Movable Cultural Property Grants

• Applicants are encouraged to contribute 50% or more of the purchase price of the cultural property or belongings; total government assistance from all sources cannot exceed 100% of eligible project costs.
• In exceptional cases, the program may fund up to 100% of eligible expenses, as determined by Canadian Heritage.
• For auction purchases, if the final auction price is less than the applicant’s financial commitment, no grant is awarded; if the price exceeds the combined applicant and grant commitment, no grant is awarded.

• The applicant must be an institution or public authority in Canada designated by the Minister of Canadian Heritage under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act, or must apply for designation concurrently with the grant application.
• Alternatively, the applicant may be an Indigenous governing body or an Indigenous-led organization with a mandate to preserve and support Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis) heritage.
• The project must involve the acquisition of cultural property or belongings that are either subject to a refused export permit or are available for purchase outside Canada and are associated with national heritage.

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

• Importance of the cultural property or belonging(s) to national heritage in Canada or to Indigenous cultural heritage in Canada.
• Demonstrated benefit of the acquisition for Canadians and/or Indigenous communities.
• How the object enhances the collection or mandate of the designated organization (for designated organizations only).
• Applicant’s ability to secure clear title to the object.
• Justification of the proposed purchase price to ensure it is the lowest fair price possible, and applicant’s financial ability to contribute to the purchase.

• 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.