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Source verified August 2, 2026
Museums Assistance Program - Access to Heritage
Funding for travelling heritage exhibitions
Latest source updateLast Update: September 18, 2026Latest 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
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.
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
November 2, 2026
Opened September 8, 2026
Location
Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
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: 3
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
Application form
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 and temporary exhibitions that do not travel
- Ongoing operations
- Collection acquisition costs, except when directly related to the rematriation/repatriation of Indigenous belongings
- Costs related to the conservation/restoration of artefacts or artworks, except when directly related to an exhibition development project or the rematration/repatriation of Indigenous belongings
- Development costs for project proposals or applications under the MAP or other federal programs, capital projects, feasibility studies to create or expand an institution or facility, hospitality except costs associated with traditional Indigenous ceremonies and protocol, and salaries from federal departments, Crown corporations and agencies
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is November 2, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
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