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Heritage Grants Program (HGP)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Winnipeg, MN, Canada
Supports projects that preserve and interpret Manitoba’s human and natural heritage
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Heritage Grants Program supports Manitoban not-for-profit organizations, local governments, universities and First Nations with up to 50% of total project costs (approved expenses must be at least $1,000 and grants cannot be less than $500) to identify, protect and interpret the province’s human and natural heritage. Eligible activities include collections management, conservation, exhibitions, heritage programs, interpretive signs, research (archaeological, audio-visual, historical, oral history, school materials) and other special heritage initiatives.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Supporting volunteer engagement
Eligible Funding
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Winnipeg
- MN
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Activities funded
- Planning and improving management of heritage collections, including upgrading collection records and reformatting archival materials.
- Conserving and restoring heritage, archival and museum objects or collections to preserve their authenticity and condition.
- Developing, producing or circulating exhibitions that interpret Manitoba’s past and present its people, places and events.
- Designing and delivering heritage programs such as interpretive publications, public programs, community heritage planning, and training events (conferences, seminars, workshops).
- Conducting heritage research projects (archaeological, audio-visual, historical, oral history, or school-focused materials) and other imaginative heritage initiatives that do not fit standard categories.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a not-for-profit, incorporated community organization, local government, university or First Nation, in existence for at least one year.
- Individuals or unincorporated groups may apply only if endorsed by an eligible organization that provides a formal letter of support.
- The project must identify, protect or interpret Manitoba’s human or natural heritage and result in a non-recurring, time-limited activity.
- The results of the project must be publicly accessible on a not-for-profit basis.
- The applicant must submit a detailed project description, including objectives, timelines, total funding from all sources, and any required specialist advice or development plans, as applicable to the project category.
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit incorporated community organizations involved in Manitoba’s human and natural heritage
- Local governments in Manitoba undertaking heritage-related projects
- Universities engaged in Manitoba heritage identification, protection or interpretation
- First Nations organizations working on Manitoba heritage projects
- Individuals or unincorporated groups applying under the endorsement of an eligible not-for-profit organization
Who is not eligible
- Federal government departments.
- Provincial government departments.
- Agencies or organizations whose primary purpose is to provide grants to others.
Eligible expenses
- Materials and supplies required to carry out the approved heritage project.
- Fees and salaries for project staff, including honorariums and contractual/consulting services directly tied to the project.
- Costs for services or equipment required for the project, including the purchase of project-specific equipment when this is more economical than rental.
- Costs of reformatting archival collections (e.g., microfilming or digitization) in line with recognized standards.
- Expenses for developing and producing exhibits, including cases, panels, props, labels, lighting, and conservation or replication of objects for display.
- Printing costs for interpretive leaflets, brochures and posters, including copies for free distribution to public repositories such as schools, libraries or municipal offices.
- Eligible costs related to planning activities such as surveys, inventories of heritage resources, site and planning studies, and development of operational or program plans and conservation guidelines.
- Costs associated with conferences, seminars or workshops, including bringing in outside speakers and other directly related expenses for time-bound training programs leading to a recognized certificate.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations located in the province of Manitoba, Canada.
Selection criteria
- Overall quality and merit of the proposed heritage project.
- Demonstrated financial need of the applicant and ability to make effective use of the funds.
- Level of volunteer and community commitment to the project.
- Presence of other funding sources, especially confirmed contributions from outside funders.
- Availability of program funds at the time of assessment.
How to apply
1
Obtain Application Forms
- Visit the website www.manitoba.ca/chc/grants/hgp.html to download application forms.
- Alternatively, collect forms from the Heritage Grants Program office or nearest regional office of Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism.
2
Prepare Application
- Refer to the checklist provided with the application form to ensure all components are complete.
- Prepare a detailed project description outlining contribution to heritage identification, protection, or interpretation, including timelines and budget details.
- Include a letter or report from consulted heritage agencies or professionals, if applicable.
- Acquire two quotes for any external consultants or contractors, if needed.
3
Secure Endorsements
- If applying as an individual or unincorporated group, secure a letter of support from an eligible endorsing organization.
- Gather letters of support from the community if applicable.
4
Submit Application
- Ensure the application is thoroughly reviewed for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application before the deadlines of January 31 or June 1 each year.
- Submit applications well in advance of deadlines to allow for any necessary corrections.
5
Receive Notification
Wait for approximately three months after the deadline for notification regarding the status of your application.
6
Sign Agreement
Upon approval, sign and return the Letter of Agreement within one month.
7
Report and Finalize Grant
- Complete the project and submit a satisfactory project evaluation report, including financials.
- The remainder of the grant funding will be disbursed upon approval of the final report.
- Ensure the report is submitted within 60 days of project completion.
Additional information
- Application deadlines occur twice per year, on January 31 and June 1, with funding decisions typically communicated about three months after each deadline.
- Grants are approved "up to a maximum amount" and the final payment is adjusted based on actual project expenditures.
- An applicant may appeal the committee’s decision within 30 days of the public release of decisions; an independent Appeals Committee reviews appeals and its decisions are final.
- Preference is given to applications from organizations that cooperate with other groups and that can demonstrate volunteer and community commitment.
Contacts
hrb@gov.mb.ca
204-945-2118
