Open
Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals
Funding for recurring local heritage festivals
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program funds recurring local festivals that showcase local artists, artisans, heritage performers, and Indigenous cultural carriers. Successful applicants may receive up to 100% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $200,000.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- 2SLGBTQI+
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- LGBTQ+ community
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Recurring local festivals showcasing local arts, heritage, and Indigenous cultural traditions.
- Festivals that involve the local community and are open to the general public.
Documents Needed
- Mandatory application forms
- Completed online application
- Review of the application guidelines before submission
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Local non-profit organizations or groups
- Local band councils and tribal councils
- Local Indigenous governments or organizations
Eligible expenses
- Eligible festival expenses up to 100% of costs
Selection criteria
- Community engagement and participation.
- Presentation of local arts, heritage, and cultural traditions.
- Accessibility to the general public.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the guidelines
- Read the application guidelines before applying.
- Check the mandatory forms available in the program resources.
- Step 2: Prepare the online application
- Create or access a Canadian Heritage account.
- Complete the online application and gather the required forms.
- Step 3: Submit the application online
- Send the application through the Canadian Heritage online system.
- Submit the mandatory forms with the application.
- Apply before the published deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission against the program requirements.
- Funding is not guaranteed, even if the application is complete.
- Applicants are notified of the decision after assessment.
Additional information
- Applications that fall on a weekend or statutory holiday are extended to the next working day.
- Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. ET on the deadline date.
- Funding requests may exceed available resources, so approval is not guaranteed.
- A prior edition of the festival must have been successfully delivered within the last two years.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals Program
What is the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals?
This program funds recurring local festivals that showcase local artists, artisans, heritage performers, and Indigenous cultural carriers. Successful applicants may receive up to 100% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $200,000.
How much funding can be received?
Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals program?
To be eligible for the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals program, you must:
Local non-profit or Indigenous organization
Recurring public festival
Previous edition within 2 years
What expenses are eligible under Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals?
Recurring local festivals showcasing local arts, heritage, and Indigenous cultural traditions.
Festivals that involve the local community and are open to the general public.
Who can I contact for more information about the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals?
You can contact Canadian Heritage by email at info@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.
Where is the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals available?
The Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals program is available across Canada.
Is the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Local Festivals is a Grant and Funding