Cultural Equity and Accessibility Funding (CEAF)

Who is eligible?

• Non-profit cultural organizations
• Community service co-operatives
• Registered charities involved in the arts and culture sector

Who is not eligible

• For-profit businesses and corporations.
• Organizations not legally registered as a non-profit society, community service co-op, or charity.
• Organizations not physically located in or primarily operating within Vancouver.

Eligible expenses

• Capacity building for the organization.
• Delivery of artistic and cultural programming.
• Needs identified by equity and/or accessibility-driven cultural organizations.
• Up to $500 for application assistance for applicants who are Deaf/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or live with a disability.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations physically located or with an active presence delivering most programs or services within Vancouver.

• Demonstrated impact and trust within the cultural community, as recognized by peers.
• Delivery of impactful arts and cultural programs or services on an annual basis.
• Compensation of artists and staff at or working towards standard industry rates.
• Governance model and workplace environment that supports the mission and provides a healthy, inclusive setting for staff and people served.
• Level of professional and experienced leadership in artistic and/or administrative roles.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Download and thoroughly review the CEAF information guide to understand program details and requirements.
• Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) (for new applicants)
  • Complete and submit the expression of interest (EOI) form by the specified deadline.
  • Wait for staff review based on program eligibility and grant history.
  • If selected, you will be contacted and invited to submit a full grant application.
• Step 3: Receive Application Access Code (for previous recipients)
  • Previous grant recipients will be contacted by email and provided with an access code to the online application system.
• Step 4: Prepare Application Materials
  • Gather necessary information and documentation to complete the grant application, including budget and organizational details.
• Step 5: Submit Full Application
  • Access the online portal using the access code (for previous recipients or new applicants invited after submitting an EOI).
  • Complete the full application and upload all required documents before the deadline.
• Step 6: Application Support (if required)
  • If you are Deaf/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or live with a disability, contact program staff to access up to $500 in support for completing your application.
• Step 7: Await Notification
  • After the submission period, your application will be reviewed and you will be notified of the decision in December.
• Step 8: Grant Payment
  • If your application is approved, grant payments will be issued in January.

• CEAF grants currently range from $15,000 to $40,000 and will not exceed 50% of the applicant’s last actual expense budget.
• New recipients generally start with a base-level grant of $15,000, which may increase based on available funding.
• Applicants who are Deaf/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have a disability can access up to $500 for application assistance from service providers.
• Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee an invitation to apply or grant approval, and only 4-6 new groups may receive support.