BCAC — Operating Assistance: Arts & Cultural Service Organizations

• Updated organizational profile information
• Current board member list
• Current staff member list
• Signed financial statements for the two most recent fiscal years
• Required support materials and program responses, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Arts and culture organizations
• Non-profit organizations in British Columbia
• Community service co-ops in British Columbia
• Established arts and cultural service organizations

Who is not eligible

• Private or for-profit entities
• Organizations that only operate venues or facilities without a primary artistic production purpose

Eligible expenses

• General operating costs for arts and cultural organizations

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Budget deficits
• Capital expenditures, including construction, renovation, property, or equipment purchases
• Start-up costs or seed money
• Private or for-profit entities
• Organizations that only operate venues or facilities without a primary artistic production purpose

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access
• Service and sector contribution, engagement, and impact
• Organizational capacity and governance

• Step 1: Review program requirements
  • Check the latest guidance for the relevant operating assistance stream.
  • Confirm that the organization’s profile and supporting information are current.
• Step 2: Prepare submission materials
  • Gather required organizational, financial, and support materials.
  • Complete any required updates in the online system.
• Step 3: Submit through the Grant Management System
  • Upload the application and required materials in the online system.
  • For new applicants, register and create an online profile first.
• Step 4: Await review and decision
  • Applications are reviewed after submission.
  • Notifications are sent by email through the online system.

• Applications are reviewed first for eligibility
• Eligible applications are then assessed through an equity advisory structure and peer assessment process
• Funding recommendations are made and final funding decisions are issued in writing
• Decisions are typically communicated within 16 weeks after the deadline

• Current recipients must update their organizational profile and supporting information.
• Organizations on Concerned Status have additional reporting and application requirements.
• Applications and updates are submitted through the BC Arts Council Grant Management System.
• Funding recognition must be acknowledged in promotional materials.