Open
Movable Cultural Property Grants
Supports acquisition of nationally significant cultural property in Canada
Last Update: May 28, 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 to acquire cultural property or belongings of national heritage significance in Canada. Eligible purchases include property with a refused export permit or items available for sale outside Canada, with up to 100% of eligible expenses in exceptional circumstances.
/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.
- Purchase of cultural property or belongings available for sale outside Canada.
- Repatriation or rematriation of Indigenous cultural belongings.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Good quality digital images of the property
- Justification of heritage importance
- Vendor letter confirming purchase price, when applicable
- Recent audited financial statements, for incorporated not-for-profit organizations
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Designated institutions or public authorities in Canada
- Indigenous governing bodies
- Indigenous-led heritage organizations
Who is not eligible
- Non-designated non-Indigenous organizations that do not apply for designation with the 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
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applicable taxes
- Conservation
- Storage
- Research and display
- Salaries or consultant fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Importance to national or Indigenous cultural heritage.
- Benefits for Canadians or Indigenous communities.
- Clear title to the object.
- Condition of the object and, if relevant, conservation plan.
- Justification of the purchase price and financial ability to contribute.
How to apply
1
Review the application guidelines
- Review the Application Guidelines for the Movable Cultural Property Grants Program
- Ensure understanding of eligibility criteria and required documentation
2
Request application materials
- Contact the Movable Cultural Property Program by email at bcm-mcp@pch.gc.ca
- Request the grant application form and, if needed, the self-assessment tool for organization designation
3
Prepare supporting documents
- Gather required supporting documents, such as digital images, justification statements, vendor letters, financial statements, and relevant reports
- For non-designated organizations, prepare designation application materials as well
4
Complete the application package
- Complete, sign, and date the application form and, if required, the designation application
- Attach all supporting documentation to the application package
5
Submit the application package
- Submit the completed application package electronically to bcm-mcp@pch.gc.ca
- If unable to send by email, contact the program for alternative submission methods
6
Await results and respond as needed
- Wait for confirmation of receipt and decision from the Movable Cultural Property Program
- Respond promptly to any additional information requests during evaluation
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are acknowledged after receipt.
- Applications are reviewed by a committee against program criteria and available funds.
- Funding decisions are final.
- A funding agreement applies before payment.
- Reports or participation in evaluation may be required at the end of the project.
Additional information
- No fixed application deadline.
- Unused grant funds must be refunded.
- Records must be kept for five years.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Movable Cultural Property Grants Program
What is the Movable Cultural Property Grants?
The Movable Cultural Property Grants program provides financial assistance to acquire cultural property or belongings of national heritage significance in Canada. Eligible purchases include property with a refused export permit or items available for sale outside Canada, with up to 100% of eligible expenses in exceptional circumstances.
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
Indigenous governing body or Indigenous-led organization
What expenses are eligible under Movable Cultural Property Grants?
Acquisition of cultural property or belongings for which an export permit has been refused.
Purchase of cultural property or belongings available for sale outside Canada.
Repatriation or rematriation of Indigenous cultural belongings.
Who can I contact for more information about the Movable Cultural Property Grants?
You can contact Canadian Heritage 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