CMF — Commercial Projects Program
Canada
Funding Canadian digital media projects with commercial potential
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 30, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Canada Media Fund (CMF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Programme pour les Projets Commerciaux aims to fund Canadian interactive digital media projects with high potential for commercial success, covering up to 75% of eligible expenses or a maximum of $1.5 million. Eligible activities include creating a final marketable version of the project, localization, and initial marketing or commercialization efforts.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The CMF — Commercial Projects Program provides a range of financing options designed to support the creation of commercially successful Canadian interactive digital media projects. The program's financial contribution helps ensure projects reach a marketable and final version.
- The CMF will contribute up to 75% of the eligible expenses of a project, with a maximum contribution limit of CAD 1.5 million, dependent on which is lesser.
- Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, content research, project team salaries and benefits, technological infrastructure, travel and accommodation, project audit fees, localization activities, and promotional expenses.
- Applicants are required to allocate between 25% and 50% of the production budget categories B + C to eligible marketing and promotion expenses.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects under the CMF Commercial Projects Program are focused on the creation and commercialization of Canadian interactive digital media with high commercial success potential. These projects aim to finalize and market a commercially viable version of the media content.
- Creation of a market-ready version of an interactive digital media project.
- Projects demonstrating a clear business opportunity and pathway to profitability.
- Projects with completed ideation and prototyping stages ready for market exploitation.
- Incorporation of localization and initial marketing activities for the digital media project.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires that applicants meet specific criteria as outlined in the related sections of the main module.
- The applicant must meet the criteria set out in section 3.1 of the MNI - Main Module.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This program focuses on supporting Canadian interactive digital media projects that have a high potential for commercial success. Eligible projects are evaluated based on specific criteria.
- Team Background and Achievements in Interactive Digital Media (17 points)
- Gender Parity - 40% of key roles held by individuals identifying as women (2 points)
- Diversity - 40% of key roles held by individuals from diverse communities (2 points)
- Community Engagement and Sustainability Plan - Commitment to responsible content creation and environmental practices (4 points)
- Potential of Commercial Success in Content and Form, Financial Viability (45 points)
- Strategic Positioning and Marketing Plan - Market analysis and marketing strategy coherence (34 points)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the project.
- Research and content preparation.
- Remuneration, benefits, salaries, and contracts for project teams (project management, business development, coding, design, system infrastructure, content development).
- Technological infrastructure (hardware and software).
- Travel and accommodation expenses.
- Project audit fees.
- Other technical and administrative expenses.
- Localization activities.
- Marketing and promotion.
- Reasonable costs incurred through activities and practices aimed at environmental sustainability or by hiring staff dedicated to these activities and practices.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Team (17 points): Includes experience in interactive digital media, accomplishments, collaboration history, capability to deliver, and narrative positioning.
- Parity (2 points): Projects must achieve parity with 40% of interactive digital media positions occupied by those identifying as women.
- Diversity (2 points): Projects must have 40% of positions filled by members of diverse communities.
- Community and Sustainability Engagement (4 points): Involves community engagement and environmental sustainability plans with concrete actions and reporting.
- Potential for Commercial Success (45 points): Evaluates design elements for audience reach, distinctive content, financial viability, budget accuracy, financial stability, revenue model potential, and revenue projections.
- Strategic Positioning and Marketing (34 points): Considers market analysis, audience understanding, strategic marketing fit, and third-party publisher/distributor interest.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
- Ensure your project meets all the eligibility criteria outlined in the "MNI - Module principal" and the specific criteria for this program.
- Ensure your organization qualifies as a Requérant admissible.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
- Draft a detailed project proposal highlighting the potential for commercial success.
- Obtain a letter of intention from a third-party publisher or distributor if applicable, or prepare an alternative marketing plan.
- Compile financial documents to prove the stability and financial viability of your project.
- Prepare additional reports, such as a community engagement plan and a sustainability plan.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form provided by the funding body, ensuring all fields are completed accurately.
- Include all necessary supporting documents with your application.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application and all accompanying documents before the submission deadline.
- Verify receipt of submission to ensure successful delivery.
- Step 5: Await Evaluation and Decision
- Wait for the funding body to review your application using the specified evaluation criteria.
- Respond to any requests for additional information from the evaluators.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Programme allows a maximum contribution of 75% of the eligible expenses or up to 1.5 million dollars, whichever is lesser.
- Admissible projects can reapply to different programs if previously refused, but not during the same application periods for both the Programme for commercial projects and the Programme for innovation and experimentation.
- Projects rejected twice for specific activities since 2010-2011 cannot reapply for funding for the same activity.
- Up to 50% of the budget can be committed during the initial application round, with the remainder allocated to subsequent submissions.
- Applicants must commit to community engagement and sustainability measures, with reports confirming actions taken.
- A letter of intent from a third-party publisher or distributor is necessary, though financial commitment is not required, and alternatives must be clearly outlined if this requirement is waived.
