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
- Government of Canada
- Canadian Heritage
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
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) supports projects aimed at improving physical conditions for professional arts and heritage related activities, and increasing access to these cultural experiences for Canadians. Eligible projects include construction/renovation of facilities, acquisition of specialized equipment, and feasibility studies for such developments.
- Construction and/or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities, or creative hubs
- Acquisition of specialized equipment
- Development of feasibility studies for the construction or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities, or creative hubs
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Calgary
Renovation and expansion of a local history museum to add new exhibition halls
$250,000
Ottawa
Renovation of the historic museum to improve accessibility and exhibition spaces
$60,000
Vancouver
Feasibility study for the renovation of a historic theatre
$325,000
Montreal
Modernization of a performing arts center with new staging and lighting equipment
$375,000
Toronto
Construction of a new art gallery focusing on indigenous artworks
$150,000
Halifax
Acquisition of specialized equipment for a community cultural center
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for funding, the organization must fall into one of several categories and meet specific criteria related to their operations and project goals.
- A not-for-profit art and/or heritage organization operating in a professional manner, incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, or under an equivalent provincial or territorial legislation, with a minimum of two years of active execution of their mandate.
- 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 an equivalent.
- A provincial/territorial government, a municipal administration, or one of their agencies.
- An Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) governing body and their agencies with a history of support for professional artistic or heritage activities in their community.
- For construction and/or renovation projects, the organization must demonstrate ownership of the property or have a long-term lease (minimum of 5 years).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are specific types of organizations eligible for funding under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF). These eligible organizations must be operating in a professional manner with a clear mandate in arts and/or heritage.
- A not-for-profit art and/or heritage organization operating in a professional manner, incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or equivalent provincial or territorial legislation.
- 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/territorial government or a municipal administration, or one of their agencies.
- An Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) governing body and their agencies that have demonstrated support for professional artistic or heritage activities, including Indigenous cultural practice in their community.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Federal organizations and Crown Corporations are not eligible for funding under the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.
- Federal organizations
- Crown Corporations
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant, including project-related expenses for construction or renovation, specialized equipment, and feasibility studies.
- 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 labour
- Fire, safety, and security systems
- Systems and measures to improve accessibility and mobility
- Environmental practices and sustainable construction (e.g., LEED, ecoENERGY)
- Specialized equipment
- Fixed seating
- Purchase and installation of public art as part of construction or renovation project
- Sound and lighting equipment
- Removable seating
- Stage curtains
- Staging and rigging equipment
- Multimedia equipment
- Portable dance floor
- Purchase and installation of an integrated data collecting and ticketing system
- Environmental control systems
- Storage system
- Exhibition cases, panels, and interactive displays related to a permanent exhibition
- Installation costs and initial training related to the operation of specialized equipment
- Hanging system for exhibition
- Hygrothermograph
- Professional fees related to the assessment of the viability of the project
- Professional fees related to the design, market analysis, and resources required to operate the new or renovated site
- Professional fees related to specialized technicians
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
There are no specific geographic zones mentioned as being eligible for this grant.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applications are assessed based on the contribution to program objectives and the extent to which they address the needs of underserved communities and groups.
- Availability and quality of spaces, including impact on the number and/or capacity of available spaces.
- Impact on physical conditions, including technological and safety features.
- Impact on working spaces for artists, staff, and other users.
- Benefits to other arts and heritage organizations at local, regional, and national levels.
- Assessment of creative hubs based on diversity in sectors and disciplines, business models, affordable shared spaces, and opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
- Access to professional arts and heritage experiences, including audience accessibility and capacity to reach underserved communities and groups.
- Enhancement of programming and increasing access to underrepresented disciplines.
- Viability of the project and long-term financial impact on the organization.
- Organizational management capacity and history, including timely report submission.
- Past and present financial situation and confirmation of other sources of revenue for the project.
- Ability to manage the financial impact of the project on long-term operations.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Read Application Guidelines in their entirety. Ensure comprehensive understanding of all requirements and criteria.
- Step 2: Contact a CCSF advisor at the nearest Canadian Heritage regional office. This helps clarify any doubts before starting the application process.
- Step 3: Meet all eligibility requirements. Ensure your organization and project are eligible as per the guidelines.
- Step 4: Gather and prepare all required supporting documents. Refer to the application form checklists for the specific documents needed.
- Step 5: Complete, sign, and date the application form. Make sure all sections are accurately filled out.
- Step 6: Submit the application package. Choose only one submission method (email, mail, etc.) and ensure the package is sent to the nearest office of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) requires compliance with multiple conditions and regulations for funding eligibility and reporting. These include fostering healthy workplaces and accommodating needs of diverse groups, as well as adhering to official languages and environmental policies.
- Workplace well-being: Funded organizations must create a workplace free from harassment, abuse, and discrimination.
- Official languages: Funded activities must consider the needs of official-language minority communities and comply with language requirements.
- Diversity and inclusion: Projects must consider the needs of diverse Canadians including various faiths, cultures, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
- Environmental Assessment Act: Projects may be subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act if activities are carried out on federal lands.
- Disclosure of information: By applying for funding, applicants authorize the CCSF to share provided information for decision-making, evaluating results, and supporting transparency.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-866-811-0055
Apply to this program
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund Overview
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) aims to enhance the physical conditions for professional arts and heritage-related activities, while improving access to arts and culture for all Canadians. This funding helps organizations with construction, renovation, and specialized equipment acquisition to support cultural infrastructure across Canada. Understanding the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF)
The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF), administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, is an essential resource for enhancing cultural infrastructure across Canada. This fund aims to support a wide range of projects that improve the physical conditions of cultural facilities, thereby facilitating professional arts and heritage-related activities. Through the CCSF, the government seeks to increase access to arts and culture for all Canadians, ensuring that diverse communities have the opportunity to enjoy, create, and preserve cultural expressions. Below, we provide an in-depth look at the CCSF, covering its objectives, eligibility, application process, evaluation criteria, and more.
Objectives of the CCSF
The CCSF is designed with two primary objectives in mind:
- To improve the physical conditions for professional arts and heritage-related collaboration, creation, presentation, preservation, and exhibition.
- To increase and improve access for Canadians to arts and culture.
By achieving these objectives, the CCSF contributes to broader cultural engagement and development, ensuring that a variety of arts and heritage experiences are accessible to communities nationwide.
Who Can Apply?
The CCSF is open to various types of organizations, each required to meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Not-for-profit arts and/or heritage organizations that operate professionally and are incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act or equivalent provincial or territorial legislation. These organizations must have been active in their mandate for at least two years and provide accessible programming to all Canadians.
- Not-for-profit organizations proposing the development and management of creative hubs.
- Provincial/territorial governments, municipal administrations, or their agencies.
- Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) governing bodies and their agencies that have historically supported professional artistic or heritage activities within their communities.
Applicants must ensure their governance documents clearly demonstrate their support for professional artistic, creative, and/or heritage practices.
Eligible Projects
Projects eligible for funding under the CCSF fall into three main categories:
- Construction and/or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities, including creative hubs.
- Acquisition of specialized equipment necessary for cultural activities.
- Development of feasibility studies for the construction or renovation of arts and/or heritage facilities.
For construction and/or renovation projects, organizations must either own the property or have a long-term lease (minimum of five years).
Non-Eligible Projects
Certain types of projects and expenses are not eligible for support under the CCSF. These include:
- Historic building renovations or restorations not linked to professional arts or heritage programming.
- Construction or renovations to buildings not owned by the applicant.
- Regular or routine maintenance projects.
- Projects related to spaces primarily for worship, cemeteries, or tourism signage.
- Design or production of exhibition content or artistic works.
- Standalone public art installation projects.
Eligible Expenses
The CCSF covers various project-related expenses, both cash and in-kind contributions, including:
- Administrative costs directly related to the project, such as salaries, project management, and services in both official languages.
- Professional fees for architectural, engineering, and technical services.
- Costs associated with construction or renovation, including demolition, materials, labor, fire and safety systems, and accessibility measures.
- Environmental practices and sustainable construction methods.
- Specialized equipment like sound and lighting systems, staging and rigging equipment, multimedia equipment, and portable dance floors.
- Feasibility study-related professional fees for assessing project viability and design.
Limits of Government Assistance
To ensure project success, applicants must secure funding from multiple sources, including their own organization, the private sector, other government levels, or other federal institutions. The CCSF has several key limits:
- Total financial assistance from all levels of government cannot exceed 100% of total project-related costs.
- CCSF support is capped at 50% of total eligible expenses, though in exceptional cases, it can fund up to 90% of eligible costs.
- Applications for projects costing $5 million or more must have 80% of total project funding in place for applications received after May 1, 2023.
Applying for More Than 12 Months
Applicants may request funding for projects spanning more than 12 months, provided they demonstrate the need for a multi-year commitment and the capacity to complete the project. This involves submitting a realistic project timeline, budget projections, and evidence of sound governance.
How to Apply
To apply for CCSF funding, applicants must follow these steps:
- Review the Application Guidelines thoroughly before completing the application form.
- Ensure eligibility requirements are met and compile a complete application package, including all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application package through one means only (email, mail, etc.).
Applicants are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian Heritage regional office for guidance before submitting their application.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on several criteria to determine their contribution to CCSF objectives:
- Availability and quality of spaces: Assessing the project's impact on the number and capacity of available spaces, physical conditions, and benefits to other arts and heritage organizations.
- Access to professional arts and heritage experiences: Evaluating the project's impact on audience accessibility, capacity to reach underserved communities, and potential to enhance programming and access to underrepresented disciplines.
- Viability of the project and long-term financial impact: Reviewing the organization's management capacity, financial stability, and the project's long-term operational impact.
Funding Decisions
Decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final. The CCSF will determine whether the funding will be provided as a grant or contribution. Grants are payments issued for specific projects with conditions agreed upon at the time of application, while contributions are conditional payments issued for specific purposes outlined in a funding agreement.
Funding Conditions
Recipients may be required to submit interim and final reports during and after their projects. For contributions of $250,000 or more, an audited financial report is mandatory. Additionally, recipients must take measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse, and discrimination.
Official Languages and Diversity Requirements
Recipients must comply with official languages requirements and publicly acknowledge financial support from the Government of Canada in both English and French. Funded activities should also consider the needs of diverse Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples, various cultural groups, people with disabilities, and more.
Environmental Assessment Act
Projects may be subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. If activities are to be carried out on federal lands, additional information will be required before the project begins.
Access to Information Requests
The Department of Canadian Heritage is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, meaning information submitted in applications may be disclosed in accordance with these laws.
Audits and Program Evaluation
The CCSF reserves the right to audit recipient accounts and records to ensure compliance with funding agreement terms. Periodic evaluations of the Program may also require documentation from recipients.
Contact Information
For further information, applicants can contact the Department of Canadian Heritage via mail, email, telephone, or through the Video Relay Service for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a detailed understanding of the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF), empowering eligible organizations to apply for funding to enhance Canada’s cultural infrastructure. By supporting these projects, the CCSF contributes to a vibrant cultural landscape that benefits all Canadians.
