How much funding can be received?

Get a grant to cover some of your costs (amounts vary by category) when you engage in contemporary, customary or traditional artistic and cultural activities, including collaborations with non-Indigenous organizations.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant program provides financial support based on different categories determined by the applicant organization's scope and operational history. Grant amounts are contingent upon the organization's financial scale and duration of operations.

Category A provides grant amounts of up to 60% of total annual revenues, averaged over the last 3 years, for organizations with international and national art or cultural activities, and a budget exceeding $500,000.
Category B grants up to 60% of total annual revenues, averaged over the last 3 years, for organizations with regional, national, or international art or cultural activities and an operating budget over $250,000.
Category C offers up to $100,000 per year for organizations with at least three years of operation focused on artistic and cultural practices.
Category D also offers up to $100,000 per year specifically for Indigenous Arts Service Organizations and Indigenous Publishers.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports Indigenous organizations in the implementation of artistic and cultural activities that reflect contemporary, customary, or traditional practices. It provides contributions towards operational support as well as specific projects that encourage the sharing and preservation of Indigenous arts and culture.

Staffing and ongoing operational costs.
Research, creation, and production of artistic works.
Mentorship programs and artistic training.
Community-based initiatives to engage youth through the arts.
Preservation of languages and transmission of traditional artistic knowledge.
Intergenerational sharing of artistic and cultural traditions.
Development of organizational and cultural capacity.
Local, regional, national, or international exhibitions and presentations.
Collaborations and residencies with non-Indigenous artists and organizations.
Implementation of dissemination strategies and publishing activities.
Marketing, publicity, and outreach efforts for cultural activities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 70,000

Creating a documentary on traditional Indigenous fishing practices

$ 50,000

Hosting an Indigenous art festival showcasing traditional and contemporary works

$ 40,000

Establishing a mentorship program for young Indigenous artists

$ 40,000

Running a series of intergenerational storytelling workshops

$ 60,000

Research project on preserving Indigenous languages through artistic expression

$ 45,000

Publishing a book on the history of Indigenous art

Eligibility criteria of the Creating, Knowing and Sharing — Indigenous Organizations program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's organizational status and prior funding history.

Presently receive core (operating) support from the Indigenous Organizations component, or if receiving from another component, eligibility must be confirmed with a program officer.
Be an Indigenous publisher, Indigenous arts service organization, or other Indigenous not-for-profit organization having completed at least 2 consecutive years of artistic or cultural activity.
Have received core funding from the Canada Council or specific types of grants excluding certain ones listed, within the last 5 years.
Have a board of directors or governance group with oversight authority, comprised of at least 60% First Nations, Inuit, or Métis individuals.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the "Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples" grant under the Indigenous Organizations component, your organization must either currently receive core support from this component, or meet specific criteria if it is an Indigenous publisher, Indigenous arts service organization, or Indigenous not-for-profit organization. This includes having completed at least 2 consecutive years of artistic or cultural activity, receiving certain types of funding from the Canada Council in the last 5 years (excluding specific grants mentioned), and having a governance group made up of at least 60% First Nations, Inuit or Métis individuals. Additionally, different core grant categories and amounts are available based on the organization's annual revenues, scope of activities, years of operation, and the nature of its mandate concerning artistic and cultural practices.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports a range of expenses related to Indigenous artistic and cultural activities.

Ongoing staffing costs for organizational support.
Expenses for research, creation, and production of artistic works.
Costs associated with critical discourse activities, including research or writing.
Residencies and collaborative projects.
Mentorship and artistic training programs.
Community-based initiatives engaging young people through arts and culture.
Language preservation through artistic practices.
Intergenerational transmission of artistic knowledge.
Preservation of traditional knowledge through artistic practice.
Activities to develop administrative, artistic, cultural, or organizational capacity.
Local, regional, national, or international exhibitions.
Implementation of dissemination strategies and organizational objectives.
Publishing and marketing activities.
Gathering events involving artistic practices.
Presentations, festivals, and showcase events.
Networking and outreach activities involving artistic practices.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is managed by the Canada Council for the Arts, which may suggest its availability throughout all Canadian provinces and territories. However, specific eligible geographical areas are not directly indicated in the provided information.

Eligibility criteria of the Creating, Knowing and Sharing — Indigenous Organizations program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant focus on distinct criteria to gauge their appropriateness and impact.

Innovation and creativity in Indigenous cultural and artistic expressions.
Feasibility and clarity of the proposed activities.
Potential for engagement and transformative impact on Indigenous communities.
Demonstrated alignment with the Creating, Knowing and Sharing objectives.
Sound governance and financial management structures.

How to apply to the Creating, Knowing and Sharing — Indigenous Organizations program

Contact Program Officer

First-time applicants must speak with a Creating, Knowing and Sharing program officer before applying to this component.
Ensure you have a clear understanding of the program requirements and your eligibility.

Verify Eligibility

Ensure your organization meets all the stipulated eligibility criteria.
Confirm core support status if applicable.

Create an Account on Funding Portal

Register your organization on the Canada Council for the Arts funding portal.
Create your organizational profile and validate it.

Prepare Application

Gather necessary documentation, including details of past artistic or cultural activities, governance, and budget.
Prepare a detailed description of the proposed activities, including objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes.

Submit Application

Complete the application form available on the Canada Council for the Arts portal.
Attach all required documents and review your application thoroughly before submission.
Submit your application before the designated deadline.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive confirmation of your application submission via email.
Ensure you retain this confirmation for your records.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Individuals who are Deaf or have disabilities, including mental illness, can request accommodations at any stage of the application process.
Engagement with a Creating, Knowing and Sharing program officer is mandatory for first-time applicants before applying.
Expenses related to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous artistic collaborations are eligible for funding.

Documents and links

Creating, Knowing and Sharing — Indigenous Organizations

Apply to this program

Money for artists’ professional development