Closed
Source verified August 10, 2026
CMF — Iteration Program
Supports new content for successful IDM projects
Latest source updateLast Update: April 9, 2026Latest change: The Iteration Program now reflects the 2026-2027 cycle, with updated guidelines, application documents, and new eligible costs for immersive and experiential exhibition work.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Latest change: The Iteration Program now reflects the 2026-2027 cycle, with updated guidelines, application documents, and new eligible costs for immersive and experiential exhibition work.
Iteration Program updated for 2026-2027
The Iteration Program content has been refreshed for the 2026-2027 cycle, including updated guideline and application-document references. The program now also clarifies that design, construction, or exhibition costs for immersive or experiential works may be eligible, up to 20% of eligible costs, which affects funding terms and the scope of eligible project activities. Several supporting forms and guides were also revised to the new program year, including required document references and application guidance. The applicant contact and submission pathways appear unchanged overall, but some support wording and guidance links were updated.
Funding available
$ 350,000
Deadline
December 8, 2026
Opened October 28, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
For-profit (i.e., a taxable Canadian corporation, within the meaning of Canada’s Income Tax Act) production company
See full eligibility
Overview
The Iteration Program is a pilot initiative that supports new content for previously CMF-funded interactive digital media projects with proven market success. Eligible projects may receive up to 75% of eligible costs or $350,000, and the work may include new content, significant features, porting, or localization for new language markets.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop an online presence
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 350,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 500,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Canadians
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Creation of new content or significant features
- New phases of work on an existing CMF-funded Project
- Porting to a new digital platform
- Localization for new language market(s)
Documents Needed
- Declaration of Canadian status of the organization and corporate information (if applicable)
- Framework for International Digital Media Coproduction
- Iteration Budget 26-27
- Narrative Positioning Attestation
- Work Plan and Business Plan
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit (i.e., a taxable Canadian corporation, within the meaning of Canada’s Income Tax Act) production company
- Canadian Broadcaster
Who is not eligible
- Projects already funded through the Iteration Program
- New projects or sequels
Eligible expenses
- Costs attached to a new phase of work on an existing CMF-funded Project
- Costs to port to a new digital platform
- Localization costs for new language market(s), accompanied by a release plan for bringing the content to that market
- Preparation of content; salaries and benefits/wages/contracts for Project team; technology infrastructure (hardware and software); travel and accommodations; project audit fees; other technical and administrative expenses
- Starting in 2026-2027, design, construction or exhibition costs related to the physical exhibition of immersive / experiential works, localization activities, marketing and promotion, and reasonable costs related to environmentally sustainable activities, practices and personnel
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Previously incurred costs
- Costs for work previously funded by the CMF
- Financing new projects or sequels
- Expenses incurred prior to project submission
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Eligible Projects are awarded funding on a first-come, first-served basis until resources for the Program are depleted or until the application closing date, whichever comes first.
- At least 30% of the Program budget will be reserved for projects that meet at least one of the following: Diverse Community (Ownership) Project or Gender Balance (Ownership) Project as defined in Appendix A.
- In the event that a large number of Projects are submitted on the same date, creating oversubscription, the CMF may distribute funding to those Projects deemed eligible on a proportional (pro-rated) basis.
- If proration calculations result in Projects receiving 75% or less of their requested ask, the CMF may elect to distribute funding in some other equitable manner, including designating how many submitted Projects will receive funding.
- This equitable distribution will take into consideration the CMF’s commitment to equity, diversity, gender parity, children and youth content, and regional representation, to be determined in the CMF’s sole discretion.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review guidelines and required documents
- Review the program guidelines, the IDM Core Guidelines, and the business policies.
- Consult the list of required documents and application guides.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the work plan and business plan forms.
- Prepare the budget and cash flow form.
- Gather required supporting documents and commitment letters.
- Step 3: Submit in Dialogue
- Create or use your Dialogue account and organization profile.
- Fill in the application form and upload all required documents.
- Check the statement box and submit the application online.
- Step 4: After submission
- Keep the confirmation number for your records.
- Follow any requests for additional information from the CMF.
Processing and Agreement
- For the Iteration Program only, the Recoupment Policy agreed to in the Project’s original production phase contract will prevail.
- Applicants will continue to report on their recoupment as per the terms of their original contract, and the CMF will recoup its investment or participate in the profit participation of the program as per the original contract.
- The CMF total contribution will be updated with this new amount and an updated Recoupment Structure will be included in the new contract to reflect this.
- Eligible Projects receiving funds through this Program will have a period of three (3) years added to their current exploitation and reporting term, extending it to ten (10) years from the first exploitation report submitted.
- Applicants may choose to opt for interim financing, which involves assigning payments under the financing agreement to a bank as security; if you intend to access interim financing, complete the Notice and Direction form and forward it to your business analyst, and if you are in Quebec, you will also have to forward a copy of the hypothec to your business analyst.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CMF — Iteration Program Program
What is the CMF — Iteration Program?
The Iteration Program is a pilot initiative that supports new content for previously CMF-funded interactive digital media projects with proven market success. Eligible projects may receive up to 75% of eligible costs or $350,000, and the work may include new content, significant features, porting, or localization for new language markets.
How much funding can be received?
CMF — Iteration Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $350,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on October 28, 2026.
Who is eligible for the CMF — Iteration Program program?
To be eligible for the CMF — Iteration Program program, you must:
Canadian-controlled production company or Canadian Broadcaster
Previously funded CMF IDM project with minimum engagement thresholds of at least $500,000 in gross revenues or 20,000 units sold/downloaded
Made available in Canada, with new work intended for release within 18 months, and limited to one application per fiscal year
What expenses are eligible under CMF — Iteration Program?
Creation of new content or significant features
New phases of work on an existing CMF-funded Project
Porting to a new digital platform
Localization for new language market(s)
Who can I contact for more information about the CMF — Iteration Program?
You can contact Canada Media Fund (CMF) by email at cmf.fmc.coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 1-877-975-0766.
Where is the CMF — Iteration Program available?
The CMF — Iteration Program program is available across Canada.