The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation of Newfoundland and Labrador is a provincial government department that administers multiple funding and grant programs. It supports active living, recreation and sport (e.g. Active NL Fund) as well as arts, heritage and culture through various funds, awards and project-based financial assistance across the province. View Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation's website for more information.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation (TCAR) is a Government of Newfoundland and Labrador department responsible for advancing tourism, cultural development, the arts, and opportunities for recreation and sport. Through several structured grant and funding programs, the department provides financial support to non-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous governments, schools and other eligible groups across the province. Its Recreation and Sport Division promotes active, healthy living, while its Arts, Heritage and Culture branches sustain a vibrant cultural sector.
A flagship program is the Active NL Fund, designed to support active living for individuals of all ages. Funding is available for initiatives, infrastructure and equipment that directly increase sport, physical activity, active recreation and healthy eating. Eligible applicants include community-based non-profit groups, municipalities, Indigenous governments, Local Service Districts and K‑12 schools in Newfoundland and Labrador. The guidelines specify funding levels up to and above $10,000, eligible and ineligible expenses, and detailed application, assessment, payment and reporting requirements.
Supported projects range from trail development and upgrades, playgrounds and multi-use recreation spaces to adaptive exercise equipment, community gardens, healthy eating education, and costs associated with sanctioned sporting events. PDFs of approved recipients for recent years list hundreds of grants, demonstrating broad reach across communities and age groups. Successful applicants must submit final reports and may be subject to audit, underscoring the department’s accountability for public funds.
Beyond recreation and sport, TCAR manages an extensive portfolio of cultural funding. Key programs include the Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund, which supports arts facility upgrades and community arts activities; the Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP – Arts and Heritage components), which helps professional arts and heritage organizations undertake projects that build sustainable cultural economics and preserve heritage; and the Cultural Events Fund, which backs community cultural projects showcasing local artists and heritage.
The department also administers the Indigenous Cultural Heritage Program, supporting projects that safeguard Indigenous languages, traditional knowledge, practices and cultural expressions. The long-running Arts and Letters Awards Program offers cash prizes and exhibition opportunities for visual, literary, French literary and music works, including the Percy Janes First Novel Award. These initiatives collectively encourage artistic creation, heritage preservation, and public engagement in culture throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Across its funding portfolio, TCAR programs generally target non-profit and community-based organizations, municipalities, schools and Indigenous governments located in Newfoundland and Labrador, with funds to be used within the province. Applications usually require clear project descriptions, budgets, supporting documentation such as quotes or proof of land access, and maintenance plans for infrastructure. Approved funding is typically delivered via electronic funds transfer, and final reports with financial details and activity outcomes are mandatory.
Through these mechanisms, the department plays a central role in building recreation and sport infrastructure, supporting inclusive participation in physical activity, and fostering the arts and heritage sectors. Its programs contribute to healthier communities, stronger cultural economies and enhanced quality of life for residents across Newfoundland and Labrador.