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Creative Enquiry Lab
Design-thinking support for Toronto arts organizations
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Funding available
$ 15,000
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program offers $15,000 to support Toronto-based arts organizations and collectives in exploring organizational challenges through a design-thinking process with TMU students. It supports project development, prototyping, and related implementation activities over an 8-month period.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
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
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Exploring a current organizational challenge through design thinking with TMU students
- Developing a prototype or first version of a proposed solution
- Continuing prototype development and implementation during the project period
- Participating in cohort sessions and demo-day presentation
Documents Needed
- Project Description
- Statements from Project Leads
- Biographies of Project Leads
- Signed Letter of Understanding, if approved
- Declaration of Compliance with Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation and City Policy
Sources and recorded changes
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated non-profit arts organizations
- Unincorporated artist collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis
- Toronto-based arts organizations and collectives
Who is not eligible
- Organizations or collectives outside the City of Toronto
- Groups with Toronto Metropolitan faculty or staff as members or employees
- Applicants with an outstanding final report in another Strategic funding program
- Projects previously funded through another TAC grant
Eligible expenses
- Project lead fees
- Materials and direct project expenses
- Accessibility costs for eligible projects, through a separate TAC Accessibility grant
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities included in TAC operating grants
- Activities included in other TAC project grants
- Projects previously funded through another TAC grant
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Toronto
Selection criteria
- Capacity of the applicant and students to undertake the project
- Potential benefit to the applicant organization and the Toronto arts sector
- Suitability of the project leads to the project
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare application
- Draft the Project Description
- Prepare project lead statements and biographies
- Step 2: Register online
- Create or access an account in TAC Grants Online
- Use the organization or collective registration type
- Step 3: Submit application
- Complete and submit the application through TAC Grants Online
- Submit before 11:59 pm on the deadline date
- Use the online portal only, as other submission methods are not accepted
- Step 4: Receive confirmation
- Watch for the confirmation email after submission
- Check the spam or junk folder if needed
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by an independent peer panel
- Recommendations are approved by TAC Directors
- Funding decisions are based on available funds, program objectives, and assessment criteria
- Applicants are notified by email, typically within four months of the deadline
- Successful applicants must sign a Letter of Understanding before funding is released
Additional information
- Applicants are encouraged to contact the Program Manager before applying.
- The program runs over an 8-month period between January and August.
- An agreement with Creative School must be signed before the project begins.
- Recipients may be asked to attend a program evaluation session.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Creative Enquiry Lab Program
What is the Creative Enquiry Lab?
This program offers $15,000 to support Toronto-based arts organizations and collectives in exploring organizational challenges through a design-thinking process with TMU students. It supports project development, prototyping, and related implementation activities over an 8-month period.
How much funding can be received?
Creative Enquiry Lab Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Creative Enquiry Lab program?
To be eligible for the Creative Enquiry Lab program, you must:
Non-profit arts organization or collective
Based in the City of Toronto
Professional artists involved
What expenses are eligible under Creative Enquiry Lab?
Project lead fees
Materials and direct project expenses
Accessibility costs for eligible projects, through a separate TAC Accessibility grant
Who can I contact for more information about the Creative Enquiry Lab?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at liza@torontoartscouncil.org or by phone at 416-392-6802 x 231.
Where is the Creative Enquiry Lab available?
The Creative Enquiry Lab program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Creative Enquiry Lab a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Creative Enquiry Lab is a Grant and Funding