Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
Canada
Funding to create or upgrade cultural spaces
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Heritage
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding for up to 50% of the costs of construction or renovation of physical spaces used for arts and heritage related creation, presentation, preservation and exhibition.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant does not specify any particular geographical areas within Canada, suggesting nationwide availability. Eligibility is based on the organization's incorporation under Canadian or equivalent provincial legislation.
- Organizations incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
- Organizations incorporated under equivalent provincial or territorial legislation in Canada.
- Provincial or territorial governments and municipal administrations.
- Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) governing bodies and their agencies in Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Renovation and expansion of a local history museum to add new exhibition halls
$250,000
Renovation of the historic museum to improve accessibility and exhibition spaces
$60,000
Feasibility study for the renovation of a historic theatre
$325,000
Modernization of a performing arts center with new staging and lighting equipment
$375,000
Construction of a new art gallery focusing on indigenous artworks
$150,000
Acquisition of specialized equipment for a community cultural center
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's organizational structure and support for professional artistic or heritage practices.
- The applicant must be a not-for-profit arts and/or heritage organization operating in a professional manner, incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or equivalent provincial or territorial legislation.
- The applicant must have been active in its arts and/or heritage mandate for at least the previous two years, with programming accessible to all Canadians.
- The applicant could be a not-for-profit organization proposing the development and management of a creative hub.
- Eligible applicants may also include provincial/territorial governments, municipal administrations and their agencies.
- Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) governing bodies and their agencies with historical support to professional artistic or heritage activities are eligible.
- The organization's governance documents must clearly demonstrate support for professional artistic, creative, and/or heritage practices.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible for funding under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, an organization must be one of the following:- A not-for-profit arts and/or heritage organization that operates in a professional manner, incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, or equivalent provincial or territorial legislation. Such organizations need to demonstrate at least two years of activity in fulfilling their arts and/or heritage mandate, ensuring their programming is accessible to all Canadians.- A not-for-profit arts and/or heritage organization proposing the development and management of a creative hub, incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or equivalent provincial or territorial legislation.- A provincial or territorial government entity, a municipal administration, or one of their agencies.- An Indigenous governing body (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) or their agencies that have a history of supporting professional arts or heritage activities, including Indigenous cultural practices in their community.All applicants must ensure their mandate, mission, by-laws, or governance documents clearly demonstrate a commitment to professional artistic, creative, and/or heritage practices.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund has certain restrictions on eligibility to ensure that funding is provided to organizations that align with its objectives. These limitations focus on the status and type of activity of the applicant organizations.
- For-profit organizations are not eligible.
- Organizations not incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or equivalent provincial/territorial legislation.
- Organizations with a primary focus on worship or congregational activities, such as churches or religious congregations.
- Projects primarily involving tourism signage or related to commercial activities, like gift shops and food facilities.
- Individuals or unincorporated groups.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports the enhancement of cultural infrastructure and accessibility in the arts and heritage sectors in Canada. Eligible projects focus on the construction and renovation of facilities, acquisition of specialized equipment, and development of feasibility studies for future infrastructure projects.
- Construction and/or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities or creative hubs.
- Acquisition of specialized equipment necessary for cultural activities.
- Development of feasibility studies for prospective construction or renovation of cultural spaces.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund include specific project-related costs, both in cash and in-kind values.
- Administrative costs directly related to the project, including salaries and carrying costs.
- Professional fees such as architectural, engineering and technical services, project management, and environmental assessment.
- Construction and/or renovation of cultural infrastructure, including property acquisition and transfers, project’s interest on short-term financing, demolition and excavation, materials, and labor.
- Fire, safety, and security systems.
- Systems and measures to improve accessibility and mobility.
- Environmental practices and sustainable construction (e.g., LEED, ecoENERGY).
- Specialized equipment such as sound and lighting equipment, removable seating, stage curtains, staging and rigging equipment, multimedia equipment, and portable dance floor.
- Purchase and installation of public art as part of a construction or renovation project.
- CCSF Construction or Renovation Acknowledgement Signage (Required for contributions over $100,000).
- Installation costs and initial training related to the operation of specialized equipment.
- Professional fees related to the assessment of the viability of the project in the feasibility study.
- Professional fees related to the design, market analysis, and resources required to operate the new or renovated site.
- Professional fees related to specialized technicians in the feasibility study.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund are based on several specific criteria to assess their potential impact and alignment with program objectives.
- Impact of the project on the availability and quality of cultural spaces, including increases in number and capacity and improvements in physical and technological conditions.
- Benefits to working spaces for artists, staff, and other users, and benefits to other arts and heritage organizations.
- Specific assessment for creative hubs regarding their ability to bring together professionals and creative disciplines, and to offer collaboration and professional development opportunities.
- Impact on audience accessibility, including capacity to enhance programming, reach underserved communities, and improve access to underrepresented disciplines.
- Viability of the project with respect to organizational management capacity, financial history, and the ability to manage long-term financial impacts.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Read Guidelines
- Ensure to read the application guidelines thoroughly before proceeding.
- Contact a CCSF advisor for clarification if needed.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Package
- Complete the application form, ensuring all eligibility criteria are met.
- Gather all required supporting documents as per the application form checklists.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Choose one method of submission: email, mail, courier, or potentially fax after contacting the CCSF.
- Electronic submissions should be sent to the nearest Department of Canadian Heritage office.
- Mailed submissions must be sent to the nearest office of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and there is no established deadline.
- Projects must demonstrate ownership of the property or have a long-term lease (minimum of 5 years) for construction and renovation projects.
- The program encourages applicants to secure at least two-thirds of their project funding before applying, and 80% for projects costing $5 million or more.
- The Government of Canada's commitment to promoting healthy workplaces must be upheld, and organizations are required to foster a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and abuse.
- Applicants must publicly acknowledge the financial support received from the Government of Canada in both official languages in all communications materials and promotional activities.
- The total government assistance, including federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal contributions, cannot exceed 100% of total project-related costs.
- If a project receives $250,000 or more as a contribution, an audited financial report is required.
- The CCSF can exceptionally fund up to 90% of eligible expenses per project, in certain circumstances.
- Projects may be subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 if activities are on federal lands.
- Compliance with the support for official languages and diversity and inclusion requirements is mandatory for funded projects.
- CCSF may audit recipients' accounts and records to ensure compliance with the terms of the funding agreement.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-866-811-0055
Apply to this program
Enhancing Canadian Cultural Spaces for Greater Access
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) is a financial assistance program dedicated to enhancing cultural infrastructure across Canada. Its aim is to improve the physical conditions and accessibility of spaces where Canadians can engage with arts and heritage.
Understanding the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund is an initiative by the Canadian Heritage designed to boost access to professional arts and heritage facilities throughout the nation. By focusing on the construction, renovation, and acquisition of specialized equipment for cultural spaces, the CCSF seeks to create environments that inspire creation, collaboration, presentation, and exhibition of artistic works and heritage activities. This initiative is a cornerstone for fostering artistic expression and ensuring that communities across Canada have quality spaces where arts and culture can flourish.
Eligible applicants include various cultural entities such as not-for-profit arts and heritage organizations, provincial and municipal administrations, and Indigenous governing bodies. These organizations must demonstrate a solid history in arts and heritage activities and use the funding for projects that meet the CCSF's objectives of enhancing cultural infrastructure. Projects might include new construction of arts facilities, renovations that significantly improve space quality, or purchasing specialized equipment to update existing facilities to meet modern standards.
The CCSF evaluates applications based on several criteria, including project impact on local, regional, or national levels, improvements in technological and safety features, and support for underserved communities. Additionally, creative hubs are assessed on their ability to foster collaboration across different cultural sectors and business models, offering opportunities for shared workspaces and professional development.
From a financial standpoint, the CCSF encourages applicants to secure diverse funding sources to maximize project viability. While the Fund can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, in exceptional cases it may cover up to 90%. This flexibility underscores the CCSF's commitment to empowering cultural spaces, though securing additional funding from local or provincial partners is crucial due to the high demand and limited resources available from the program.
Applications undergo a thorough review process to ensure alignment with the Fund's objectives, and priority is often given to projects that enhance inclusivity and accessibility, including compliance with official languages and diversity guidelines. This reflects Canada's broader commitment to supporting multiculturalism and ensuring that cultural spaces are reflective of the diverse Canadian population. Moreover, successful applicants are required to acknowledge financial support publicly and comply with sustainability practices to mitigate environmental impacts.
In essence, the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund is about more than just financial assistance—it's about creating vibrant and accessible cultural environments that contribute to Canada's rich tapestry of arts and heritage. By investing in these spaces, the CCSF plays a vital role in showcasing Canada's dedication to nurturing and preserving its cultural legacy for future generations while also supporting present artistic and creative endeavors. The CCSF not only hopes to meet the needs of today's communities but also to pave the way for the continuation of artistic and cultural dialogues throughout Canada.
