Open
Movable Cultural Property Grants
Supports acquisition of nationally significant cultural property in Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Movable Cultural Property Grants program provides financial assistance for designated organizations and Indigenous-led groups to acquire cultural property or belongings of national heritage significance, with funding that may cover up to 100% of eligible costs in exceptional circumstances. Eligible activities include purchasing cultural property denied an export permit or acquiring heritage items available for sale internationally.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Acquisition of cultural property or belongings for which an export permit has been refused and an export delay period has been established.
- Purchase of cultural property or belongings located outside of Canada that are available for sale on the international market, particularly those with strong associations to national heritage.
- Repatriation or rematriation of Indigenous cultural belongings to their originating community or Nation.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Designated institutions or public authorities in Canada (such as museums, archives, and libraries) recognized by the Minister of Canadian Heritage
- Indigenous governing bodies
- Indigenous-led heritage organizations with a mandate to preserve and support First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis heritage
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not designated institutions or public authorities under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act and are not Indigenous governing bodies or Indigenous-led organizations.
- Non-Indigenous organizations that have not been designated and do not apply for designation alongside their grant application.
- For-profit businesses and private companies that do not meet the designation or Indigenous criteria.
Eligible expenses
- Purchase price of the cultural property or belongings
- Buyer's premium
- Shipping costs, including packing and crating
- Shipping insurance
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations and public bodies located in Canada
- Indigenous governing bodies or Indigenous organizations in Canada
Additional information
- There is no fixed deadline for applications; they are accepted on a continuous basis.
- If the final auction price is less than the applicant’s financial commitment, no grant money will be awarded.
- In case of overpayment due to currency fluctuations, unused funds must be refunded to the Receiver General for Canada.
- Applicants must keep records and documentation related to the grant for five years for potential audits or evaluations.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Movable Cultural Property Grants Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Movable Cultural Property 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 Movable Cultural Property Grants?
The Movable Cultural Property Grants program provides financial assistance for designated organizations and Indigenous-led groups to acquire cultural property or belongings of national heritage significance, with funding that may cover up to 100% of eligible costs in exceptional circumstances. Eligible activities include purchasing cultural property denied an export permit or acquiring heritage items available for sale internationally.
How much funding can be received?
Movable Cultural Property Grants Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Movable Cultural Property Grants program?
To be eligible for the Movable Cultural Property Grants program, you must:
Designated Canadian institution or public authority under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act
Indigenous governing body or Indigenous-led organization with a heritage mandate
What expenses are eligible under Movable Cultural Property Grants?
Acquisition of cultural property or belongings for which an export permit has been refused and an export delay period has been established.
Purchase of cultural property or belongings located outside of Canada that are available for sale on the international market, particularly those with strong associations to national heritage.
Repatriation or rematriation of Indigenous cultural belongings to their originating community or Nation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Movable Cultural Property Grants?
You can contact Canadian Heritage (PCH) by email at bcm-mcp@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.
Where is the Movable Cultural Property Grants available?
The Movable Cultural Property Grants program is available across Canada.
Is the Movable Cultural Property Grants a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Movable Cultural Property Grants is a Grant and Funding