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Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage - Canada
Closed
Source verified August 2, 2026

Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage

Funding for travelling heritage exhibitions
Offered by
Canadian Heritage
Official source: canada.ca

Get notified when Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage reopens

Latest source update
Last Update: September 18, 2026
Latest change: The Access to Heritage page now shows a new intake window for September 8 to November 2, 2026, adds a 4:00 p.m. ET submission cutoff, and revises eligibility wording for exceptional applicants.
View change
Access to Heritage dates and guidance updated
The Access to Heritage page now shows an application intake period from September 8, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET to November 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET, and the guidelines now state that applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date. The application guidelines also revise the exceptional-eligibility language to refer to non-profit organizations whose primary mandate is to preserve and support heritage, and the capital-project exclusion no longer includes the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund consultation link.
Funding available
$ 200,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply

Incorporated non-profit Canadian museums

See full eligibility

Overview

Provides funding for heritage organizations to develop and circulate travelling exhibitions across Canada. Maximum funding is $200,000 per project, for projects lasting up to 2 calendar years.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 200,000 $
  • Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Environment
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • 100% donations / grants
Scope
  • Provincial

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Activities funded

  • Research, design, and production of travelling exhibitions
  • Circulation of exhibitions to one or more venues in Canada

Documents Needed

  • General budget form
  • Supporting documents
  • Letters of intent from at least one Canadian venue, for development and production projects

Official resources

Official page

Access to Heritage - Museums Assistance Program

Program guide

Application Guidelines - Access to Heritage

Application form

Forms - Access to Heritage - Museums Assistance Program

Museums Assistance Program General Budget Form

Supporting document

Museums Assistance Program - Interim and Final Activity/Results Reports

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Incorporated non-profit Canadian museums
  • Incorporated non-profit Canadian museum-sector service organizations
  • Indigenous governing bodies and Indigenous organizations in Canada

Who is not eligible

  • Federal departments
  • Crown corporations
  • Federal agencies

Eligible expenses

  • Project-related salaries, wages, and consultant fees
  • Travel, shipping, rental, promotion, and communication costs
  • Translation, education, catalog, and marketing materials
  • Insurance, permits, audit fees, and other direct project costs
  • Materials, supplies, and minor equipment costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Permanent or temporary exhibitions that do not travel
  • Ongoing operations
  • Collection acquisition costs, except for Indigenous rematriation or repatriation
  • Conservation or restoration costs, except when directly tied to the project or Indigenous repatriation
  • Proposal or application development costs

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Selection criteria

  • Applications are assessed against set program criteria.
  • The program is highly competitive.
  • Funding requests typically exceed available resources.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review guidelines
    • Read the application guidelines.
    • Contact the nearest regional office to discuss the project and eligibility.
  • Step 2: Prepare the application
    • Complete the application form.
    • Gather all supporting documents.
    • Complete the General budget form.
  • Step 3: Submit online
    • Submit the application electronically through the Canadian Heritage Funding Portal.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by the Department of Canadian Heritage for eligibility.
  • Projects are assessed against the program criteria and objectives.
  • Funding is not guaranteed, even for eligible applicants.
  • Applicants are notified of funding decisions.
  • An approval process and funding conditions apply before money is provided.

Additional information

  • The program is highly competitive.
  • Applicants are encouraged to contact a regional office before submitting.
  • Products for the public must be developed in both official languages.
  • Travelling art exhibitions must be retrospective or historical in perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage Program

What is the Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage?

Provides funding for heritage organizations to develop and circulate travelling exhibitions across Canada. Maximum funding is $200,000 per project, for projects lasting up to 2 calendar years.

How much funding can be received?

Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage program?

To be eligible for the Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage program, you must: Eligible heritage organization Travelling exhibition in Canada Concept stage completed

What expenses are eligible under Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage?

Research, design, and production of travelling exhibitions Circulation of exhibitions to one or more venues in Canada

Where is the Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage available?

The Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage program is available across Canada.

Is the Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage?

Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage is funded by Canadian Heritage, Museums Assistance Program (MAP), Department of Canadian Heritage, Celebrate Canada