Cultural Funding - Major arts, cultural festivals, agricultural fairs programs

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations incorporated within the city of Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
• Organizations producing major arts festivals (dance, music, theatre, literary arts, media and/or visual art)
• Organizations producing major cultural festivals that represent local cultural, culturally diverse, or Indigenous communities
• Not-for-profit agricultural societies recognized by the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies that organize major agricultural fairs

Who is not eligible

• Individuals (not organizations).
• Crown corporations and government agencies.
• Educational and religious institutions.
• For-profit organizations or ventures.
• Political parties.
• Organizations whose main mandate is to present sporting events or tournaments.
• Organizations with operational headquarters outside the city of Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation.
• Organizations receiving operating funding through other City of Ottawa Cultural Funding Support Unit programs.
• Organizations whose activities fall under the responsibility of other government divisions (e.g. school boards, social services, hospitals, business improvement associations, universities, military programs).

Eligible expenses

• Cash operating expenses related to the organization of the festival or fair (staff salaries, artists' fees, event logistics, technical services, artistic and cultural programming, compensation for collaborators and other costs associated with the conduct and promotion of the event).
• Costs related to support and technical services for participating artists and creators.
• Promotion and marketing costs for the festival or fair.
• Expenses for the recruitment, training, and recognition of volunteers involved in the organization.

Eligible geographic areas

• City of Ottawa
• Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
• Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation

• Clear and compelling vision and goals that align with the organization’s mandate.
• Quality and relevance of artistic, cultural, or community programming and activities.
• Demonstrated impact on the local community, including public engagement, support for local artists, and partnerships.
• Evidence of sound organizational effectiveness, including governance, management, and fiscal responsibility.
• Commitment to and engagement with equity-seeking and diverse communities.

• Step 1: Review Guidelines and Requirements
  • Carefully read the Program Guidelines for your specific funding stream (festivals or agricultural fairs).
  • Ensure you understand the objectives, required documents, and assessment criteria.
  • Contact your assigned Cultural Funding Officer if you have questions or need clarification.
  • Read the Information for Applicants and Terms and Conditions as provided by the City of Ottawa.
• Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
  • Gather all required supporting documents, including incorporation documents (if applicable), standard artist’s/creator’s contract template, list of your board of directors, minutes from the most recent board and AGM meetings, staff and volunteer lists, curriculum vitae of key personnel, certificate of insurance, operating budget or CADAC, approved audited financial statements, and any additional statements (e.g., reserves or deficit reduction plan, if applicable).
  • Prepare support material (up to 7 samples) such as previous promotional materials or documentation of past activities.
  • Draft your responses to all required application questions related to your organization’s mandate, history, vision, programming, standards, community involvement, economic impact, governance, and volunteer management, among others, following the word limits indicated in the guidelines.
• Step 3: Complete Online Application
  • Access the City of Ottawa’s Online Portal; note that the application form goes live 2 months before the stated deadline.
  • Fill in the online application form, answering all required questions.
  • Upload all supporting documents and support material as specified.
• Step 4: Submit Application
  • Review your application thoroughly to ensure all information and required documentation are complete and accurate.
  • Submit your application through the Online Portal before the stated deadline (e.g., Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 4:00 pm). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Step 5: Confirmation and Next Steps
  • You will receive a confirmation that your application has been submitted. Retain this confirmation for your records.
  • Await evaluation by the peer assessment committee, who will review applications based on posted criteria.
• Step 6: Register for Direct Deposit (if applicable)
  • If you have not already done so, complete the Direct Deposit Form from the City of Ottawa and mail it with original banking documents as specified in the instructions, to ensure any funding allocated can be paid promptly.

• The application portal opens two months before the stated deadline.
• All required documentation must be submitted online; late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Grant recipients must submit a final report on funded activities to maintain eligibility for future funding.
• The ability to move between funding categories is subject to approval by the Cultural Funding Support Unit.