Closed
Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program
Supports cultural property designation and access
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Overview
Designation helps Canadian institutions and public authorities qualify for cultural property tax certification and related funding. The program supports long-term preservation and public access to cultural property through exhibitions, research, publications, and online access.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Designation of Canadian institutions and public authorities for cultural property certification
- Designation for the preservation and public access of cultural property
- Designation related to acquisitions of specific cultural property or collections
- Designation for cultural property displayed outdoors
Documents Needed
- Designation application form
- Facilities Evaluation Form
- Required supporting documents listed in the applicable appendix of the Application Guide
- Recent annual report
- Audited financial statements or operating budget, depending on applicant type
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Public authorities
- Museums, art galleries, archives, libraries, science centres, and interpretation centres
- Universities or cultural entities within universities
Who is not eligible
- Private-for-profit organizations
- Private foundations
Eligible expenses
- Costs related to acquiring eligible cultural property, where applicable
- Technical assessment costs may apply in some cases through the Canadian Conservation Institute
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applications for cultural property already owned by the organization
- Category A applications for outdoor cultural property
- Applications that do not meet the designation criteria
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- The program acknowledges receipt of applications within two weeks.
- Incomplete applications may be closed if requested information is not provided within two months.
- Eligible applications are reviewed case by case, including a technical assessment by the Canadian Conservation Institute in some cases.
- Applicants are notified in writing of the decision.
- Successful applicants receive a Designation Instrument; refused applicants must wait one year before reapplying.
Additional information
- Designation is granted by the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
- Applications can be submitted at any time during the year.
- Organizations already designated may become eligible for related tax certification and Movable Cultural Property grants.
- Category B applications may be processed on an urgent basis in exceptional cases.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program. 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 Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program?
Designation helps Canadian institutions and public authorities qualify for cultural property tax certification and related funding. The program supports long-term preservation and public access to cultural property through exhibitions, research, publications, and online access.
Who is eligible for the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program program?
To be eligible for the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program program, you must:
Public authority or institution
Long-term facility control
Long-term preservation and public access
What expenses are eligible under Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program?
Designation of Canadian institutions and public authorities for cultural property certification
Designation for the preservation and public access of cultural property
Designation related to acquisitions of specific cultural property or collections
Designation for cultural property displayed outdoors
Who can I contact for more information about the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program?
You can contact Department of Canadian Heritage (LJI) by email at bcmdesign-mcpdesign@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.
Where is the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program available?
The Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program program is available the province of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon.
Is the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program?
Designation of Institutions and Public Authorities Program is funded by Department of Canadian Heritage (LJI)