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OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Supports operating funding for professional dance organizations in Ontario
Grant and Funding
Overview
The OAC — Dance Organizations: Operating grant supports the ongoing operations of not-for-profit, professional dance organizations in Ontario, including dance companies, presenters, festivals, schools, and other dance-centered entities. The program funds eligible activities such as the creation, production, presentation of dance works, professional training, and sector development; the maximum funding amount is not specified in the program details.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Strengthening governance
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2026
- Closing date : March 24, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- $ 75,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Other Education
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Provincial
- National
Activities funded
- Creation and production of professional dance works by not-for-profit organizations.
- Presentation of professional dance performances, series, or festivals.
- Training programs that prepare students for professional dance careers through multi-year instruction.
- Capacity-building and development initiatives supporting professional dance artists, including administration, publicity, marketing, and career development services.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 70,000
Implementing solar panels for a community-run grocery store
$ 55,000
Developing an inclusive employment program for adults with disabilities
$ 43,000
Automating packaging lines for local bakery to reduce waste
$ 38,000
Launching a mobile farmers' market for underserved neighbourhoods
$ 32,000
Upgrading equipment to increase textile recycling at local co-op
$ 32,000
Modernizing the kitchen of a multicultural community association
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an Ontario-based, not-for-profit corporation or a national not-for-profit corporation with its head office in Ontario.
- The organization must operate as a dance company, dance presenter/festival, dance school, or other dance-centered organization primarily supporting professional dance artists.
- The organization must have at least $75,000 in total revenues for the last fiscal year and in projected revenues for the current and requested years (for applicants not currently receiving funding from this program).
- The organization must have at least two years of sustained, regular, ongoing programming as of the application date.
- An active board of directors or governing body is required.
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit, professional dance companies
- Dance presenters and dance festivals
- Professional dance schools training students for a dance career
- Other dance-centered organizations supporting professional dance artists
Who is not eligible
- Dance schools that are funded as provincial secondary or post-secondary education institutions.
- Non-arts organizations.
- Arts service organizations.
- Municipalities, colleges, and universities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
- Step 1: Review Program GuidelinesRead the Guide to OAC Operating Programs and the Guide to OAC Assessment to understand the requirements and evaluation process.
- Step 2: Contact Program OfficerNew applicants must contact the program officer to discuss eligibility before starting the application.
- Step 3: Set Up AccountsCreate or update your organization’s profile in Nova, the OAC’s online grant application system.
- New applicants must register for an account with Canadian Arts Data / Données sur les arts au Canada (CADAC).
- Step 4: Prepare Application MaterialsPrepare responses to application questions.
- Gather and submit financial and statistical information through CADAC.
- Upload your organization’s financial statements for the last completed year to CADAC.
- Compile artistic examples and supporting documents as required.
- Step 5: Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the application and all required documents through Nova before the deadline.
- Step 6: Application NotificationReceive notification of grant results approximately five months after the application deadline.
Additional information
- Grant notifications are provided approximately five months after the program deadline.
- Applications are accessible through the Nova online granting system about two months before the deadline.
- Financial and statistical reports must be submitted through Canadian Arts Data / Données sur les arts au Canada (CADAC) prior to the deadline.
- Supporting documentation requirements and full application instructions are detailed within the application in Nova.
Contacts
speerbaye@arts.on.ca
416-969-7422
