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Source verified September 16, 2026
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)
Funding for Ontario cultural events and tourism
Latest source updateLast Update: October 4, 2026Latest change: The Application Deadlines page now shows a revised Stage 2 deadline for events starting in April or later: November 7, 2025 has changed to November 6, 2026.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 4, 2026
Latest change: The Application Deadlines page now shows a revised Stage 2 deadline for events starting in April or later: November 7, 2025 has changed to November 6, 2026.
OCAF Stage 2 deadline updated
On the Application Deadlines page, the Stage 2 deadline for events starting in April or later changed from November 7, 2025 to November 6, 2026. The board meeting date for that row remains unchanged.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Supports Ontario cultural events with investment of up to 66% of project costs. The program is designed to boost cultural tourism, marketing, earned revenue, and eligible special events.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- One-off cultural events and festivals
- First-time events
- Significant expansions or enhancements of existing cultural programming
- Special attractions and exhibitions designed to attract tourists
- Performances and other cultural events with tourism potential
Documents Needed
- Stage 1 application form
- Most recent financial statements
- Project description and target market information
- Detailed Stage 2 business case
- Marketing plan and revenue projections
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario-based not-for-profit cultural organizations
- Ontario charitable arts, heritage, and cultural organizations
- Ontario municipalities and municipal agencies
- First Nation, Band Council, Métis, and Inuit communities
- Consortia with at least one eligible member responsible for repayment
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Limited partnerships and other businesses
- Individuals
- Federal crown agencies
Eligible expenses
- Marketing and promotional costs
- Advertising buys, PR campaigns, and printed collateral
- Website redevelopment, app development, and rebranding
- Creative production for marketing materials, including photography, videography, and graphic design
- Contracted marketing and PR planning and implementation
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- In-house staffing costs
- Established ongoing annual programs
- Local events that do not attract tourists
- Events closed to the general public
- Religious activities, trade fairs, conventions, and conferences
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Northern Ontario
- Ontario cities or municipal regions with populations under 100,000
Selection criteria
- Potential to attract tourists from outside the region or province
- Clear business case and positive net income potential
- Strong management capability and track record
- Marketing plan reaching non-local audiences
- High revenue-generating and repayment potential
How to apply
- Obtain the application forms from the OCAF office or website, or from any Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Regional Office.
- First-time applicants and those requiring further information or assistance should contact OCAF staff or the closest Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport Regional Office before submitting a Stage 1 application.
- Complete the Stage 1 form with basic information about the proposed project and target market.
- If the application indicates that the project meets the general eligibility criteria, applicants will be provided with a detailed Stage 2 application package.
- Complete the Stage 2 application, which requires a detailed business case including a marketing plan, attendance and revenue projections, and an analysis of the benefits of the project to the community.
Processing and Agreement
- Stage 1 applications are reviewed by program staff.
- If Stage 1 is eligible, the applicant is invited to submit Stage 2.
- Stage 2 applications are assessed by OCAF staff and then reviewed by the Board of Directors.
- Applicants are notified after the Board meeting.
- Approved applicants must sign a legal agreement with repayment terms before funds are released.
Additional information
- Stage 1 is reviewed by program staff before Stage 2 is invited.
- Successful applicants must acknowledge OCAF support in public materials.
- Repayment and final reporting are required after the event.
- Applications from consortia are welcome if one member meets the criteria and takes responsibility for repayment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) Program
What is the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
Supports Ontario cultural events with investment of up to 66% of project costs. The program is designed to boost cultural tourism, marketing, earned revenue, and eligible special events.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) program, you must:
Ontario-based incorporated organization
Project must be new or expanded
Must target new tourists
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
One-off cultural events and festivals
First-time events
Significant expansions or enhancements of existing cultural programming
Special attractions and exhibitions designed to attract tourists
Performances and other cultural events with tourism potential
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
You can contact Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport by email at tvaughan@ocaf.ca or by phone at 416.969.7421.
Where is the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) available?
The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) is funded by Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport