Open
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 35,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
This program supports Manitoba-based arts and cultural organizations in exploring or implementing significant organizational change. Funding is available for research, new revenue models, strategic partnerships, sustainability planning, and related transformation projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 35,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Manitoba
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
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Exploring key organizational questions or challenges
- Implementing organizational change
- Developing new earned revenue streams and business models
- Creating strategic partnerships and resource-sharing approaches
- Addressing succession, merger, or wind-down issues
Documents Needed
- Project information and organizational history
- Project plan and outcomes description
- Supporting collaborator documents, if applicable
- Other supporting documents, such as cost estimates or letters of support
- Most recent financial statements or bank statements, depending on organization type
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Arts and culture organizations based in Manitoba
- Registered charities
- Registered non-profits
- Registered for-profit book and periodical publishers
- Collectives or organizations with a comparable alternative structure
Who is not eligible
- Museums and heritage groups
- Libraries
- Organizations affiliated with large institutions but not financially, curatorially, and artistically independent
- Municipalities and municipal sub-committees
- Charitable foundations and Crown agencies
Eligible expenses
- Staff hours dedicated to the project
- Professional fees for consultants or specialists
- Project-related travel
- Venue fees related to the project
- Overhead costs, within the program limit
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- New permanent staff positions
- Ongoing administrative salaries and costs
- Severance pay
- Capital repairs, upgrades, or building costs
- Debt repayment or servicing
Eligible geographic areas
- Manitoba
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by representatives from The Winnipeg Foundation and the Manitoba Arts Council.
- Applications are assessed against the program criteria.
- Priority is given to organizations that primarily serve equity-deserving groups.
- Successful applicants must complete reporting and follow-up requirements after funding is awarded.
Additional information
- Applicants are encouraged to speak with a Manitoba Arts Council Program Consultant before applying.
- A confidential Strategic Advisor is available at no charge to help organizations discuss their challenges and possible solutions.
- Offline application forms are available for applicants with limited internet access or accessibility needs.
- Accessibility-related support costs may be covered through extra funding.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Looking Forward Grants Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Looking Forward Grants. 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 Looking Forward Grants?
This program supports Manitoba-based arts and cultural organizations in exploring or implementing significant organizational change. Funding is available for research, new revenue models, strategic partnerships, sustainability planning, and related transformation projects.
How much funding can be received?
Looking Forward Grants Funds up to $35,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Looking Forward Grants program?
To be eligible for the Looking Forward Grants program, you must:
Manitoba-based arts and cultural organization
In continuous operation for 3+ years
Meets required organizational status
What expenses are eligible under Looking Forward Grants?
Exploring key organizational questions or challenges
Implementing organizational change
Developing new earned revenue streams and business models
Creating strategic partnerships and resource-sharing approaches
Addressing succession, merger, or wind-down issues
Where is the Looking Forward Grants available?
The Looking Forward Grants program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the Looking Forward Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Looking Forward Grants is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Looking Forward Grants?
Looking Forward Grants is funded by Manitoba Arts Council