Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Ontario Arts Foundation
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Ontario Arts Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation in Ontario that supports the arts through endowment funding, matching grants, awards, scholarships and other funding programs for arts organizations, galleries, museums and individual artists. View Ontario Arts Foundation's website for more information.
Content last updated: June 1, 2026
List of grants and funding offered by Ontario Arts Foundation
1 program available
- Varies by project
- Canada
About Ontario Arts Foundation
What is the mission of Ontario Arts Foundation?
The foundation’s purpose is to encourage private giving to the arts in Ontario and to help build long-term financial stability for the province’s arts organizations and artists. It administers funds and programs that turn donor support into ongoing financial assistance.
What type of organization is Ontario Arts Foundation?
Ontario Arts Foundation is a Foundation.
When was Ontario Arts Foundation founded?
Ontario Arts Foundation was founded in 1991.
What is Ontario Arts Foundation's official website?
Ontario Arts Foundation's official website is https://oafdn.ca/.
What else should I know about Ontario Arts Foundation?
Role of the Ontario Arts Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Ontario Arts Foundation administers and manages arts funding in Ontario through endowments, matching grants, awards, scholarships and special programs. It works with donors, arts organizations and public partners to build long-term financial support for the arts.
The site shows that the foundation supports both organizations and individuals. Its funding activity includes long-term endowment support for arts organizations, matching funds tied to private donations, and named awards and scholarships for artists and arts professionals.
Funding streams and supported audiences
- Arts organizations: endowment-based support and matching-fund programs that generate ongoing income.
- Galleries and museums: grant streams such as the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program for acquisition and development work.
- Individual artists and arts professionals: awards, prizes and scholarships for excellence, career development and artistic achievement.
Institutional partnerships and public leverage
The foundation works alongside government partners such as the Ontario Ministry of Culture and the Department of Canadian Heritage in matching-fund arrangements. It also collaborates with arts-sector partners and, in some cases, with the Ontario Arts Council in the administration of awards and selection processes.
Overall impact
The organization emphasizes long-term stability for Ontario’s arts infrastructure. Its public reports and program pages show a continuing role in distributing financial support across the province and beyond through administered funds, grants and awards.