Closed
Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program
Funding for established Canadian film festivals
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 6, 2026
- Closing date : January 27, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides non-repayable support of up to 10% of a festival budget, to a maximum of CAD 250,000. It supports established medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada, including programming, communications, production, administration, and complementary activities such as film markets.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 6, 2026
- Closing date : January 27, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- General public
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada
- Complementary festival activities such as film markets
- Promotional, professional, and audience-development activities held during the festival
Documents Needed
- Corporate information form
- Activity proposal
- Audience development and engagement proposal
- Budget and final cost report template
- Financial statements and required ticketing reports, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian-controlled corporations
- Film, television, or digital media organizations
- Established medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada
Who is not eligible
- Student or amateur film festivals
- Screening series
- Festivals focused on TV, XR, podcasts, or web content
- Online-only festivals
- Broadcast-only festivals
Eligible expenses
- Programming costs
- Communication and promotion costs
- Production costs
- Administrative costs directly linked to the funded festival
- Eligible salaries, professional fees, and direct expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Year-round costs not tied to the funded festival dates
- Online-only or broadcast-only festivals
- Administrative costs above the allowed limit
- Costs already covered by another entity or program
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against eligibility and evaluation criteria.
- Telefilm may consult external advisors during assessment.
- Funding decisions also reflect portfolio balance and diversity objectives.
- Approved applicants receive a funding agreement before support is provided.
- Final cost reports are reviewed and funding may be reduced based on reported costs.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted during the program’s intake period.
- Applications are submitted through Dialogue.
- Incomplete applications may be automatically rejected.
- Telefilm may request additional information or documents.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program. 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 Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program?
This program provides non-repayable support of up to 10% of a festival budget, to a maximum of CAD 250,000. It supports established medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada, including programming, communications, production, administration, and complementary activities such as film markets.
How much funding can be received?
Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was January 27, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program program?
To be eligible for the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program program, you must:
Canadian-controlled organization
At least 7 festival editions
Minimum CAD 300,000 activity budget
What expenses are eligible under Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program?
Medium to large-scale film festivals in Canada
Complementary festival activities such as film markets
Promotional, professional, and audience-development activities held during the festival
Who can I contact for more information about the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program?
You can contact Telefilm Canada by email at coordination@telefilm.ca or by phone at 438-806-4865.
Where is the Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program available?
The Medium to Large-Scale Festivals Program program is available across Canada.