Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award
Cash award for disability arts leadership
Get notified when Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award reopens
Funding available
$ 2,500 - $ 5,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award provides a $5,000 cash prize to an Ontario-based d/Deaf, Mad or d/Disabled arts leader. The recipient also selects an emerging leader to receive $2,500, and nominations are accepted for leadership in accessibility, artist opportunities, mentorship, or artistic practice.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Minimum amount : 2,500 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- People with disabilities
- Artists / creatives
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Advancing accessibility for d/Deaf or d/Disabled audiences.
- Creating opportunities for d/Deaf and d/Disabled artists or arts workers.
- Developing skills or mentorship for d/Deaf and d/Disabled artists or arts workers.
- Demonstrating leadership and excellence as a d/Deaf or d/Disabled artist.
Documents Needed
- Nominee bio
- Nominee headshot or photograph
- Cover letter explaining the nomination
- Letters of support or testimonials
- Nominator and nominee contact details
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individuals in the performing arts.
- d/Deaf, Mad, or d/Disabled artists and arts workers.
- Ontario-based nominees.
Who is not eligible
- Deceased individuals.
- Pairs or teams; the nominee must be an individual.
Eligible expenses
- Cash prize for the award recipient.
- Cash prize for the emerging leader selected by the recipient.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Leadership in accessibility for audiences.
- Leadership in opportunities for artists and arts workers.
- Mentorship or skills development contribution.
- Commitment and excellence in artistic practice.
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare nomination materials
- Gather the nominee bio, headshot, cover letter, and supporting letters or testimonials.
- Include the nominator and nominee contact details.
- Step 2: Submit the nomination
- Use the online nomination form on TAPA’s website.
- Alternatively, request an alternate submission format by contacting the Dora Awards Manager.
- Step 3: Provide supplementary materials if needed
- Send any additional supporting documents by email if they are submitted after the main application.
Additional information
- Nominations may be self-submitted.
- Accessibility accommodations are available on request during the selection process.
- Submissions can be made in English or ASL.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award Program
What is the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award?
The Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award provides a $5,000 cash prize to an Ontario-based d/Deaf, Mad or d/Disabled arts leader. The recipient also selects an emerging leader to receive $2,500, and nominations are accepted for leadership in accessibility, artist opportunities, mentorship, or artistic practice.
How much funding can be received?
Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award program?
To be eligible for the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award program, you must:
Ontario resident
d/Deaf, Mad, or d/Disabled individual
Leadership in performing arts
What expenses are eligible under Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award?
Advancing accessibility for d/Deaf or d/Disabled audiences.
Creating opportunities for d/Deaf and d/Disabled artists or arts workers.
Developing skills or mentorship for d/Deaf and d/Disabled artists or arts workers.
Demonstrating leadership and excellence as a d/Deaf or d/Disabled artist.
Who can I contact for more information about the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award?
You can contact Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts by email at scottd@tapa.ca or by phone at 416.536.6468 x 2.
Where is the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award available?
The Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award is a Grant and Funding