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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.
Official resources
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.
How to apply
1
Review eligibility and guidelines
- Review the 2026 Strategic Experimentation Fund guidelines carefully.
- Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
2
Prepare the application PDF
- Prepare a single PDF file containing all application materials.
- Email the PDF to hdunford@metcalffoundation.com.
3
Submit the application
- Submit your application by email once the PDF is ready.
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
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