Open
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $25,000 annually in operating support for artist-driven organizations and collectives in Nova Scotia. It supports core creation, production, presentation, and administrative activities over a two-year funding cycle.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
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
Activities funded
- Ongoing artistic creation, production, and presentation
- Administrative operations supporting artist-driven organizations and collectives
- Work by organizations with part-time or seasonal staff
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Written responses
- Financial statements, if available
- Projected budget
- Support material and optional supplementary documents
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit arts organizations
- Not-for-profit cooperatives
- Artist collectives
- Organizations producing or presenting artistic performances and events
Who is not eligible
- Private or for-profit entities
- Organizations receiving operating assistance from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
- Organizations whose primary mandate is education and/or training
- Organizations that receive Operate – Sustain funding
- Organizations submitting incomplete applications
Eligible expenses
- Core creation, production, presentation, and administrative costs
- Professional fees for artists
- Financial reporting and related administrative support
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Volunteer hours from non-professional volunteers
- Core staff salaries as in-kind contributions
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a peer assessment committee
- Funding decisions are made after Arts Nova Scotia budget confirmation
- The program officer presents recommendations to the Arts Nova Scotia Board of Directors for final approval
- Applicants are usually informed within 8 to 12 weeks after the deadline
- An interim report is required between year one and year two
Additional information
- Priority may be given to equity-deserving organizations and collectives.
- Funding resets to zero after each funding cycle.
- Applicants receive access to other Arts Nova Scotia grants, subject to annual limits.
- An interim report is required between year one and year two.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Operate - Activate Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Operate - Activate. 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 Operate - Activate?
This program provides up to $25,000 annually in operating support for artist-driven organizations and collectives in Nova Scotia. It supports core creation, production, presentation, and administrative activities over a two-year funding cycle.
How much funding can be received?
Operate - Activate Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Operate - Activate program?
To be eligible for the Operate - Activate program, you must:
Not-for-profit society, cooperative, or collective
Based and operating in Nova Scotia
At least two years active
What expenses are eligible under Operate - Activate?
Ongoing artistic creation, production, and presentation
Administrative operations supporting artist-driven organizations and collectives
Work by organizations with part-time or seasonal staff
Who can I contact for more information about the Operate - Activate?
You can contact Arts Nova Scotia by email at artsnssubmissions@novascotia.ca.
Where is the Operate - Activate available?
The Operate - Activate program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Operate - Activate a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Operate - Activate is a Grant and Funding