Closed
Source change captured:
Catalyst and Transformation Fund
Funding for creative sector restructuring
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Funding available
$ 20,000
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Catalyst and Transformation Fund supports creative sector organizations working through restructuring, mergers, partnerships, hibernation, or wind-downs. It offers up to $10,000 for exploration and up to $20,000 for implementation, including support for expert guidance.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- $ 2,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Exploring organizational restructuring options.
- Implementing mergers or strategic partnerships.
- Preparing for closure or wind-down.
Documents Needed
- Incorporation or charitable registration number
- Most recent signed financial statements
- Governance approval (Board or governing body)
- Project plan(s) and timeline(s)
- Project budget(s)
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
CAT Fund applications closed and results timing added
The CAT Fund page now says applications are closed, removes the application form and template links, and adds that results will be shared by mid-December 2026.
The CAT Fund page now states that applications are closed, and the previous application-form and application-template links are no longer shown. It also adds a new results milestone: applicants will be notified of their application results by mid-December 2026. The information-session listing was replaced with a recording, and the contact wording now refers more generally to program inquiries rather than an eligibility meeting. These changes affect how applicants access the application materials and next-step information.
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Toronto-based incorporated non-profit arts organizations.
- Toronto-based incorporated arts service organizations.
- Incorporated artist collectives operating on a non-profit basis.
- Small commercial arts businesses, including book and magazine publishing, film, music, video gaming, and digital media production.
Eligible expenses
- Expert support for restructuring or transition work, such as legal, accounting, and HR advice.
Eligible geographic areas
- Toronto, Ontario.
Selection criteria
- Need for substantive structural change.
- Stage of the organization’s transition, including exploration, merger planning, or final closure.
- Fit with the fund’s focus on creative sector transformation.
How to apply
- Go to the CAT Fund page on the website.
- Review the program guidelines.
- Download a copy of the application questions if you want to review and prepare in advance.
- Complete and submit the online form via the link on the web page.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed and decided by Work in Culture’s CAT Fund review committee, and organizations can request anonymity in their application process.
- Successful projects/organizations must acknowledge the Work in Culture Catalyst & Transformation Fund, and specific recipients may also need to acknowledge an individual funder from the funder group.
- Final reporting will be managed by Work in Culture and deadlines will be set based on the project timeline.
- If your application is funded, you may be asked to participate in additional surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups to contribute to ongoing evaluation of this program.
- Exploration Projects will receive their funding in two installments after submission of a completed letter of agreement and pending successful completion of reporting requirements.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Catalyst and Transformation Fund Program
What is the Catalyst and Transformation Fund?
The Catalyst and Transformation Fund supports creative sector organizations working through restructuring, mergers, partnerships, hibernation, or wind-downs. It offers up to $10,000 for exploration and up to $20,000 for implementation, including support for expert guidance.
How much funding can be received?
Catalyst and Transformation Fund Funds up to $20,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Catalyst and Transformation Fund program?
To be eligible for the Catalyst and Transformation Fund program, you must:
Toronto-based organization or business
Operating for more than 3 years
Considering structural change or closure
What expenses are eligible under Catalyst and Transformation Fund?
Expert support for restructuring or transition work, such as legal, accounting, and HR advice.
Who can I contact for more information about the Catalyst and Transformation Fund?
You can contact Cultural Careers Council Ontario (WIC) by email at stephaniedraker@workinculture.ca.
Where is the Catalyst and Transformation Fund available?
The Catalyst and Transformation Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Catalyst and Transformation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Catalyst and Transformation Fund is a Expert Advice