Canada Arts Training Fund (CATF)

• Government assistance from this program and all other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal) cannot exceed 100% of a project's total eligible expenditures.
• The program can cover up to 70% of eligible expenses per fiscal year for general organizations.
• For Indigenous organizations and equity-seeking groups, up to 100% of eligible expenses per fiscal year may be funded.
• Only one application per organization per deadline is permitted.

• The applicant must be a Canadian not-for-profit organization dedicated to the arts or an equivalent Indigenous organization.
• The organization must primarily offer professional arts training, or have integrated a recognized professional arts training program into its overall mission.
• The training program must operate independently from provincial or territorial education programs, be governed by a board of directors, and manage its own budget.
• Activities must be directly related to professional training in the arts, offered mainly in-person in Canada, led by recognized professionals, and must demonstrate significant artistic achievement and national recognition.
• Applicants must have maintained full-time administrative support for the training program for at least three years, with paid staff according to professional standards.

Who is eligible?

• Canadian not-for-profit organizations dedicated to professional arts training
• Equivalent Indigenous organizations (serving First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities)
• Equity-focused not-for-profit organizations providing professional arts training to equity groups

Who is not eligible

• Federal government organizations and federal Crown corporations.
• Universities, colleges, and CEGEPs cannot be directly funded by this program.
• Organizations whose primary activity is community, local, recreational, non-professional, or pre-professional arts training.
• Institutions offering arts training through generative artificial intelligence (AI).
• Organizations delivering professional arts training directly linked to the creative and cultural industries.

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits for artists and administrative staff.
• Costs related to curriculum development and instructional delivery methods.
• Student or participant support expenses.
• Audition and admission fees.
• Travel expenses, not exceeding government business travel rates.
• Marketing and advertising costs.
• Fundraising activity costs.
• Administrative expenses.
• Facility costs, such as rent or mortgage.
• Maintenance expenses and office supplies.
• Professional development costs.

Eligible geographic areas

• All provinces and territories in Canada

• Artistic merit: Demonstrates a high level of excellence in teaching, training, and mentorship, with qualified and experienced faculty, mentors, or Elders. Assesses the strength of the artistic vision and the relevance of the curriculum in addressing professional needs and diversity.
• Organizational stability: Demonstrates strong organizational capacity in governance and financial management, including multiple revenue sources (private, self-generated, government).
• Impact: Shows national significance and recognition within the relevant discipline, contributes to the diversity of Canadian society, and provides evidence of graduate success.
• Alignment with funding priorities: Gives preference to training initiatives for Indigenous and equity groups.
• Expert evaluations and ongoing results: Subject to periodic independent expert reviews and consideration of activity, financial, and statistical reports to ensure sustained excellence and relevance.

• The program gives funding priority to Indigenous and equity groups within the arts sector.
• The application deadline is May 15; if the date falls on a weekend or holiday, it is postponed to the next business day.
• You may only submit one application per deadline for this program.
• Funding decisions are final and cannot be appealed.