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

• Arts festivals must report a minimum cash operating expense budget of $100,000.
• Cultural festivals must report a minimum cash operating expense budget of $50,000.
• Agricultural fairs must report a minimum cash operating expense budget of $100,000.

• The applicant must be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.
• The organization must have a year-round presence (office, staff, phone, mailing address) within the limits of the city of Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation.
• At least 50% of the board of directors must reside in the Ottawa region.
• The applicant must have audited financial statements for the last completed fiscal year.
• For first-time applicants: must have received funding from the Cultural Funding Support Unit for the last two consecutive years through the Equity and Inclusion in the Arts Fund, the Arts Funding Program, and/or the Heritage Funding Program.

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.

• 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.