Cultural Funding - Cultural Facilities Fund

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit cultural organizations based in Ottawa
• Not-for-profit organizations mandated in arts
• Not-for-profit organizations mandated in heritage
• Not-for-profit organizations mandated in festivals or fairs
• Not-for-profit organizations mandated in culture (including Anishinabe Algonquin organizations)

Who is not eligible

• Government agencies and for-profit organizations.
• Organizations whose sole purpose is to fundraise for the benefit of a third party.
• Organizations under the jurisdiction of other City departments (e.g., Business Improvement Associations, Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Film Office) or other government levels (school boards, hospitals, universities, military programs).
• Political parties.
• Organizations where activities are solely for their membership or where participation is conditional upon religious or political activity.

Eligible expenses

• Purchase of fixed equipment (e.g., lighting grids, staging, ventilation systems, sprung flooring).
• Purchase of non-fixed equipment associated with programming (e.g., sound boards, spotlights, mobile stage, storage, computers).
• Equipment for exhibitions or displays (e.g., bleachers, exhibition cases).
• Costs related to renovation, alteration, or addition to existing facilities to enhance cultural spaces and public access.
• Restoration of heritage facilities or artifacts linked to a heritage facility.
• Professional needs assessment studies for facilities (e.g., evaluations for technical or architectural requirements).
• Feasibility studies for new or existing facility development or equipment upgrades.
• Capital fundraising study and planning for major campaigns related to facility upgrades or construction.
• Acquisition costs for local cultural facilities used for public cultural programming.

Eligible geographic areas

• Within the limits of the City of Ottawa
• Anishinabe Algonquin First Nation
• Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
• Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
• Ottawa region (for board members' residency requirements)

• Respect of the mandate and alignment of the project with the objectives of the organization.
• Goals and objectives addressing an identified critical need.
• Quality of leadership proposed for project management.
• Impact on the community or targeted discipline, notably participation and benefits for members and the community.
• Organizational effectiveness, including planning, management, evaluation, and financial stability of the project.

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Carefully read the Cultural Facilities Fund program guidelines and related terms and conditions.
  • Review all eligibility requirements and ensure alignment with your organization’s project.
• Step 2: Consult with the Cultural Funding Officer (for Major Capital Projects)
  • If applying under the Major Capital Projects stream, schedule a meeting with the Cultural Funding Officer prior to starting the application.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
  • Draft written answers to required application questions.
  • Gather all supporting documentation based on the nature of your project (e.g., quotes, lease, drawings, consultant CV, proof of ownership or lease, board meeting minutes, insurance, budgets, financial statements, accessibility plan, etc.).
  • Refer to the specific list of required and additional documents for either minor or major capital projects as applicable to your application.
• Step 4: Complete Application in the Online Portal
  • Access the online application portal when it becomes available (2 months prior to the deadline).
  • Enter all required organizational and project information into the portal.
  • Upload all supporting documents.
• Step 5: Review and Submit Application
  • Review your completed application for accuracy and completeness.
  • Submit the full application and all attachments through the online portal by the stated deadline (Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 4 pm).
• Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up
  • Applicants will receive confirmation of submission via the portal or by email (if applicable).
  • If needed, contact the Cultural Funding Officer for updates or clarification on your application status.
• Step 7: Reporting Requirements (if funded)
  • If awarded funding, complete and submit the required final report detailing use of funds and project outcomes through the online portal or as directed.
  • Submit all reporting documents as required to remain eligible for future applications.

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
• Cultural Funding Officers are available to review draft applications prior to the final deadline, with draft review available up until July 25, 2025.
• Funding recipients are required to submit a final report through the online portal before becoming eligible for subsequent grants.
• The online application portal opens two months before the deadline, and all materials must be submitted electronically by 4 pm on August 13, 2025.