Closed
National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration
Designation for national arts organizations
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
This program designates arts organizations as National Arts Service Organizations and allows them to be considered for CRA registration under the Income Tax Act. It supports nationwide arts promotion activities such as exhibitions, performances, workshops, conferences, competitions, and special arts events.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Arts exhibitions or performances.
- Arts workshops and development programs.
- Arts conferences, competitions, and special events.
Documents Needed
- Application for designation form
- Supporting governing documents
- Letter requesting voluntary revocation of charitable status, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit arts organizations.
- Organizations representing artists in recognized arts sectors.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not non-profit.
- Organizations that do not promote the arts on a nationwide basis.
- Organizations not representing an artist community in recognized arts sectors.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Canadian Heritage first.
- If designated, the file is forwarded to the Canada Revenue Agency for registration consideration.
- The CRA then informs the applicant whether registration criteria are met.
- If refusal is proposed, the applicant has 60 days to make further submissions before a final decision.
Additional information
- There is no application deadline; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
- Organizations currently registered as charities must request voluntary revocation of charitable status if they become registered NASOs.
- A refusal or revocation by Canadian Heritage is not subject to appeal under the Income Tax Act.
- Appeal rights may apply if the Canada Revenue Agency refuses or revokes registration.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration?
This program designates arts organizations as National Arts Service Organizations and allows them to be considered for CRA registration under the Income Tax Act. It supports nationwide arts promotion activities such as exhibitions, performances, workshops, conferences, competitions, and special arts events.
Who is eligible for the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration program?
To be eligible for the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration program, you must:
Non-profit arts organization.
Nationwide arts promotion.
Represents artists in recognized sectors.
What expenses are eligible under National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration?
Arts exhibitions or performances.
Arts workshops and development programs.
Arts conferences, competitions, and special events.
Who can I contact for more information about the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration?
You can contact Department of Canadian Heritage (LJI) by email at politiquedgpa-dgap-policy@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.
Where is the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration available?
The National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration program is available across Canada.
Is the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration a grant, loan, or tax credit?
National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration?
National Arts Service Organization (NASO) Designation and Registration is funded by Department of Canadian Heritage (LJI)