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Business / Arts Awards

Awards recognizing arts-business leadership

Offered by
Business for the Arts
Official source: businessandarts.org

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 25,000
Deadline
December 17, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award: any not-for-profit arts organization in Canada, another arts administrator or artist, a business professional, or self-nomination.
See full eligibility

Overview

The program recognizes innovative partnerships and outstanding leaders in arts and culture across Canada. Award recipients receive between $5,000 and $25,000 to be directed to an arts organization of their choice, depending on the category.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$25,000
Minimum funding
$5,000
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Train or support volunteers
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Culture and Arts
Target groups
Artists / creatives, Nonprofits / charities, Community leaders
Revenue structures
100% donations / grants
Scope
National

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: 2

Latest changes

2027 Business / Arts Awards nominations opened

The 2027 Business / Arts Awards nomination page now shows open nominations for four award categories with a December 17, 2026 deadline, while the Edmund C. Bovey Award will not open for 2027.

See more

The Nominate page now shows open 2027 nominations for the Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award, Arnold Edinborough Award, Corporate Champion of the Arts Award, and Community Impact Award, each with a Thursday, December 17, 2026 deadline and new submission links. The Edmund C. Bovey Award section now states that submissions will not open for 2027 and encourages prospective nominators to prepare packages for 2028. Its eligibility, nomination, endorsement, document, and assessment details are shown again without any visible rule change.

Official source: businessandarts.org
October 9, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Peter Herrndorf Arts Leadership Award: any not-for-profit arts organization in Canada, another arts administrator or artist, a business professional, or self-nomination.
  • Arnold Edinborough Award: a registered not-for-profit arts, cultural or heritage organization in Canada, the nominee’s employer or business associate, or self-nomination.
  • Corporate Champion of the Arts Award: any not-for-profit arts organizations in Canada or any company in Canada.
  • Community Impact Award: any not-for-profit arts organization in Canada or any company in Canada.
  • Edmund C. Bovey Award: any not-for-profit arts organizations in Canada or any company in Canada.

Eligible expenses

  • Cash awards directed to an arts organization of the recipient’s choice.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Activities funded

  • Recognition of business and arts partnerships.
  • Recognition of volunteer leadership in the arts.
  • Recognition of arts leadership and sector-building contributions.
  • Recognition of community impact through arts-business collaboration.

How to apply

  • Submit the nomination through the online form for the relevant award category.

Documents Needed

  • Nomination letter
  • Bio or CV
  • Headshot and up to five photos
  • Letters of endorsement
  • Company profile or organization profile, depending on the award

Selection criteria

  • Leadership and contribution to the arts in Canada.
  • Volunteer involvement, partnerships, and community impact.
  • Measurable results and long-term support for the arts.
  • Innovation, vision, and strength of relationships in the sector.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are assessed by a national selection committee of arts and business leaders.
  • Recipients are selected after review of the nominations.
  • Selected nominees are notified by official confirmation letter.

Additional information

  • Recipients are eligible to win only once.
  • Some awards allow self-nomination.
  • Up to three endorsement letters may be submitted.
  • Nominees are reviewed by a national selection committee.

Contacts

info@businessforthearts.org

Official sources

Nominate
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Business / Arts Awards Program

What is the Business / Arts Awards?

The program recognizes innovative partnerships and outstanding leaders in arts and culture across Canada. Award recipients receive between $5,000 and $25,000 to be directed to an arts organization of their choice, depending on the category.

How much funding can be received?

Business / Arts Awards Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is December 17, 2026.

Who is eligible for the Business / Arts Awards program?

To be eligible for the Business / Arts Awards program, you must: Canadian nominee Eligible nominator required Category-specific support materials

What expenses are eligible under Business / Arts Awards?

Cash awards directed to an arts organization of the recipient’s choice.

Who can I contact for more information about the Business / Arts Awards?

You can contact Business for the Arts by email at info@businessforthearts.org.

Where is the Business / Arts Awards available?

The Business / Arts Awards program is available across Canada.