CMF — Commercial Projects Program

Who is eligible?

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)

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.

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.