Open
Source verified March 4, 2026
Cultural Operating Funding (COF)
Supports Vancouver non-profit arts and cultural organizations' operations
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Overview
The Cultural Operating Funding (COF) program provides core financial support to Vancouver-based, professional non-profit arts and cultural organizations to enable the development, creation, production, presentation, and dissemination of artistic work or delivery of professional services. Eligible activities include ongoing arts and cultural programming, service provision, or space management, supporting organizations that demonstrate a strong equity focus and sustained arts engagement.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Vancouver
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
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
- Creation, production, and presentation of artistic works across various disciplines.
- Development and dissemination of arts and cultural programs in Vancouver.
- Provision of professional services or spaces that support the arts sector.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Vancouver-based professional non-profit arts organizations
- Vancouver-based professional non-profit cultural organizations
- Non-profit societies focused on arts or culture
- Community service co-ops engaged in arts or cultural activities
- Registered charities delivering arts or cultural programming
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses of any kind.
- Organizations not legally registered as non-profit societies, community service co-ops, or charities.
- Companies not physically located in Vancouver or not delivering programs/services within Vancouver.
Eligible expenses
- Compensation for artists and cultural workers at standard industry rates.
- Costs for paid professional leadership in artistic or administrative roles.
- Expenses supporting accessibility and equity policy implementation.
- Costs related to developing, creating, producing, presenting, and disseminating artistic work.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations physically located in Vancouver.
Selection criteria
- Priority given to organizations with explicit commitments to equity in their mission, programs, practices, and governance.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Carefully read the COF information guide to understand requirements and procedures.
- Step 2: Expression of Interest (for new applicants)
- Submit an expression of interest (EOI) form during the designated intake period (for example, June 25 to July 20, 2025, for the 2026 intake).
- Wait for notification about whether you are invited to submit a full application based on program priorities and available funding.
- Step 3: Access Application Portal
- Receive an access code by email (provided to both returning applicants and new applicants selected through the EOI process).
- Use the access code to access the online application portal.
- Step 4: Complete and Prepare Application
- Fill out the online application form as instructed.
- Prepare all required supporting documents (such as financial statements, equity and accessibility policies, etc.).
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application online by the specified deadline (e.g., November 5, 2025, at 11:59pm).
- Step 6: Application Support (if needed)
- If you are Deaf/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or live with a disability and require assistance to complete the application, contact program staff to access up to $500 towards support costs.
Additional information
- Applicants with commitments to equity in their mission, programs, and practices are prioritized for new funding opportunities.
- Support of up to $500 is available for applicants who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or living with a disability to assist with application completion costs.
- Application timelines are set annually and subject to change; applicants should verify key dates.
- Organizations who submitted a previous EOI but were not selected remain on the list for consideration for the following intake year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cultural Operating Funding (COF) Program
What is the Cultural Operating Funding (COF)?
The Cultural Operating Funding (COF) program provides core financial support to Vancouver-based, professional non-profit arts and cultural organizations to enable the development, creation, production, presentation, and dissemination of artistic work or delivery of professional services. Eligible activities include ongoing arts and cultural programming, service provision, or space management, supporting organizations that demonstrate a strong equity focus and sustained arts engagement.
Who is eligible for the Cultural Operating Funding (COF) program?
To be eligible for the Cultural Operating Funding (COF) program, you must:
Must be a Vancouver-based, legally registered non-profit, co-op, or charity
Minimum operating expense budget of $150,000, with preference for $200,000 or more
Must have an existing funding relationship with the City of Vancouver
What expenses are eligible under Cultural Operating Funding (COF)?
Creation, production, and presentation of artistic works across various disciplines.
Development and dissemination of arts and cultural programs in Vancouver.
Provision of professional services or spaces that support the arts sector.
Who can I contact for more information about the Cultural Operating Funding (COF)?
You can contact City of Vancouver by email at miko.hoffman@vancouver.ca.
Where is the Cultural Operating Funding (COF) available?
The Cultural Operating Funding (COF) program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Cultural Operating Funding (COF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Cultural Operating Funding (COF) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Cultural Operating Funding (COF)?
Cultural Operating Funding (COF) is funded by City of Vancouver