Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Craig Foundation

The Craig Foundation is a private charitable foundation dedicated to supporting organizations working at the intersection of autism and the arts, with a primary focus on Nova Scotia. Inspired by the experiences of its founders, Joan and Jack Craig, and their son Robert (Bob) Craig, the foundation recognizes the transformative role that artistic expression can play in the lives of autistic individuals and in communities more broadly.

The foundation provides grants to registered charitable organizations rather than to individuals. Its portfolio includes substantial, long-term annual commitments to a core group of organizations such as Autism Nova Scotia, the Joan and Jack Chair in Autism Research at Dalhousie University, Neptune Theatre, Symphony Nova Scotia, Catapult Society, SMILE, Two Planks and Passion Theatre Company, and the National Arts Centre’s Music Circle program in Ottawa. In addition to these anchor relationships, the foundation makes smaller annual gifts to many organizations across Nova Scotia, particularly in the visual and performing arts.

The Craig Foundation focuses on initiatives that advance understanding of autism, expand supports for autistic individuals and their families, and broaden access to artistic creation and participation. It has a marked preference for funding programs and activities rather than capital assets, building projects, or endowment funds. This emphasis on programming allows it to back direct services, creative projects, educational initiatives, and innovative collaborations where autism and the arts intersect.

The primary geographic reach of the foundation is Nova Scotia, reflecting its roots in the local community and long-standing partnerships with provincial organizations. In certain cases, it considers exceptions beyond the province when compelling, innovative ideas clearly align with its mission in autism and the arts. Beneficiaries are typically established charitable organizations active in the autism support ecosystem or in professional and community arts sectors.

Charitable registration is required, and the foundation explicitly notes that it does not make grants to individuals. Priority is given to organizations with which it has an existing relationship or history of support, though it remains open to evolving needs and new opportunities within its mission areas. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation by mail or email to present their initiatives.

Across its grantmaking, The Craig Foundation aims to model a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and respect. It supports programming and creative expression that promote full participation, “count everybody in,” and ensure that no one is left behind. Through sustained support for autism services, arts organizations, and research, the foundation contributes to a richer, more inclusive cultural and social landscape in Nova Scotia and beyond.