Closed
Source verified July 14, 2026
OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating
Operating support for Ontario arts organizations
Latest source updateLast Update: July 14, 2026Latest change: The Safe Programming Requirements guidance was revised to emphasize broader vulnerable-sector screening and partner expectations for operating support.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 14, 2026
Latest change: The Safe Programming Requirements guidance was revised to emphasize broader vulnerable-sector screening and partner expectations for operating support.
Safe programming guidance updated
The Safe Programming Requirements guidance now reads as broader vulnerable-sector screening guidance rather than only OAC-specific obligations. It also places more emphasis on partner expectations and screening practices, which may affect how operating-support compliance is interpreted. The page’s links-for-further-information section and overall structure also changed, so some supporting guidance may need to be reviewed against the updated wording.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Ontario Arts Operating Fund supports Ontario-based not-for-profit arts organizations and for-profit publishers that work with and serve professional artists across disciplines and sectors. It funds ongoing operating expenses such as artistic and community programming, administration, and artist fees.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- $ 75,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Answers to the application questions
- Website
- Financial and statistical information submitted through CADAC
- Financial statements for the organization's last completed year, uploaded to CADAC
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario not-for-profit corporations
- Federal not-for-profit corporations
- For-profit publishers
Who is not eligible
- Non-arts organizations
- Municipalities, colleges and universities
- School boards, schools administered by a First Nation and Indigenous administered schools
- First Nations
- Other ineligible organization types
Eligible expenses
- Ongoing operating expenses, including costs of artistic and community programming, administration, artist fees and staffing
How to apply
- Read the Guide to OAC Operating Programs.
- Read the Guide to OAC Assessment and the Evaluation Rubric – Ontario Arts Operating Fund.
- New applicants only: contact the program officer to discuss eligibility and suitability at least two months before the deadline.
- Create or update your profile in Nova.
- New applicants only: register for an account with CADAC.
- Complete and submit an application in Nova, OAC’s online grant application system.
Processing and Agreement
- Grant notification will be available about five months after the category deadline.
Additional information
- Starting in January 2026, OAC offers one single operating program: the Ontario Arts Operating Fund.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating Program
What is the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating?
The Ontario Arts Operating Fund supports Ontario-based not-for-profit arts organizations and for-profit publishers that work with and serve professional artists across disciplines and sectors. It funds ongoing operating expenses such as artistic and community programming, administration, and artist fees.
Who is eligible for the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating program?
To be eligible for the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating program, you must:
The applicant must be based in Ontario and pay professional fees or provide services to professional artists
The applicant must have at least two years of sustained, regular, ongoing programming in Ontario
The applicant must be registered through CADAC and meet any additional category-specific eligibility requirements
Who can I contact for more information about the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating?
You can contact Ontario Arts Council (OAC) by email at speerbaye@arts.on.ca or by phone at 416-969-7422.
Where is the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating available?
The OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating?
OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating is funded by Ontario Arts Council (OAC)