Open
Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program
Operating support for Calgary community arts groups
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Unrestricted operating funding supports non-profit community arts organizations in Calgary. Maximum funding amount is not specified in the available information, and support is provided for 2026 and 2027.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Train or support volunteers
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Creation, production or presentation of community arts work
- Service, support or education for youth, amateur or non-professional artists
- Arts activities focused on local, social or recreational participation
Documents Needed
- Organization contact information
- Board list with member names and contact details
- Most recent proof of filing with the corporate registry
- Financial form and recent financial statements
- Programming form and, for new applicants, the Letter of Intent
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit arts organizations
- Community arts organizations
- Selected non-profit arts organizations with professional arts mandates
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses
- Individual artists or artist collectives
- Post-secondary institutions
- Organizations receiving another Calgary Arts Development operating grant
- Organizations not in good standing with applicable legislation
Eligible expenses
- Operating costs related to the organization’s general activities
- Expenses tied to day-to-day administration and programming
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Illegal activities or activities that contravene laws or bylaws
- Activities that promote hatred, intolerance or hate speech
- Political campaigning or fundraising for another organization or political party
- Use of Indigenous cultural material without permission or clear community connection
- Activities that do not respect cultural protocols
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- Calgary
- Organizations outside Calgary must benefit and/or serve Calgarians
Selection criteria
- Clarity of the organization’s role in the arts ecosystem
- Ability to address barriers to access and participation
- Safe, equitable and respectful practices for staff, artists and volunteers
- Reasonable and well-articulated funding request
- Financial viability and stability
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm invitation and eligibility
- Current grantees receive confirmation by email.
- New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent first.
- Step 2: Access the online portal
- Create or update your organization profile.
- Find the application under Open Opportunities once eligible.
- Step 3: Complete the application
- Fill in the required forms, financial information, programming data, and written responses.
- Attach the required supporting documents.
- Step 4: Submit before the deadline
- Submit through the online grant platform.
- Watch for the confirmation email after submission.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for eligibility before full review.
- Applications are assessed by a standing committee and Calgary Arts Development staff.
- Applicants receive a decision by email after the review process.
- Successful applicants must accept the grant and sign an investment agreement.
- Reporting is required after funding is received.
Additional information
- Applications are by invitation only.
- New applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent.
- Successful applicants must sign an investment agreement.
- Operating grantees must complete annual reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program Program
What is the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program?
Unrestricted operating funding supports non-profit community arts organizations in Calgary. Maximum funding amount is not specified in the available information, and support is provided for 2026 and 2027.
Who is eligible for the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program program?
To be eligible for the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program program, you must:
Non-profit arts organization
Community arts mandate
Based in Calgary or serving Calgarians
What expenses are eligible under Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program?
Creation, production or presentation of community arts work
Service, support or education for youth, amateur or non-professional artists
Arts activities focused on local, social or recreational participation
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program?
You can contact Calgary Arts Development (CADA).
Where is the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program available?
The Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program?
Community Arts Organizations Operating Grant Program is funded by Calgary Arts Development (CADA)