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Official Languages Support Programs

Supports official language minority communities and promotes bilingualism

Offered by
Canadian Heritage
Official source: canada.ca

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Funding available
$ 500 - $ 300,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Community organizations serving official language minority communities
See full eligibility

Overview

The Official Languages Support Programs, administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, provide funding to enhance the vitality of English- and French-speaking minority communities and promote bilingualism in Canada. These programs support a range of eligible activities including community development, cultural projects, educational initiatives, infrastructure, and youth employment, though no maximum funding amount is specified.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$300,000
Minimum funding
$500
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Train or support volunteers
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Language Minorities
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Culture and Arts, Primary and Secondary Education, Higher Education, Other Education, Research, Economic, Social and Community Development, Employment and Training, Children and Youth Organizations, Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
100% donations / grants
Scope
National

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Community Spaces Fund applications closed

The Community Spaces Fund is now closed for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28, and applicants are directed to regional advisors for future opportunities as of April 1, 2028.

See more

The Community Spaces Fund page now states that applications are closed for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28. Potential applicants are directed to contact a CSF Advisor at the nearest Canadian Heritage regional office, as required, to discuss projects and future funding opportunities as of April 1, 2028.

Official source: canada.ca
September 24, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Community organizations serving official language minority communities
  • Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments
  • Educational institutions (elementary, secondary, post-secondary) offering programs in official language minority communities
  • Community media organizations in official language minority communities
  • Non-governmental sector organizations promoting official language activities and services

Who is not eligible

  • Individuals (note: for the “Dedicated Fund for the English-speaking communities of Quebec,” individuals are not eligible except as final recipients under the initiative “Building Bridges through arts, culture, and heritage programs”).
  • Government organizations/bodies (including government agencies) for several subcomponents.
  • Universities and post-secondary applicants may be ineligible depending on the subcomponent (e.g., not eligible under “Support for Interpretation and Translation” and the “Dedicated Fund for the English-speaking communities of Quebec”).
  • Schools, school boards (and elementary/secondary schools) for several subcomponents.
  • Foreign institutions/organizations (foreign organizations) for several subcomponents.

Eligible expenses

  • Salaries and benefits for personnel involved in funded activities and projects.
  • Costs associated with the development, production and dissemination of educational, artistic, cultural or linguistic materials.
  • Expenses related to organizing and delivering training, workshops, internships, and cultural or community events.
  • Travel and accommodation expenses necessary for participation in project-specific activities.
  • Infrastructure expenses for the construction, renovation, or modernization of educational and community spaces.
  • Communication and outreach costs, including translation and interpretation services for events and documents.
  • Purchase of equipment and materials directly required for the delivery of approved projects and services.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Capital projects (e.g., construction, major renovations, infrastructure)
  • Activities with an international scope/dimension
  • Course/program development expenses
  • Projects supporting regular post-secondary institution programming or program development within a single institution
  • Translation or interpretation of information originally produced in a language other than French (Scientific Knowledge in French stream)

Eligible geographic areas

  • Provinces and territories across Canada, including minority official language communities in all regions.
  • Specific consideration for English-speaking communities in Quebec and French-speaking communities outside Quebec.
  • Applicable to the three territories for certain sub-components, particularly in the context of intergovernmental cooperation.

Activities funded

  • Enhancing the vitality and development of English- and French-speaking minority communities through community-based projects and partnerships.
  • Promoting cultural, artistic, and heritage activities within official language minority communities, including collaborations between schools and cultural organizations.
  • Supporting the provision and improvement of education and community infrastructure for official language minority groups.
  • Fostering bilingualism and linguistic duality by supporting initiatives that promote the use of both official languages in Canadian society.
  • Offering work experience and internship opportunities for youth in official language minority environments to support language skills and community engagement.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review the relevant program page
    • Identify the official languages funding stream or subcomponent that matches your project.
  • Step 2: Download the application form
    • Use the program’s official form and save it before completing it.
  • Step 3: Prepare the application
    • Complete the form and gather the required supporting documents listed by the program.
  • Step 4: Submit the application
    • Send your completed application using the submission method indicated on the program page.

Documents Needed

  • Official application form
  • Supporting documents required by the specific funding stream

Selection criteria

  • Alignment with the objectives of the relevant subcomponent (e.g., Cooperation with the Community Sector; Strategic Fund; Appreciation and Rapprochement; Promotion of Bilingual Services; Support for Interpretation and Translation).
  • Relevance of the needs/issues and proposed activities in relation to the targeted community/sector (e.g., community vitality; linguistic duality; minority-language or second-language learning).
  • Expected outcomes and demonstrated impact for the target audience, supported by relevant performance indicators/measurement approach.
  • Quality and feasibility of the project plan (clear deliverables and schedule) and the applicant’s capacity to carry out the project on time.
  • Budget quality: balance between budget and planned activities (proportionality/cost realism), including where applicable the presence of diversified funding sources and quality partners.

Processing and Agreement

  • Canadian Heritage reviews your submission and confirms receipt (service standards apply).
  • Your application is assessed for eligibility and evaluated against the program’s objectives, expected results, and evaluation criteria (meeting requirements does not guarantee funding).
  • Funding decisions are made based on the number and quality of applications received for the relevant intake/deadline (where applicable).
  • You are informed of the decision; Canadian Heritage reserves the right to target funding, and decisions on eligibility and funding amounts are final.
  • If approved, funding is provided as a grant and/or a contribution (depending on the subcomponent), with reporting obligations that may include interim and/or final reports; additional conditions may apply.

Additional information

  • Some components introduce new strategies or initiatives, such as Youth Strategies to Foster the Use of French and ImmersART partnerships.
  • Certain sub-components have received additional funding through recent federal budgets, allowing for expanded support.
  • The program encompasses both multi-year and project-specific funding streams.
  • Internship durations for relevant components typically range from 4 to 12 months.

Contacts

dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca
1-866-811-0055

Official sources

Official Languages Support Programs

Program guide

application guidelinesapplication guidelinesapplication guidelines

Application form

Forms - Official Languages Support ProgramsOfficial Languages Support Programs Funding Application
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Official Languages Support Programs Program

What is the Official Languages Support Programs?

The Official Languages Support Programs, administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, provide funding to enhance the vitality of English- and French-speaking minority communities and promote bilingualism in Canada. These programs support a range of eligible activities including community development, cultural projects, educational initiatives, infrastructure, and youth employment, though no maximum funding amount is specified.

How much funding can be received?

Official Languages Support Programs Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $300,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Official Languages Support Programs program?

To be eligible for the Official Languages Support Programs program, you must: The applicant must be a community, cultural, educational, or media organization serving official language minority communities. Projects or activities must promote or support English or French language and community vitality in Canada.

What expenses are eligible under Official Languages Support Programs?

Salaries and benefits for personnel involved in funded activities and projects. Costs associated with the development, production and dissemination of educational, artistic, cultural or linguistic materials. Expenses related to organizing and delivering training, workshops, internships, and cultural or community events. Travel and accommodation expenses necessary for participation in project-specific activities. Infrastructure expenses for the construction, renovation, or modernization of educational and community spaces. Communication and outreach costs, including translation and interpretation services for events and documents. Purchase of equipment and materials directly required for the delivery of approved projects and services.

Who can I contact for more information about the Official Languages Support Programs?

You can contact Canadian Heritage by email at dglo-olsp@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.

Where is the Official Languages Support Programs available?

The Official Languages Support Programs program is available the province of Quebec.