programs. The collective goal of these programs is to: promote French and English languages in Canadian society; and encourage the development of Francophone and Anglophone communities in minority situations.

The Strategic Initiatives component of the Canada Cultural Investment Fund provides financial assistance for projects involving multiple partners that help arts and heritage organizations improve their business practices and diversify their revenues.

The Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program provides funding for community development, anti-racism initiatives and engagement projects that promote diversity and inclusion by encouraging interaction among community groups.

Creative BC funding programs drive creation and export of domestic creative content. From development support to international trade fair presence, our programs and activities aim to: optimize funding opportunities for projects and companies; grow B.C.’s ecosystem of support in which creative entrepreneurs can thrive; and give B.C.’s creative industries access to the national supports and international markets that will increase our province’s success in the sector.

A partnership between Creative BC and the BC Arts Council, The Interactive Fund supports the creation of high quality, original interactive digital media projects that support diversity in artistic expression, demonstrate clear connections between art and technology, and provide opportunities for access, dissemination, and engagement with audiences and within the BC arts and culture sector.

The International Industry Initiatives program ensures that British Columbias creative industries have a presence at major international festivals and markets. The fund invests in missions, marketing and brand promotion including Canadian festival pavilions around the globe.

To help residents and communities take action on issues that are important to them. Learn more about available programs on their website.

If you have an idea that focuses on arts and culture, this program could help support it. Delivered by Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance.

Non-profit organizations make important contributions to local community development and well-being. A lack of technological infrastructure creates a major barrier for non-profits to provide service to their communities.

The Impact Investment Fund provides loans to First Nations organizations, social enterprises, non-profits and businesses that are not able to secure conventional financing to support credible investment opportunities which have significant positive and measurable community benefits.

Three different types of grants are available through the Community Gaming Grants program.

Community Gaming Grants provide $140 million annually to not-for-profit organizations throughout B.C., to support their delivery of ongoing programs and services that meet the needs of their communities. This page includes information about these grants, including eligibility criteria, grant amounts, how and when to apply and more.

The Community Gaming Grants program distributes $5 million per year to capital projects with a total cost of more than $20,000 undertaken by eligible not-for-profit organizations.

The First Peoples’ Cultural Council delivers grants and programs that support Indigenous arts, language and heritage in B.C. Current funding opportunities are detailed on their website.

Explore highlighted opportunities from family, community, and corporate foundations.

Drivers: Canada’s Official Languages, Diversity and Inclusion, Environment and Sustainability, Education and Leadership, Peace and Social justice, and Tourism and Socio-economic Development. Other community projects may also be considered.

Drivers: building the workforce of tomorrow, safety education, and developing smart energy ideas.

Drivers: Collaboration, learning and innovation. We work with community partners to develop forward-thinking solutions that benefit society as a whole.

Columbia Power’s funding supports a wide range of activities and organizations based in their operations region in the West Kootenay including: Arts and cultural programming and events Educational and youth-centered projects Activities that support recreation and leisure Health and wellness Heritage Environmental and conservation efforts First Nations initiatives

The Friends of the British Columbia Archives encourage local archives, historical societies, and museums to apply for grants from the Terry Reksten Memorial Fund. There are two grants available ($1,000 each) to assist community archives - with no more than three paid employees - in organizing, preserving, describing and disseminating archival records that are significant at a local or regional level.

Supporting communities of the North Okanagan

The Hamber foundation supports cultural and creative arts initiatives that have an opportunity to create significant community engagement and to significantly impact disadvantaged or at risk groups.

The Herb Stovel Scholarship keeps his legacy alive by providing one or more post-secondary students and/or emerging professionals (ages 20-35) in the field of heritage conservation with opportunities to travel, network and enrich their research.

Drivers: health, education, social and community support, and the environment.

Project and Development Grants with drivers in: education, health & wellness, and the environment.

The McLean Foundation will now only accept Letters of Inquiry (LOI) and full applications online

Applications for grants are accepted year-round. Drivers: Artists, Diversity & Inclusion, Climate, etc

The goal of the program is to develop ways for Indigenous nations across Canada to represent their own history and culture in concert with cultural institutions. It is the only program of its kind in Canada.

TD launched the TD Ready Commitment to help open doors for a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow by focusing our community giving on four drivers of change. Fund Drivers: Financial Security, Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health.

Drivers: health & wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable livelihoods, environmental stewardship

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is an independent registered charity dedicated to funding health, education and technology focused charitable programs for youth in communities across Canada.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Conservation Grants program was launched in 2019 with funding from the City of Vancouver. Stepping up support for heritage places, VHF built on its past programs to increase opportunities and funding for conservation of heritage buildings and sites in the city of Vancouver.

Vancouver Foundation Community Grants support thousands of projects every year to help build healthy, vibrant, and livable communities across BC.

The Victoria Foundation has a long and valued history of strengthening community wellbeing by investing in people, opportunities and solutions. Building on our connections and knowledge of the non-profit sector, we provide insightful, effective grants to increase the vitality of our communities.

The artsVest program is designed to spark new business sponsorship of arts and culture through training workshops and matching incentive funds. Each matching dollar in the community generates an average of $3.75 in additional business sponsorship.

The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre’s annual funding program provides matching financial contributions for institutions doing digitization projects related to British Columbian history. Projects can be multi-year initiatives. Funding is open to all institutions with preservation of historical British Columbia materials as their mandate – this includes libraries, historical societies, archives and private or public institutions.

Registered non-profit and charitable organizations are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in funding for activities, programs and events in communities across the province to engage public participation in building cross-cultural and intercultural interaction, trust and understanding, or challenge racism, hate and systemic barriers. For more information and the application form, visit the Multiculturalism Grant Program website.

Funding is offered in four streams: Heritage Conservation Program for the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of heritage resources. Heritage Awareness Program for the research, documentation, presentation, and publication of information about specific community heritage resources. Heritage Planning Program for the creation of planning documents to assist with heritage conservation and awareness. Indigenous Partnership Program for initiatives to further reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through collaboration.

The Canada-B.C. Job Grant (CJG) is an employer-driven, cost-sharing program that helps employers invest in training for their current or future employees. The employer contributes at least one-third to the cost of training, with the exception of the Unemployed stream. In all streams, the employer must have a job for the participant at the end of training.

Canada Summer Jobs provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years.

Connection Grants support workshops, colloquiums, conferences, forums, summer institutes, or other events or outreach activities that facilitate: disciplinary and/or interdisciplinary exchanges in the social sciences and humanities; scholarly exchanges between those working in the social sciences and humanities and those working in other research fields; intersectoral exchanges between academic researchers in the social sciences and humanities and researchers and practitioners from the public, private and/or not-for-profit sectors; and/or international research collaboration and scholarly exchanges with researchers, students and non-academic partners from other countries.

The Documentary Heritage Community Program ensures that Canada’s continuing memory is documented and accessible to current and future generations by adopting a more collaborative approach with local documentary heritage communities.

Funding programs from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) are government grants and contributions that help support jobs, training, and social development.