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Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund - Ottawa - Ontario - Canada
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Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund

Supports equity and inclusion in Ottawa’s arts communities
City of Ottawa
Last Update: March 30, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : October 7, 2026
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Overview

The Equity and Inclusion in the Arts Fund provides up to $20,000 to support projects, events, and operating activities that advance artistic expression and reduce barriers within Indigenous and equity-seeking communities in Ottawa. Eligible activities include community arts projects, cultural celebrations, mentorship, capacity building, and initiatives that promote visibility and engagement in the arts.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 20,000 $
  • Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : October 7, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
  • Ottawa
  • Ontario
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Language Minorities
  • Newcomers to Canada
  • Other Racialized Persons
  • Black Canadians
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • 2SLGBTQI+
  • Canadians
  • Youth (<40)
  • Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • All industries
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Artistic programming within cultural heritage celebrations and community gatherings.
  • Community art projects or public showcases celebrating diverse artistic expressions.
  • Performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and book readings highlighting equity-seeking and Indigenous communities.
  • Workshops and mentorships aimed at arts education and skill development linked to cultural heritage.
  • Networking events or community-building activities supporting knowledge-sharing and collaboration among artists.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Not-for-profit organizations with an arts mandate representing or celebrating Indigenous or equity-seeking communities
  • Unincorporated collectives of artists, cultural workers, community connectors, or elders/cultural keepers recognized by their peers
  • Organizations and collectives operating within the city of Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation

Who is not eligible

  • For-profit companies or commercial entities.
  • Government agencies of any level (municipal, provincial, federal).
  • Organizations whose primary purpose is fundraising for third parties.
  • Organizations involved in activities under the jurisdiction of other City departments (e.g., Business Improvement Associations, Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Film Office) or other public institutions such as school boards, hospitals, universities, and military programs.
  • Political parties and organizations making participation conditional on religious or political activity.

Eligible expenses

  • Artist fees and compensation for cultural workers, elders, and cultural keepers directly involved in the project.
  • Purchases of materials necessary to create or produce artistic work.
  • Professional development or mentorship fees.
  • Costs of hosting performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and book readings.
  • Expenses for arts workshops, training sessions, or mentorship projects.
  • Support services for accessibility (such as support for disability artists).
  • Costs incurred for networking events or community showcases.
  • Documented production costs directly associated with project delivery.
  • Promotional and marketing expenses for sharing or celebrating the project results.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Within the city of Ottawa
  • Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
  • Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
  • Within a 150 km radius of Ottawa (for individual members of an Anishinabe Algonquin First Nation)

Additional information

  • Grant recipients are encouraged to apply for direct deposit for faster disbursement of funds.
  • Feedback on unsuccessful applications can be requested within six months of receiving the result letter.
  • All required documents, including support materials, must be uploaded through the online portal in the correct format; certain file types and links are not accepted.
  • The Equity and Inclusion Committee provides ongoing guidance and peer evaluation and offers honoraria for community members who participate.

Contacts

yasmina.proveyerllopiz@ottawa.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund?

The Equity and Inclusion in the Arts Fund provides up to $20,000 to support projects, events, and operating activities that advance artistic expression and reduce barriers within Indigenous and equity-seeking communities in Ottawa. Eligible activities include community arts projects, cultural celebrations, mentorship, capacity building, and initiatives that promote visibility and engagement in the arts.

How much funding can be received?

Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund program?

To be eligible for the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund program, you must: Must be a not-for-profit organization with an office and mailing address within Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Must have an arts mandate and/or represent or celebrate an Indigenous or equity-seeking community. Must operate in a non-discriminatory manner according to the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

What expenses are eligible under Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund?

Artistic programming within cultural heritage celebrations and community gatherings. Community art projects or public showcases celebrating diverse artistic expressions. Performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and book readings highlighting equity-seeking and Indigenous communities. Workshops and mentorships aimed at arts education and skill development linked to cultural heritage. Networking events or community-building activities supporting knowledge-sharing and collaboration among artists.

Who can I contact for more information about the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund?

You can contact City of Ottawa by email at yasmina.proveyerllopiz@ottawa.ca.

Where is the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund available?

The Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Cultural Funding - Equity and inclusion in the arts fund is a Grant and Funding

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