Open
Arts and Cultural Assistance Program
Supports local arts, culture, and heritage projects
Offered by
City of Sault Ste. Marie
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 3,000 - $ 20,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
- Who can apply
- Incorporated not-for-profit arts, culture and heritage organizations based in Sault Ste. Marie
- See full eligibility
Overview
Arts and Cultural Assistance Program supports Sault Ste. Marie arts, culture, and heritage projects for incorporated and unincorporated groups and individuals. It funds performances, installations, murals, workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and other creative activities that benefit local residents.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $20,000
- Minimum funding
- $3,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 75%
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Train or support volunteers
- Reach a new target audience
- Launch or market a product/service
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- All groups
- Legal structures
- Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
- Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts, Economic, Social and Community Development, Diversity and Inclusion
- Target groups
- General public, Artists / creatives, Nonprofits / charities, Community leaders
- Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
- Scope
- Municipal, Regional, Provincial, National, International
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated not-for-profit arts, culture and heritage organizations based in Sault Ste. Marie
- Unincorporated arts, culture and heritage organizations or collectives
- Individual cultural producers or practitioners
- Priority groups including Indigenous, New Canadian, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented cultural groups in Sault Ste. Marie and area
Who is not eligible
- Organizations receiving direct ongoing annual municipal funding
- Organizations receiving 80% or more of their funding from other government sources
- Organizations acting as a funding body for, or making grants to, any other group or organization funded by the City of Sault Ste. Marie
- Organizations that are primarily training or educational institutions
- Applicants who have submitted another ACAP application in the same year
Eligible expenses
- Performances
- Installations
- Sculptures
- Murals
- Monuments
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital costs, such as expenses incurred on the purchase of land, buildings and construction.
- Deficit funding
- Equipment or expenses for personal use
Eligible geographic areas
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Sault Ste. Marie and area
Activities funded
- Performances
- Installations
- Sculptures
- Murals
- Monuments
How to apply
- Complete the ACAP application form.
- Attach all required documentation.
- Submit completed applications and supporting documentation by email to a.moore@cityssm.on.ca, or by mail or in person to Community Development and Enterprise Services, Attention: Arts and Culture Lead, 99 Foster Drive, Civic Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5X6.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- ACAP Project Plan Template
- ACAP Application Budget Template
- Supporting documentation of past projects
- Quote documents for small capital/equipment purchases and/or print materials, if applicable
Selection criteria
- Project viability and organizational/financial health
- Artistic and/or cultural merit
- Community impact
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by the Cultural Vitality Committee.
- Recommendations are brought forward to City Council for final approval.
- Successful applicants receive an electronic confirmation, followed by an electronic payment transfer of funds.
- All funding recipients must submit a Post-Project Report detailing how they used the awarded funds.
- If a satisfactory report is not submitted, the City of Sault Ste. Marie may require repayment and the applicant may be ineligible for subsequent City funding.
Additional information
- Only one request per applicant can be considered per fiscal year.
- Applications are accepted in two intakes: Early Intake and Late Intake.
- The program is subject to a new application process each year for operating grants.
- Funding recipients must acknowledge the support of the City of Sault Ste. Marie in media communications.
Contacts
Official sources
Program guide
CDF - Arts & Culture Assistance Program (ACAP) Guidelines (2025)Cultural Financial Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arts and Cultural Assistance Program Program
What is the Arts and Cultural Assistance Program?
Arts and Cultural Assistance Program supports Sault Ste. Marie arts, culture, and heritage projects for incorporated and unincorporated groups and individuals. It funds performances, installations, murals, workshops, festivals, exhibitions, and other creative activities that benefit local residents.
How much funding can be received?
Arts and Cultural Assistance Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Arts and Cultural Assistance Program program?
To be eligible for the Arts and Cultural Assistance Program program, you must:
The applicant must be based in Sault Ste. Marie, or demonstrate substantial local benefit or involvement if based outside of the city.
The project must be completed within the fiscal year of funding approval.
The project must benefit the residents of Sault Ste. Marie.
What expenses are eligible under Arts and Cultural Assistance Program?
Performances
Installations
Sculptures
Murals
Monuments
Who can I contact for more information about the Arts and Cultural Assistance Program?
You can contact City of Sault Ste. Marie by email at a.moore@cityssm.on.ca or by phone at 705-989-8240.
Where is the Arts and Cultural Assistance Program available?
The Arts and Cultural Assistance Program program is available the province of Ontario.