AFA — Major Arts Presenters Operating Funding

This grant supports activities focused on the operational aspects essential to fulfilling the organization's artistic mandate and strategic plans. It addresses the financial needs to manage, promote, and present arts programming effectively.

Eligible ApplicantsTo be eligible for Major Arts Presenters operating funding, you must:- have artistic presentation as your organization’s principal mandate, as stated in its incorporation documents- engage in on-going development, implementation and promotion of arts presenting programming as its core primary activity in an annual program of presentation of professional artists open to the public- employ at least one full-time equivalent administrative and/or artistic staff member who is responsible for planning and producing artistic performances and eventsYour organization must:- be a not-for-profit organization- be registered and in good standing under the appropriate legislation and have been in operation in Alberta for at least three years- have at least 50% of the organization’s board members living in Alberta- contract with artists and pay professional artists fees at an industry standard (such as a union or nationally recognized rate) for their art where applicable to at least 75% of the artists involved in the organization’s presentation program for all performances- demonstrate the ability to operate using good governance principals, effective administration practices and a commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining its mandate- operate as a stand-alone arts organization at arms-length from municipalities, commercial enterprise, or organizations and institutions receiving annual operating funds from Government of Alberta or its affiliates- comply with all Canadian Arts Database (CADAC) financial and statistical data requirements- have a board-approved cash reserve policyIneligible Applicants- Organizations that are engaged primarily in competition-based activity are not eligible for AFA funding.- Organizations can only receive operating funding from one AFA grant program.First-Time ApplicantsEligible first-time applicants are accepted only at the beginning of each three-year cycle.- If this is your organization’s first application for Major Arts Presenters operating funding, you must contact us at least three months before the deadline for a preliminary eligibility assessment to ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria.As a first-time applicant, your organization must have met all eligibility requirements for the three annual fiscal periods prior to application. You must also provide board-approved financial statements that demonstrate the organization has positive net assets and has been operating with no annual deficit for each of these three fiscal periods.

This grant excludes certain organizations primarily based on their engagement in specific activities or funding statuses. These restrictions are intended to ensure that funding is directed exclusively to arts organizations meeting particular criteria.

This funding supports expenses related to the organization's operations and mandate fulfillment.

This grant is available to not-for-profit organizations operating in Alberta. It requires organizations to have been in operation in Alberta for at least three years and have directors primarily based in the province.