How much funding can be received?

The Program for Racialized Communities (PRC) offers a maximum funding of 60% of eligible project expenses up to $750,000 for dramas and animations, and $550,000 for documentaries, variety arts, and children’s and youth programs. The program aims to support the growth of English- and French-language audiovisual productions from production companies owned and controlled by racialized communities, focusing on creative, administrative, and financial aspects.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides structured financial support with specific limits and guidelines to aid audiovisual production companies owned by racialized individuals. The funding modalities are designed to empower these projects while maintaining robust financial oversight.

Initial financial support is offered as a broadcast license fee top-up, covering up to 40% of the eligible project's expenses.
Any additional contribution beyond the 40% broadcast license fee is offered as equity investment.
The total CMF contribution, including both broadcast license fee top-up and equity investment, cannot surpass 60% of the eligible project's expenses.
If the capital investment is below $100,000, it will automatically convert to a broadcast license fee top-up or a non-repayable contribution.
CMF funding can be combined with other CMF programs, provided the total contribution doesn't exceed 84% of eligible expenses.
The maximum contribution for dramatic and animated productions is $750,000, and for documentaries, variety shows, performing arts, and children's programming, it is $550,000.
Canadian tax credit policies are included in the financial structure of the program.
Expenses related to apprenticeships for racialized community members are considered eligible.

grant_single_labels|projects

This program supports the production of English- and French-language audiovisual projects from production companies owned and controlled by Black people and people of colour. Eligible projects are evaluated through a selection process involving criteria related to creative control and ownership.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed projects.

The final control on all aspects related to the applicant company and project must be held by one or more producers who are members of a racialized community, with at least 51% ownership of the applicant company and the project's copyright.
In case of multiple producers in the company, the racialized owner must have final control over the company and project, and hold the largest share of ownership rights.
The racialized owner must exercise total control over the creative, administrative, artistic, technical, and financial aspects of the eligible project.
The racialized owner must have been actively involved in the development of the eligible project and maintain a financial interest proportional to their ownership share in the project.
The project is not considered eligible when decision-making power and final control of the applicant company and project are not held by a racialized owner.
Maximum 25% of the funds from this program will be allocated to internal productions and productions affiliated with a broadcaster.
The applicant must conform to any eligibility criteria specified in the main Production Program Guidelines module.
Co-productions between eligible applicants and non-eligible applicants are possible only if the non-eligible applicant is a minority partner in a treaty-governed audiovisual co-production.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the Program for Racialized Communities are production companies who meet specific ownership and control criteria. These applicants need to have significant involvement and ownership by individuals from racialized communities.

The final control over all aspects related to the applicant company and the project must be held by an individual or individuals who are members of a racialized community.
The applicant company must be at least 51% owned by a racialized individual or group of individuals.
Applicants should have a racialized owner who actively participates in the project's development and maintains a financial interest proportional to their ownership share.
If the company has multiple producers, the racialized owner must have ultimate control over the company and hold the largest ownership share.
The racialized owner must control the creative, administrative, artistic, technical, and financial aspects of the project.
Eligible projects must have at least one key member in the creative team (either the writer or director) belonging to a racialized community.
Projects with previous financial commitments from CMF are not eligible in the 2024-2025 period.
For projects in their second or subsequent seasons, a rough cut or final cut of at least one episode from the previous season must be submitted.
Coproductions are only allowed if the non-eligible partner is in a minority position in a treaty-governed coproduction with an eligible applicant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is specifically targeted towards supporting certain demographics in the audiovisual industry, with specific exclusions to focus resources on intended beneficiaries. Companies or organizations that do not meet these specific ownership and control criteria are ineligible.

Companies not owned and controlled (at least 51%) by individuals from racialized communities (excluding Indigenous peoples, whose needs are addressed by a separate program).
Any organization where decision-making power and final control do not rest with a "Racialized Owner," who is part of a racialized community.
Companies involved in co-productions with partners who are not eligible under this program, except where the partner is a minority partner in a treaty-based audiovisual co-production.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include specific costs directly related to engaging communities and ensuring responsible content creation.

Costs related to engagement with members of a Racialized Community, including the appointment of one or more apprentice positions.
Measures taken towards community engagement and staff hiring.
Environmentally respectful activities, practices, and staff hiring as part of the project.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This program does not specify any eligible geographical locations beyond the general scope of organizations in Canada. As such, there are no defined geographical restrictions for applicants indicated in the provided information.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Program for Racialized Communities grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives.

Market Interest - 17 points: Engagement of the market (9 points) and potential audience (8 points).
Team - 24 points: Background and experience of the production and creative teams (18 points), and the quality and degree of positioning of the applicant and creative/production teams relative to the project (2 points).
Parity - Specific points for achieving gender parity in key roles (2 points).
Diversity - Specific points for including members from diverse communities in key roles (2 points).
Community and Sustainability - 4 points: Community engagement plan (2 points) and sustainability plan (2 points).
Creative Elements - 55 points: Originality and creativity (40 points), innovation in form and production value (15 points).

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Review of Requirements
Read the guidelines to understand eligibility and selection criteria.
Familiarize yourself with key dates and program objectives.
Step 2: Persona-ID Setup
Ensure your Persona-ID is set up, as it connects with your application process.
Visit the relevant link provided for information and setup instructions.
Step 3: Accessibility Support (if needed)
Check the CMF’s resources for applicants requiring accessibility support.
Contact the support team for further assistance, if necessary.
Step 4: Application Preparation
Compile all required documentation, including ownership and control details.
Prepare the project proposal, outlining creative, administrative, and financial plans.
Step 5: Submission Deadline
Submit the application and all required documents between May 21, 2024, and June 6, 2024.
Ensure everything is finalized and submitted before the closing date.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The first contribution from the CMF will be up to 40% of eligible expenses, with further amounts being in the form of equity participation, not exceeding 60% of the project's eligible expenses.
Up to 35% of the funds from the Program for Racialized Communities will be allocated to dramatic feature films.
Eligible Canadian distributors can contribute to the majority of the threshold requirement for eligible triggers necessary to initiate support within this program.
The allocation for predevelopment and development activities available in previous years is now offered on a first come, first served basis.
A maximum of 25% of the funds from this Program will be allocated to internal and broadcaster-affiliated productions.
Credits for apprenticeships allocated to racialized community members are considered eligible expenditures under this Program.
The total CMF contribution across all its programs cannot exceed 84% of eligible expenses.
The engagement with the community and sustainability plans must be documented and submitted as part of the final cost reporting.
Projects must be produced within a maximum broadcasting window of six years, including exclusive and non-exclusive periods.
If the project gains funding from multiple CMF programs in the same financial year, the Program for Racialized Communities funding might be reduced accordingly.
The CMF reserves the right to request additional documents to verify compliance with ownership and control requirements.
Projects must have 40% of key personnel as women and 40% from diverse communities to gain certain evaluation points.

Apply to this program

Empowering Diverse Voices in Audiovisual Production

The Program for Racialized Communities (PRC) is dedicated to breaking down historic barriers faced by racialized communities by financially supporting English- and French-language audiovisual productions from companies owned and controlled by Black individuals and people of color. This initiative by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape by enabling greater representation and diversity in audiovisual storytelling.

Insight into the Program for Racialized Communities and Its Impact

The Program for Racialized Communities (PRC) signifies a pivotal effort by the CMF to enhance diversity and representation within the Canadian audiovisual industry. Acknowledging the persistent and systemic challenges that racialized communities encounter, the PRC is structured to support production companies where a significant ownership and decision-making power is vested in Black people and people of color. This concerted focus not only aims to create more opportunities for these communities but also enriches the Canadian cultural fabric by introducing diverse narratives and perspectives.

The grant focuses on both development and predevelopment phases, ensuring that projects receive the necessary foundational support to proceed effectively towards production. By aligning its goals with industry standards and regulatory frameworks, the PRC encourages the production of high-quality content that resonates with both national and international audiences. The financial contribution by the CMF varies but can cover a substantial part of qualifying project budgets, thus reducing the economic barriers that often hinder the initiation and completion of projects by racialized creators.

Moreover, the program is poised to adapt to contemporary production landscapes by emphasizing digital and hybrid distribution platforms, thus enhancing the reach and impact of funded projects. It encourages innovative storytelling techniques that leverage new media technologies, ensuring that the outputs are both culturally rich and technically sophisticated. This initiative not only plans to increase visibility for racialized communities in media but also to inspire other sectors to adopt inclusive practices.

In addition to financial aid, the program offers strategic guidance and resources designed to aid creators in navigating industry complexities. The CMF provides access to a supportive network and a variety of tools aimed at developing skills related to project management, financial planning, and creative collaboration. By integrating mentoring programs and workshops, the PRC ensures that recipients are empowered with both practical and theoretical knowledge essential for leveraging their projects towards success.

The strategic allocation of funds under the PRC underscores a balanced approach towards long-term sustainability and immediate cultural impact. Projects are carefully evaluated based on a set of criteria including originality, market relevance, and creative potential. The selective process ensures that only the most compelling and viable projects are funded, with a commitment to fostering projects that both entertain and educate their audiences.

Ultimately, the Program for Racialized Communities is more than just a funding opportunity—it is a call to action for the industry to embrace inclusivity and diversity as foundational principles of Canadian storytelling. By empowering racialized creators and ensuring their voices are heard and celebrated, the CMF is making a substantial contribution towards an equitable and richly diverse media landscape in Canada. This initiative not only hopes to address imbalances within the industry but also to set a precedent for continued support and recognition of diverse cultural contributions.