How much funding can be received?

The grant program is designed to support the production of sound recordings, with a maximum funding of $25,000 for projects in Francophone vocal music, Indigenous languages, and world music, and $20,000 for other music genres. Eligible activities include the creation of albums with at least six tracks or 20 minutes of music, prioritizing original content and requiring the applicant to own the master tape and meet specific Canadian content standards.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers structured financing terms that allow for substantial support while maintaining financial oversight and accountability. The financial support is tailored to different categories of projects within the music industry.

The grant provides a maximum of $25,000 in funding for Francophone vocal music, Indigenous languages, and world music projects, and up to $20,000 for other music genres.
Funding cannot exceed 50% of the accepted or actual eligible costs, whichever is lower.
There is a cap of $100,000 for an applicant across multiple projects within specified programs.
Authors and composers can receive up to $900 per original song for specific contributions, capped at $5,000 per individual and $9,000 per project.
The financial assistance is contingent upon the availability of funds.
A first installment of 75% is typically disbursed upon contract signing, with subsequent payments pending expenditure verification.
The final payment follows the submission and review of completion documentation.
All projects require financial and contractual compliance, ensuring no more than total government funding covers 100% of project costs.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant facilitates the production and promotion of Canadian Francophone music projects. It supports the creation, distribution, and marketing of new music recordings to enhance the visibility and reach of artists.

Production of a sound recording, either an album with at least six tracks or 20 minutes of music content.
Promotion of music titles for swift realization and marketing within designated timeframes.
Support for recording new works that have not been previously commercialized.
Projects focusing on Francophone vocal music, Indigenous languages, and world music genres.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's status and project alignment.

The applicant and the artist involved must be Canadian citizens.
The album must meet Canadian and Francophone content standards.
The applicant or their affiliated label must have a distribution agreement with a Canadian company for the project.
Projects and promotional material must not contain any severe or gratuitous violence or sexual exploitation, nor be obscene, indecent, pornographic, hateful, defamatory, or otherwise illegal.
Applicants benefiting from a global funding envelope under the "Initiatives individuelles" program are not eligible.
The applicant must not be in default of any payments.
A project cannot be submitted to both FACTOR and Musicaction; English-language music projects must be directed to FACTOR.
Reissues and compilations are ineligible, although re-recordings are permitted.
An artist may submit a new application 18 months after the release of a previous album, provided the marketing file for that album is closed.
Live albums are eligible if marketed 18 months after the previous album's release, with the marketing file closed.
Priority is given to albums containing at least 50% new material, except for classical and traditional music.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Self-producing artists, Canadian Francophone artists, songwriter-composers, and sound recording producers can apply. The applicant must own the master tape. Each applicant can submit only one project at a time and have only one ongoing project accepted by Musicaction. However, companies with two associated Canadian artists, excluding any shareholder or associated artists, can apply without a limit.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies from eligibility based on their funding status and type of project submitted. Restrictions ensure that funds target appropriate applicants within the Canadian music industry framework.

Companies receiving a global funding envelope within the "Initiatives individuelles" stream.
Organizations in default of payment obligations.
Businesses applying simultaneously to both FACTOR and Musicaction.
Projects related to reissues and compilations are ineligible, except for re-recordings.
Projects involving English-language music, which should be directed to FACTOR instead.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant pertain to specific project-related costs detailed by Musicaction.

Expenses dating back six months preceding the application submission.
Costs for services provided by the applicant, their company, or related companies, but limited to 25% of eligible expenses.
Fees for an artistic director, provided a resume demonstrating their expertise is submitted. The artistic director cannot be the artist owner of the master tapes.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is tailored to support Canadian artists and projects with significant Canadian content. To qualify, applicants must be based in Canada and meet specific eligibility requirements related to distribution agreements within Canada.

Artists and music producers based in Canada.
Applicants must have distribution agreements with Canadian companies.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria, with a total scoring system distributed across artistic, professional, and market positioning factors.

Artistic Merit: Includes evaluation of music, text, interpretation, and artistic coherence, accounting for 40% of the final score.
Professional Environment: Assessment of the applicant's professional setting, which comprises 30% of the evaluation score.
Artist Positioning: Includes evaluation of the applicant's market positioning, promotional plans, and overall strategy, making up 30% of the score.
Priority Consideration: Projects by artists from Canadian Francophone communities and indigenous artists, and female-led or majority female groups may receive additional consideration.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Understand Eligibility and Requirements
Verify that you meet all eligibility criteria mentioned for applicants and projects.
Ensure your project aligns with the guidelines and objectives of the program.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare the necessary documentation including your application form, three songs in MP3 format, and their lyrics.
Collect contracts such as production contract, distribution contract, and any other applicable agreements (e.g., management, publishing).
Compile CVs for the producer and artistic director if applicable.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the official application form with all required information accurately.
Ensure all sections are completed and information is consistent with your supporting documents.
Step 4: Submission
Submit your completed application through the designated submission page by the deadline, April 2, 2025, 17:00 HAE.
Ensure all required files and documents are attached properly in the specified locations on the application page.
Step 5: Post-Submission Confirmation
Await confirmation from Musicaction of receipt of your application.
Retain proof of submission and any communication for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

For projects involving female interpretive artists or groups with a female majority or female leader, and for Indigenous artists, there is an equity measure in place during evaluation.
Applicants must demonstrate financial capability to complete the project if accepted, and they must provide access to their accounting records upon request.
A project refused cannot be resubmitted within one year unless specified otherwise.
Musicaction requires the inclusion of their logo and the wordmark CANADA on album covers and promotional materials where applicable.
All original invoices and proofs of payment must be retained for five years post-project completion, with specific accepted forms of proof provided.
Accepted projects receive an initial payment of 75% of the granted amount upon contract signing, with further payments contingent on project progress and completion.

grant_single_labels|contact

epaquette@musicaction.ca

Apply to this program

Funding Opportunity for Francophone and Indigenous Music Projects in Canada

The Musicaction grant program provides essential financial support for the production of francophone vocal music, indigenous music, and world music projects in Canada, offering up to $25,000 for eligible projects. This initiative aims to foster the growth and development of Canadian music by prioritizing culturally and linguistically significant works.

Detailed Overview of the Musicaction Grant for Sound Recording Productions

Musicaction’s grant program is structured to enhance the production of sound recordings in Canada, specifically targeting projects that showcase francophone vocal music, indigenous music, and world music. Eligible candidates include self-producing artists, francophone artists in Canada, singer-songwriters, and sound recording producers, provided they own the master recording. The program encourages the creation of new musical projects by offering financial support, with a maximum funding cap of $25,000 for eligible vocal music projects and $20,000 for other music forms. This funding can cover up to 50% of the accepted costs, ensuring significant support while encouraging investment from other sources.

To be eligible, applicants and the artists involved must be Canadian citizens, and the recording must adhere to Canadian and francophone content standards. Additionally, applicants need to secure a distribution agreement with a Canadian physical or digital distributor. The program emphasizes creating new and innovative music, stipulating that priority will be given to albums comprising at least 50% new material. This ensures that the project contributes meaningfully to Canadian music culture and brings fresh content to the market.

Beyond financial aid, Musicaction supports the broader career development of Canadian artists by providing songwriting and composition contributions. These contributions aim to reward and motivate Canadian songwriters, with a specific support framework offering $900 per eligible Canadian composition, split between lyrics and music.

Applicants can only submit one project at a time, maintaining a focus on quality and feasibility. This rule aligns with Musicaction’s aim to ensure each project is duly supported and completed to its full potential. With a rigorous and transparent evaluation process, projects are assessed based on artistic quality, professional environment, and strategic positioning. A jury of independent artists and music industry professionals evaluates the artistic aspects, while administrative assessment focuses on professional and market potential.

Ensuring financial feasibility is paramount; thus, applicants must demonstrate their capability to sustain and complete the project when funds are allocated. Uniquely, this program also offers equity measures for female-led projects and supports Indigenous artists, thereby promoting diversity within the Canadian music industry.

Ultimately, the Musicaction grant seeks not only to amplify Canadian music's cultural reach but also to enrich it through strategic financial intervention and support. By adhering to clear guidelines and fostering innovation, Musicaction aims to cultivate a vibrant music scene reflective of Canada’s diversity and artistic potential, positioning itself as a cornerstone in the advocacy of Canadian musical talent.