Closed
OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating
Operating support for Ontario literary organizations
Last Update: May 1, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 25, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports the ongoing operations of not-for-profit, professional literary organizations in Ontario, except book and magazine publishers. It supports activities that present and promote Canadian literature, engage literary artists in arts education, and help artists develop their craft.
/100
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
Timeline
- Closing date : March 25, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- $ 75,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Ongoing operations of literary organizations
- Presenting Canadian literature to the public
- Promoting Canadian literature
- Arts education activities for literary artists
- Activities that help literary artists develop their craft
Documents Needed
- Application answers
- CADAC financial and statistical information
- Last year’s financial statements
- Website link
- Recent marketing samples
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario-based not-for-profit corporations
- National not-for-profit corporations with head office in Ontario
- Professional literary organizations
Who is not eligible
- Book publishers
- Magazine publishers
- Organizations that primarily distribute Canadian literature
- Non-arts organizations
- Municipalities, colleges, and universities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Organizations that primarily distribute Canadian literature
- Organizations that primarily publish books or magazines
- Non-arts organizations
- Municipalities, colleges, and universities
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
1
Review guidelines and resources
- Review the Literary Organizations: Operating program page to confirm it matches your organization’s needs.
- Read the Guide to OAC Operating Programs for detailed eligibility rules.
- Read the Guide to OAC Assessment to understand how applications are evaluated.
- Consult other listed resources as needed (Support Material, Deadlines, etc.).
2
Confirm eligibility with officer
- If you are a new applicant, contact the program officer to discuss your eligibility.
- Use the contact information provided for the Officer to arrange a discussion.
- Clarify any questions about eligibility criteria before preparing your file.
3
Set up Nova and CADAC accounts
- Create or update your organizational profile in Nova, the OAC online granting system.
- If you are a new applicant, register for an account with CADAC (Canadian Arts Data / Données sur les arts au Canada).
- Ensure all basic organizational information is accurate and current in both systems.
4
Prepare financials and documents
- Gather financial and statistical data required for CADAC for the last completed year.
- Prepare financial statements for your organization’s most recently completed fiscal year for upload to CADAC.
- Compile support documents, including a link to your website and samples of recent marketing materials.
5
Complete application form in Nova
- Complete all required application questions in Nova, following the instructions in the online form.
- Ensure your narrative answers reflect the program priorities and your organization’s ongoing activities.
- Verify that your projected revenues meet the minimum requirements where applicable.
6
Submit data and statements in CADAC
- Submit your financial and statistical reports through CADAC before the program deadline.
- Upload your financial statements for the last completed year to CADAC as required.
- Confirm that all CADAC entries are complete and consistent with your Nova application.
7
Submit application in Nova
- Review your full application package in Nova, including uploaded support documents and CADAC references.
- Ensure submission occurs before the stated deadline (March 25, 2025, 1 p.m. ET).
- Submit the completed application in Nova.
8
Await funding decision
- After submission, wait for the Ontario Arts Council’s assessment process to be completed.
- Grant notification will be available approximately five months after the deadline.
- Monitor your Nova account and communications from OAC for the result.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are submitted in Nova.
- Applications are reviewed by assessors under the operating programs rubric.
- Grant notification is issued about five months after the deadline.
- Financial and statistical reports must be submitted through CADAC before the deadline.
Additional information
- This program has been replaced by the Ontario Arts Operating Fund.
- New applicants may only apply in the first year of a multi-year cycle.
- Grant notification is available about five months after the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions about the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating Program
What is the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating?
This program supports the ongoing operations of not-for-profit, professional literary organizations in Ontario, except book and magazine publishers. It supports activities that present and promote Canadian literature, engage literary artists in arts education, and help artists develop their craft.
Who is eligible for the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating program?
To be eligible for the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating program, you must:
Ontario-based not-for-profit organization
Ongoing literary programming
Active board or governing body
What expenses are eligible under OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating?
Ongoing operations of literary organizations
Presenting Canadian literature to the public
Promoting Canadian literature
Arts education activities for literary artists
Activities that help literary artists develop their craft
Who can I contact for more information about the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating?
You can contact Ontario Arts Council (OAC).
Where is the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating available?
The OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating a grant, loan, or tax credit?
OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating?
OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating is funded by Ontario Arts Council (OAC)