Open
Last Update: June 5, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Supports Ontario public art galleries and museums in building collections and community engagement. Funding is available for Canadian art acquisitions and collection-focused development initiatives, up to $20,000 for acquisition grants and up to $10,000 for development grants.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Acquisition of Canadian works of art for permanent collections
- Development initiatives that increase public knowledge of collecting and permanent collections
- Activities that improve public access to permanent collections
- Curatorial research
- Community engagement and outreach activities related to the gallery or museum collection
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Application checklist
- Profile of institution
- Justification for the acquisition or development grant
- Most recent financial statements
- Acquisition policy and committee members list
- Support material, including images and required confirmations
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Public art galleries in Ontario
- Museums in Ontario
Who is not eligible
- Provincial government agencies
- Federal government agencies
Eligible expenses
- Purchase price of Canadian works of art
- Acquisition-related project costs for eligible art purchases
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Conservation and restoration of works of art under Development Grants
- Ongoing administrative or operating expenses under Development Grants
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the institution’s mandate and vision
- Relevance of the project or artwork to the permanent collection
- Commitment to Canadian art and community engagement
- Strength of promotion, access, and public outreach plans
- Demonstrated support through partnerships, volunteers, sponsorships, or regular funding sources
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the program guidelines and application materials
- Read the guidelines carefully before starting.
- Use the required application forms and checklist.
- Step 2: Prepare the application package
- Complete the application form and checklist.
- Prepare the institution profile, justification, budget, support material, and financial statements.
- Step 3: Submit by email
- Send the completed package to aboyd@oafdn.ca.
- Files may be attached to email or shared through Dropbox or WeTransfer.
- Step 4: Wait for confirmation and review outcome
- You will receive email confirmation that the package was received.
- The result is communicated approximately 16 weeks after the deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by an Ontario Arts Council jury.
- Applicants are notified of the result approximately 16 weeks after the deadline.
- Successful applicants must follow the program terms and conditions before funding is paid.
- For Acquisition Grants, proof of purchase and appraisal must be submitted to receive payment.
- Final reporting is required after the grant is used.
Additional information
- Successful applicants may receive only one Acquisition Grant or one Development Grant per year.
- Applications are accepted by email to aboyd@oafdn.ca.
- Materials may be sent as email attachments or through file-sharing services such as Dropbox or WeTransfer.
- Applicants are informed of the result approximately 16 weeks after the deadline.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program Program
What is the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program?
Supports Ontario public art galleries and museums in building collections and community engagement. Funding is available for Canadian art acquisitions and collection-focused development initiatives, up to $20,000 for acquisition grants and up to $10,000 for development grants.
Who is eligible for the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program program?
To be eligible for the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program program, you must:
Ontario public art gallery or museum
Registered charity
At least 2 years in operation
What expenses are eligible under Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program?
Acquisition of Canadian works of art for permanent collections
Development initiatives that increase public knowledge of collecting and permanent collections
Activities that improve public access to permanent collections
Curatorial research
Community engagement and outreach activities related to the gallery or museum collection
Who can I contact for more information about the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program?
You can contact Ontario Arts Foundation by email at aboyd@oafdn.ca.
Where is the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program available?
The Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program?
Elizabeth L. Gordon Art Program is funded by Ontario Arts Foundation