The Canada Periodical Fund's Aid to Publishers provides financial support to Canadian publishers of print magazines, print community newspapers, and digital periodicals to produce and distribute high-quality, Canadian editorial content. Eligible activities include creation, production, marketing, distribution, and website development and enhancement. This program ensures access to diverse editorial content for Canadian readers, with special measures for official-language minority, Indigenous, ethnocultural, and 2SLGBTQI+ periodicals.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides targeted financial support to aid Canadian publishers in producing and distributing high-quality editorial content. The funding modalities aim to optimize both performance and compliance.

Funding amounts can be up to $1.5 million per periodical, with total government assistance not exceeding 75% of total expenditures for creation, production, marketing, and distribution.
Funds can be used for creation, production, marketing, distribution, and website enhancements, incurred between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
Funding is distributed based on a formula considering the number of eligible copies circulated and editorial expenditures.
Funding is disbursed as a grant or as a contribution, with specific conditions tied to each type.
Grants may require a final report or participation in an evaluation of results; contributions necessitate a funding agreement and a final report.
The recipient must publicly acknowledge the financial support from the Government of Canada in both English and French in all relevant communications.
The recipient must keep records for five years, allowing audits to ensure compliance with funding terms.

Activities funded

Creation of high-quality Canadian editorial content including writing, editing, photography, illustration, and design.
Production activities such as pre-press work and printing.
Marketing the print or digital periodical to expand its reach and reader engagement.
Distribution of print and digital periodicals to Canadian readers.
Development and enhancement of websites, including content development and improvements to site architecture and functionality.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 250,000

Launch a new Indigenous digital periodical focusing on cultural and social issues

$ 150,000

Produce a bilingual magazine focusing on Canadian culinary arts and cuisine

$ 180,000

Create a digital periodical to cover local arts and cultural events

$ 210,000

Improve and expand the website of a digital ethnocultural magazine

$ 140,000

Expand an online 2SLGBTQI+ magazine with enhanced website features and new content

$ 200,000

Implement a digital transition for a well-established print community newspaper

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the publishing firm's profile and periodical publication criteria.

The publishing firm must be a private-sector entity, including corporations, not-for-profit organizations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships.
The publishing firm must be majority owned and controlled by Canadians.
The principal place of business of the publishing firm must be in Canada.
The publishing firm must have published one or more eligible periodicals at the application deadline.

Who is eligible?

Publishing firms producing print paid or request circulation magazines. To be eligible, you must meet all eligibility criteria for both the publishing firm and your periodical until March 31, 2025.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes specific types of periodicals from eligibility. These restrictions ensure that funding is directed towards periodicals that align with the objectives of promoting diverse Canadian editorial content.

Daily newspapers, both print and digital.
Non stand-alone inserts to newspapers.
Free print periodicals.
Newsletters and websites, including blogs and social media platforms.
Periodicals produced for organizations primarily promoting their activities or interests.
Periodicals aimed at promoting sales of goods or services by or for commercial organizations.
Periodicals produced under contract by non-Canadian entities for Canadian clients or vice versa.
Professional association periodicals and government-related publications.
Periodicals with content largely reproduced from previous issues or other publications.
Loose-leaf periodicals and those largely comprising listings, directories, or similar content.
Periodicals containing or promoting offensive content, such as hate propaganda or excessive violence.

Eligible expenses

Creation (writing, editing, photography, illustration and design).
Production (pre-press and printing).
Marketing.
Distribution.
Website development and enhancement (including content development, and enhancements to the site's architecture and functionality).

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to Canadian publishing firms that have their principal place of business in Canada. Eligible companies must be majority owned and controlled by Canadians to apply for the Magazine — Aid to Publishers under the Canada Periodical Fund.

Publishing firms must have their principal place of business within Canada.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Aid to Publishers under the Canada Periodical Fund are based on specific criteria to ensure projects meet the program objectives and eligibility requirements.

Total number of eligible copies circulated for a periodical during your financial year.
Eligible editorial expenditures incurred during your financial year.

How to apply

Read Application Guidelines

Familiarize yourself with the entire Application Guidelines document.

Choose Circulation Model

Select either the paid circulation or request circulation business model for your application.

Prepare Required Documents

Gather and prepare all necessary documents, including:
Articles of incorporation.
Marked-up copy of the last regular issue of the financial year.
Most recent regular issue.
Last three printers invoices of the financial year.
Circulation reports, if applicable.
Ensure circulation verification documents are ready if required.

Mark-Up Last Issue

Digitally or physically mark-up the last regular issue of your financial year using specified codes for Canadian content, advertising, etc.

Complete the Application Form

Access and fill out the Aid to Publishers – Application Form – Magazine via the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal.

Submit Application Package

Upload the completed application form and all supporting documents electronically through the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal.
If unable to apply online, contact the provider for assistance.

Receive Confirmation

Check for an email confirmation of your application submission.

Additional information

This grant promotes diversity and equality by expecting organizations to adhere to Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy. It also requires funded organizations to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse, and discrimination.

Organizations must respect the values of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.
Recipient organizations must ensure a workplace free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.
Funded projects require public acknowledgment of Government of Canada support in both English and French.
Funding decisions are final and recipients may be subject to audits or program evaluations.
Records related to the funding must be maintained for five years for auditing or evaluation purposes.
Any change in the status of the publishing firm or periodical must be immediately communicated.
Grant agreements may require a final report at the end of the project.

Contacts

fondsdesperiodiquescanada-canadaperiodicalfund@pch.gc.ca

1-866-811-0055

Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Magazine — Aid to Publishers Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Magazine — Aid to Publishers. 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 Magazine — Aid to Publishers?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Magazine — Aid to Publishers?

Creation of high-quality Canadian editorial content including writing, editing, photography, illustration, and design. Production activities such as pre-press work and printing. Marketing the print or digital periodical to expand its reach and reader engagement. Distribution of print and digital periodicals to Canadian readers. Development and enhancement of websites, including content development and improvements to site architecture and functionality.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Magazine — Aid to Publishers a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Magazine — Aid to Publishers?

Who is eligible for the Magazine — Aid to Publishers program?

To be eligible for the Magazine — Aid to Publishers program, you must: The publishing firm must be a private-sector entity, such as a corporation, not-for-profit organization, partnership, or sole proprietorship. The publishing firm must be majority owned and controlled by Canadians and have its principal place of business in Canada. The firm must have published one or more eligible periodicals by the application deadline.