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Source verified July 6, 2026
CMA Bursary Program
Support for museum career development
Latest source updateLast Update: June 30, 2026Latest change: The CMA Bursary Program page now shows the bursary’s eligibility, deadline, funding amount, application steps, and claim document requirements.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 30, 2026
Latest change: The CMA Bursary Program page now shows the bursary’s eligibility, deadline, funding amount, application steps, and claim document requirements.
CMA Bursary Program details now visible
The page now presents the CMA Bursary Program details instead of an error-only view, including the application deadline, eligibility rules, eligible expenses, and how to apply. It also shows the funding amount as up to $500 per event, or up to $700 for remote areas, with one bursary per individual in any 12-month period. Applications are due four weeks before the event starts, and claim documents must be submitted no later than 30 days after completion of the learning activity. The page now also lists required supporting documents, the contact email bursaries@museums.ca, and the note that no bursary funding will be available for events between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026 while the program is under review.
Funding available
$ 1,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Applicants must be employed by public, non-profit museum, related institution/organization or be students registered full-time in museum studies or a related program.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Emerging Museum Professional Bursary supports emerging museum professionals and full-time museum studies students in Canada. It helps cover travel, accommodation, per diem, and registration fees for short courses, seminars, and workshops.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Enhance an existing program
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000 $
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
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Higher Education
- Other Education
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Short courses
- Seminars
- Workshops
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Learning objectives
- Employer/institution letter of support
- Résumé, including a statement of volunteer work for volunteers
- Job description
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Applicants must be employed by public, non-profit museum, related institution/organization or be students registered full-time in museum studies or a related program.
Who is not eligible
- Conference presenters or speakers
- Employees of the Government of Canada, its agencies, and crown corporations
Eligible expenses
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Per diem
- Registration fee
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Institutional programs, including exhibition development or related research for such programs.
- Support for speakers or presenters at workshops, seminars, conferences or symposia.
- Learning activities that are part of an academic program leading to a university undergraduate or graduate degree, or a college diploma.
- Learning activities that have already been completed.
- Support for employees of the Government of Canada, its agencies and crown corporations.
Selection criteria
- The applicant's past achievements and demonstrated competence.
- The eligibility or relevance of the proposed event to museum studies.
- The relevancy of the proposal to the applicant's professional development.
- The applicant's ability to carry out the professional development activity.
How to apply
- Complete the Bursary Application Form along with the supporting materials.
- Send completed applications to bursaries@museums.ca.
- Additional documents to support your application must be submitted no later than 30 days after completion of the learning activity.
Processing and Agreement
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- The decision of the Bursary Review Board cannot be appealed.
- If awarded a bursary, it must be used only for the project described in the application.
- Applicants will renounce all claims to funds if the event is cancelled or postponed, or if they are otherwise unable to attend.
- Additional documents to support the claim must be submitted no later than 30 days after completion of the learning activity.
- Funds will not be issued until claim documents are received.
Additional information
- Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The CMA reserves the right not to process applications that are sent after the deadlines.
- Applications will not be assessed until all supporting documents are received.
- Funds will not be issued until claim documents are received.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CMA Bursary Program Program
What is the CMA Bursary Program?
The Emerging Museum Professional Bursary supports emerging museum professionals and full-time museum studies students in Canada. It helps cover travel, accommodation, per diem, and registration fees for short courses, seminars, and workshops.
How much funding can be received?
CMA Bursary Program Funds up to $1,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the CMA Bursary Program program?
To be eligible for the CMA Bursary Program program, you must:
Public, non-profit museum or related organization employees
Full-time students in museum studies or related programs
Events in Canada with the required experience level
Who can I contact for more information about the CMA Bursary Program?
You can contact Canadian Museums Association (CMA) by email at bursaries@museums.ca or by phone at 613-567-0099.
Where is the CMA Bursary Program available?
The CMA Bursary Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the CMA Bursary Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CMA Bursary Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the CMA Bursary Program?
CMA Bursary Program is funded by Canadian Museums Association (CMA)