Closed
Source verified July 30, 2026
Digital Strategy Fund
Supports digital planning for core recipients
Latest source updateLast Update: July 30, 2026Latest change: A Program Guidelines and Application Form document is now visible, adding detailed instructions on eligibility, assessment, expenses, payment, and the application form.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 30, 2026
Latest change: A Program Guidelines and Application Form document is now visible, adding detailed instructions on eligibility, assessment, expenses, payment, and the application form.
Digital Strategy Fund guidelines and application form added
A Program Guidelines and Application Form document is now visible for the Digital Strategy Fund special initiative, adding detailed applicant instructions beyond the main initiative page. It now states the initiative is a grant type project, with applications due 4 February 2019, notification of results on 31 March 2019, and project activities that must be completed by March 2021 at the latest, with the final report due within 3 months of the end of the activities. The new document also adds the application form, required declaration language, and budget instructions, and it clarifies that eligible costs are funded at 100% up to $50,000. It further specifies ranking criteria, one-application limits, eligible and ineligible expenses, and the payment condition that successful applicants must complete the Grant Acknowledgement Form.
Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Current recipients of a core grant awarded in 2017-18 from Artist-Driven Organizations, Artistic Catalysts, Artistic Institutions, Indigenous Organizations, Support Organizations, National Arts Service Organizations, Literary Publishers, or Arts Festivals and Presenters.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Digital Strategy Fund Special Initiative for Core Grant Recipients offers up to $50,000 to current core grant recipients to assess digital readiness and develop a digital strategic plan. Eligible activities include digital maturity assessments, digital needs assessments, and strategic planning with Canadian or international consultants or experts.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Conduct a digital maturity assessment.
- Complete a digital needs assessment.
- Develop a digital strategic plan.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Budget
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Current recipients of a core grant awarded in 2017-18 from Artist-Driven Organizations, Artistic Catalysts, Artistic Institutions, Indigenous Organizations, Support Organizations, National Arts Service Organizations, Literary Publishers, or Arts Festivals and Presenters.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that have been issued a Major Warning in their most recent core result.
Eligible expenses
- Professional services fees paid to external consultants and experts.
- Travel, accommodation and per diem expenses for the external consultants and experts.
- Meeting and consultation expenses with external stakeholders.
- Research study expenses.
- Purchase of data.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses that are not directly related to the eligible activities above.
- Ongoing operating expenses or regular activities.
- Deficit reduction costs.
- Capital costs.
- Expenses incurred prior to the application deadline date, expenses for which funding has already been granted by the Canada Council or another funder, and overlapping expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations receiving a base grant from the Canada Council for the Arts (Canadian national level)
Selection criteria
- Applications are ranked based on the most recent core grant assessment.
- The ranking uses the combined peer assessment score for Impact/Engagement and Resilience criteria from the core component.
- The ranking does not use the peer assessment score related to Artistic Merit or Relevance.
How to apply
- Submit your application by email.
- Send your completed application form and budget as one attachment in one email to applyDSF@canadacouncil.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- If successful, the first step to receiving your grant payment is to complete the Grant Acknowledgement Form.
- A final report, including a copy of your digital maturity assessment, digital needs assessment or digital strategic plan, is due within 3 months of the end of the proposed activities, which must be completed by March 2021 at the latest.
- All granting decisions are final, and successful applicants will be subject to the terms and conditions of the grant.
Additional information
- This is a one-time initiative.
- Toolkit resources are available, including the digital maturity assessment tool, the digital needs assessment tool, the digital strategy tool, and the service provider guide.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Strategy Fund Program
What is the Digital Strategy Fund?
The Digital Strategy Fund Special Initiative for Core Grant Recipients offers up to $50,000 to current core grant recipients to assess digital readiness and develop a digital strategic plan. Eligible activities include digital maturity assessments, digital needs assessments, and strategic planning with Canadian or international consultants or experts.
How much funding can be received?
Digital Strategy Fund Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Digital Strategy Fund program?
To be eligible for the Digital Strategy Fund program, you must:
Must be a current recipient of a core grant awarded in 2017-18 from one of the eligible components.
Must not have been issued a Major Warning in their most recent core result.
What expenses are eligible under Digital Strategy Fund?
Conduct a digital maturity assessment.
Complete a digital needs assessment.
Develop a digital strategic plan.
Who can I contact for more information about the Digital Strategy Fund?
You can contact Canada Council for the Arts (CCA) by email at applyDSF@canadacouncil.ca or by phone at 1-800-263-5588.
Where is the Digital Strategy Fund available?
The Digital Strategy Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Digital Strategy Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Digital Strategy Fund is a Grant and Funding