AFA — Community Performing Arts Organizations Operating Funding

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for Community Performing Arts Organizations operating funding, your organization must:1. Be focused on creating and producing performing arts as its primary mandate, as outlined in its incorporation documents.2. Be a not-for-profit organization.3. Be registered and in good standing under the appropriate legislation.4. Have operated in Alberta for a minimum of two years.5. Have at least 50% of its board members residing in Alberta.6. Display the capability to operate with good governance principles, effective administration practices, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.7. Function as an independent arts organization, separate from municipalities, commercial entities, or organizations and institutions that receive annual operating funds from the Government of Alberta or its affiliates.Ineligible applicants include organizations primarily focused on competition-based activities. First-time applicants are required to contact the AFA three months prior to the deadline for a preliminary eligibility assessment and must submit approved financial statements demonstrating positive net assets for the two fiscal periods immediately preceding the application.

Who is not eligible

This grant is specifically tailored for community organizations self-producing performing arts and excludes entities that do not align with this focus. The restrictions ensure that funding is allocated to eligible organizations to foster community-based arts.

• Organizations engaged primarily in competition-based activities.
• Entities that are not not-for-profit organizations.
• Organizations operating outside of Alberta.
• Entities receiving annual operating funds from the Government of Alberta or its affiliates.
• Municipalities, commercial enterprises, or organizations not operating at arm's length from such entities.

Eligible expenses

This funding supports expenses integral to the organization's operational needs as aligned with its mandate.

• Administration costs related to the organization's upkeep.
• Programming expenditures for performing arts activities.
• Salaries and fees for staff and artists involved in productions.
• Maintenance of equipment and fixed assets essential for operations.
• Promotion expenses for increasing visibility and audience reach.
• Other necessary expenditures to fulfill the organization's mandate.

Eligible geographic areas

This funding opportunity is specifically for not-for-profit organizations based in Alberta, where they must have been in operation for at least two years and have the majority of board members residing in the province. This requirement helps ensure the support is directed towards regional development within Alberta.

• Organizations located and registered in Alberta, Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• First-time applicants must contact the AFA at least three months prior to the application deadline for eligibility assessment.
• Funding decisions are typically communicated four to six months after the application deadline.
• Applicants can only receive support from one AFA operating funding opportunity per year.
• Funds may need to be returned if unused or if reporting requirements are not met.
• Failure to properly acknowledge AFA support can result in a 10% funding reduction.
• AFA may examine your financial records to ensure proper use of funds.
• The GATE Front Office system requires registration details to be submitted at least five business days before the application deadline for first-time users.