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Source verified July 23, 2026
CMF — Conceptualization Program
Early-stage interactive digital media concept support
Latest source updateLast Update: June 12, 2026Latest change: The Conceptualization Program page itself appears largely unchanged, but several linked 2026-2027 guidance documents were updated with new eligibility, funding, and application instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 12, 2026
Latest change: The Conceptualization Program page itself appears largely unchanged, but several linked 2026-2027 guidance documents were updated with new eligibility, funding, and application instructions.
Conceptualization Program guidance updated
The main Conceptualization Program page still shows the same opening date of June 16, 2026 and closing date of December 8, 2026, but several supporting documents were updated for the 2026-2027 cycle. The linked guidance now reflects material changes to eligibility, funding conditions, and application steps, including new combined-application language, updated required-document guidance, and revised rules in the French production-guide materials. The updated guidance also shows scope and selection changes, including the 65% prorated distribution language and tie-break wording in the guidelines update, plus new or revised rules affecting how applicants are assessed across programs. The Interactive Digital Media Definitions document shows a version/date update to 2026-2027 / April 2026, and the Narrative Positioning Attestation moved from 2025-26 to 2026-27.
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
December 8, 2026
Opened June 16, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
For-profit companies, including Canadian taxable production companies
See full eligibility
Overview
CMF Conceptualization Program 2026-2027 supports Canadian for-profit companies and broadcasters developing early-stage interactive digital media projects, with funding up to 75% of eligible costs or $15,000. It helps applicants create and validate concepts, test functionality, and strengthen design or pitch materials for future financing opportunities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- New Canadian interactive digital media content and application software at the beginning of the ideation process
- Creating and testing a proof of concept
- Verifying a design idea, concept assumption, or functionality
- Strengthening project concept materials or pitch documents for future funding opportunities
Documents Needed
- Narrative Positioning Attestation
- Team Description and Curriculum Vitae
- Concept Description and Applicant Attestation
- Signed and dated Budget
- Financing Commitment Letters or Agreements, Corporate Information declaration for the applicant, shareholders and directors, certification that no changes have been made, and the Applicant’s Certificate of Incorporation
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit companies, including Canadian taxable production companies
- Canadian broadcasters
- New applicants that have never received funding from a CMF IDM Program
Who is not eligible
- Non-profit organizations as the applicant
- Service-only entities that do not hold the applicable rights to the project
Eligible expenses
- Research and preparation of content
- Third-party acquisition of option rights
- Remuneration, fees and benefits, wages, and contracts for project teams
- Legal and accounting fees, other technical and administrative expenses
- Preliminary market studies or focus groups, and reasonable costs related to environmentally sustainable activities and practices or staff hired for those activities and practices
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Credit margin or loan, sweat equity, free or volunteer work, services, future revenues, and deferred salaries
- Organization of financing
- Equipment purchases or other tangible benefits
- Travel, entertainment allowances, training expenses, membership or registration fees for conferences, and award ceremony entry fees
- Advertising and promotional material expenses
Selection criteria
- Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the Program funds are exhausted or until the application deadline, whichever comes first.
- If many projects are submitted on the same date and funding demand exceeds available funds, the FMC may distribute funds proportionally among eligible projects submitted that day, choose the number of projects that will receive funding, or use another equitable method at its sole discretion.
How to apply
- Consult the List of Required Documents and complete the forms that must be attached to the application.
- In Dialogue, fill in all requested information and upload all required documents to your application.
- Click SAVE at the bottom of the page to save and continue later.
- To retrieve a saved application form that has not yet been submitted, click Tasks, then Complete Application.
- Check the Declaration box to submit your application.
Processing and Agreement
- The CMF may request additional documentation and information to assess and evaluate the project and to complete file reviews.
- Applicants approved for funding must sign a legally enforceable agreement that includes further provisions concerning misrepresentations, defaults, and related matters.
Additional information
- The CMF administers its programs and applies its guidelines at its discretion.
- The CMF interpretation prevails for questions of interpretation of its programs, guidelines and agreements, and for determining whether applicants and projects meet the spirit and intent of CMF policy.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CMF — Conceptualization Program Program
What is the CMF — Conceptualization Program?
CMF Conceptualization Program 2026-2027 supports Canadian for-profit companies and broadcasters developing early-stage interactive digital media projects, with funding up to 75% of eligible costs or $15,000. It helps applicants create and validate concepts, test functionality, and strengthen design or pitch materials for future financing opportunities.
How much funding can be received?
CMF — Conceptualization Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is December 8, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the CMF — Conceptualization Program program?
To be eligible for the CMF — Conceptualization Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a new applicant to CMF IDM Programs.
The applicant may apply with a maximum of one eligible project per fiscal year.
The project must be a new Canadian interactive digital media content or application software project at the beginning of ideation.
What expenses are eligible under CMF — Conceptualization Program?
New Canadian interactive digital media content and application software at the beginning of the ideation process
Creating and testing a proof of concept
Verifying a design idea, concept assumption, or functionality
Strengthening project concept materials or pitch documents for future funding opportunities
Who can I contact for more information about the CMF — Conceptualization Program?
You can contact Canada Media Fund (CMF) by email at cmf.fmc.coordination@telefilm.ca.
Where is the CMF — Conceptualization Program available?
The CMF — Conceptualization Program program is available across Canada.