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Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund
Supports experimentation for performing arts organizations
Last Update: May 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 40,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Strategic Experimentation Fund supports performing arts organizations with up to $40,000 for Phase 1 experimentation. It funds iterative experiments, research, and data-gathering activities aimed at strengthening organizational development, capacity building, and problem solving.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 2 employees minimum
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Strategic experimentation to test new approaches.
- Organizational development and capacity-building initiatives.
- Iterative experiments, research, and data gathering.
- Work to improve artistic, administrative, and audience-building functions.
Documents Needed
- One PDF file with all application materials.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Professional theatre organizations.
- Professional dance organizations.
- Professional music organizations.
- Professional opera organizations.
- Creation, production, training, and service organizations in these disciplines.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations currently participating in SEF 2024.
Eligible expenses
- Expenses related to iterative experimentation, research, and data gathering.
- Costs tied to organizational development, capacity building, and problem solving activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- City of Toronto.
- Greater Toronto Area organizations with a significant presence in Toronto.
Additional information
- Phase 1 supports experimentation before larger-scale amplification.
- Applicants are expected to focus on their own organizational needs.
- Drop-in online information sessions were offered for clarifying questions.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund. 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 Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund?
The Strategic Experimentation Fund supports performing arts organizations with up to $40,000 for Phase 1 experimentation. It funds iterative experiments, research, and data-gathering activities aimed at strengthening organizational development, capacity building, and problem solving.
How much funding can be received?
Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund Funds up to $40,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund program?
To be eligible for the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund program, you must:
Professional performing arts organization.
Based in Toronto or GTA with strong Toronto presence.
Valid CRA charitable registration.
What expenses are eligible under Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund?
Strategic experimentation to test new approaches.
Organizational development and capacity-building initiatives.
Iterative experiments, research, and data gathering.
Work to improve artistic, administrative, and audience-building functions.
Who can I contact for more information about the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund?
You can contact The George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation by email at hdunford@metcalffoundation.com.
Where is the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund available?
The Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Strategic Experimentation Fund is a Grant and Funding