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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Artistic impact, worth 50%
- Relevance and community impact, worth 30%
- Organizational effectiveness, worth 20%
- Priority consideration for equity-deserving organizations and collectives
How to apply
- Step 1: Review application materials
- Read the application checklist and program instructions.
- Prepare the required written responses, budget, and support material.
- Step 2: Complete the application form
- Fill out the online application form.
- Download a PDF copy of the completed form for your records.
- Step 3: Submit by email
- Email the required documents to artsnssubmissions@novascotia.ca.
- Send one application per email and use the requested subject line format.
- Do not send cloud-based attachments or duplicate hard copies.
- Step 4: Confirm submission
- Look for the automatic confirmation reply.
- Contact the program officer if confirmation is not received within one week.
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
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