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Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) - ON - Canada
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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

Ontario

Selection 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
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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?

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