
Open
Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)
Last Update: February 4, 2026
ON, Canada
Supports short-term cultural projects to increase tourism and revenue
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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
Overview
This funding program offers financial support to cultural organizations to develop innovative, tourism-attracting projects. It involves a mixture of loans and grants to promote economic growth through cultural tourism activities.
Activities funded
- Developing new cultural events or expanding existing ones
- Implementing targeted marketing strategies to attract new tourists
- Organizing festivals or cultural activities with limited duration
Examples of admissible projects:
Establishment of a new contemporary art exhibition to attract diverse visitors
Documents Needed
Basic project description, target market information, and proof of project distinctions.
Eligibility
- The project must be distinct from ongoing programming or activity
- It must represent the largest new programming initiative for the year
- The project must have a fixed or limited duration
- A marketing plan targeting new tourists is required
- At least 10% private sector revenue and 40% earned revenue are expected
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit cultural organizations
- Cultural festivals and events organizers
- Heritage and arts organizations
Who is not eligible
- Organizations primarily involved in activities outside of cultural promotion
- Companies without a clear tourism or cultural focus
Eligible expenses
- Marketing and promotional costs
- Project-specific activities and event organization expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
Eligible geographic areas
OntarioSelection criteria
- Innovation and originality of the project proposal
- Feasibility and clarity of the project plan
- Potential for attracting new visitors and economic benefit
- Ability to secure private sector revenue
- Project alignment with regional tourism goals
How to apply
Complete the initial two-page application form with basic project and target market informationConsult with OCAF staff if needed, especially for first-time applicantsMail, email, or fax the completed form to the provided contact addressStart the application process at least eight months before the planned event or project start date
Processing and Agreement
Additional information
The program may consider applications for free or low admission festivals and events that do not meet the 40% earned revenue criteria, provided that total earned and private sector revenue constitute at least 50% of total revenue.
Contacts
cfellay-dunbar@ocaf.ca
ON, Canada
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
Who is eligible for the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)?
Where is the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) available?
Apply to this program
More programs like this

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Expanded Energy Management Program
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)Funding to strengthen facility energy management and efficiency initiatives

Grant and FundingTax CreditsOpen
Economic Development & Growth in Employment (EDGE) Incentive Program
City of TorontoSupports tax-based incentives for new or redeveloped employment properties

Expert AdviceOpen
Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters
Government of OntarioFood and beverage industry export help in Ontario

Grant and FundingOpen
FedNor — Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)Supports Northern Ontario SMEs affected by international trade tariffs

Grant and FundingClosed
Global Market Development — IDM Fund
Government of OntarioFunding for global growth of Ontario digital media companies

Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant (2025-26)
Government of OntarioSupports Ontario organizations enhancing security against hate‑motivated incidents

Grant and FundingOpen
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses

Grant and FundingClosed
Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream
Government of OntarioCost-share funding for rural economic development

Grant and FundingClosed
Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (IFIT) — Business projects
Government of OntarioFinancial assistance for forestry projects in Ontario

Grant and FundingClosed
Grains Innovation Fund
Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO)Supports innovation and market growth for Ontario grain projects
Sign up to our platform to access the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) information sheet for free
Get access to 4,000+ programs, practical guides, personalized alerts, and an AI assistant to support your grant applications.