
OAC — Music Organizations: Operating
grant_single|update May 15, 2025
ON, Canada
Supports ongoing operations of Ontario-based not-for-profit music organizations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Arts Council (OAC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The OAC Music Organizations: Operating program provides ongoing operational funding to Ontario-based, not-for-profit music organizations, including opera companies, orchestras, choral groups, and other music-mandated producers and presenters. The program supports activities such as producing or presenting curated music programming, engaging professional Canadian musicians, and promoting public access to diverse music forms; the maximum funding amount has not been specified.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Applicants must demonstrate at least $75,000 in total annual revenue ($100,000 for opera companies and $200,000 for orchestras) for the last fiscal year and projected years to be eligible, which may inform the scale of financial support.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Ongoing operations of not-for-profit music organizations such as opera companies, orchestras, choral organizations, and music-mandated producers or presenters.
- Production and presentation of curated music programming aligned with a defined artistic mandate.
- Engagement and support of professional musicians and Canadian composers or songwriters.
- Initiatives that enhance public access to a range of music forms and foster audience development.
- Activities that contribute to arts education, increase public participation, and encourage community involvement in music in Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 49,500
Implement digital inventory tracking for local grocery cooperative
$ 34,500
Transition restaurant kitchen to zero-waste model with composting system
$ 82,500
Upgrade printshop with energy-efficient equipment for eco-label production
$ 42,000
Equip solar panel installer with advanced safety and drone inspection tools
$ 58,500
Establish an inclusive coworking space with accessible facilities
$ 69,500
Launch specialized employment program for neurodiverse young adults
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be an Ontario-based, not-for-profit corporation, or a national not-for-profit corporation with a head office in Ontario.
- The organization must have at least two years of sustained, regular, ongoing programming by the application date.
- The organization must have an active board of directors or governing body.
- The primary mandate must be music programming, with curated programming that reflects a defined artistic mandate.
- The organization must actively support Canadian music by hiring professional Ontario and Canadian performers and presenting the work of professional Canadian composers or songwriters (unless restricted by mandate).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Not-for-profit opera companies
- Not-for-profit orchestras (including semi-professional and youth training organizations)
- Not-for-profit choral organizations (including community choirs and training organizations)
- Music-mandated producers and presenters (such as music series, festivals, and contemporary music organizations)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Non-arts organizations.
- Municipalities, colleges, or universities.
- Organizations that operate only as presenting facilities.
- Organizations or programming affiliated with or directly operated by religious institutions.
- Organizations without music programming as their primary mandate.
- Entertainment or variety presenters, trade shows, and conferences.
- Music competitions and youth orchestras.
- Organizations operating under a parent organization already funded by another OAC operating program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Ontario
grant_single_labels|apply
- Step 1: Review Program GuidelinesRead the Guide to OAC Operating Programs and the Guide to OAC Assessment.
- Consult additional resources as needed for clarification.
- Step 2: Contact Program Officer (New Applicants Only)Reach out to the program officer at least one month before the deadline.
- Discuss your eligibility, the suitability of your organization and program, and the grant amount you should request.
- Step 3: Register and Prepare Organizational ProfileCreate or update your organization's profile in Nova, OAC’s online grant application system.
- Register for an account with Canadian Arts Data / Données sur les arts au Canada (CADAC) if you are a new applicant.
- Step 4: Gather Required DocumentationPrepare answers to all application questions.
- Submit financial and statistical information through CADAC.
- Upload your organization’s financial statements for the last completed year to CADAC.
- Prepare and select artistic examples (audio or video).
- Step 5: Complete Application in NovaAccess the application approximately two months before the deadline.
- Enter all required information and upload necessary documents in Nova.
- Step 6: Submit ApplicationReview your application for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit your completed application in Nova before the stated deadline.
- Step 7: Post-SubmissionAwait grant notification, which is typically available about five months after the deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Grant notification is provided approximately five months after each deadline.
- Applications are available in the Nova system about two months before each deadline.
- Financial and statistical reports must be submitted through the Canadian Arts Data (CADAC) system before the deadline.
- In 2025, the program is in the first year of a three-year funding cycle and is open to new applicants.
grant_single_labels|contact
dparsons@arts.on.ca
1-800-387-0058
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