Open
Source verified July 6, 2026
Operate - Sustain
Sustains established arts organizations in Nova Scotia
Funding available
$ 550,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Who can apply
Registered not-for-profit societies or not-for-profit cooperatives in good standing with the Nova Scotia Provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies, or federally registered under the Corporations Act as a not-for-profit society or cooperative based and operating in Nova Scotia.
See full eligibility
Overview
Operate – Sustain supports established Nova Scotia arts organizations that produce or present artistic performances and events involving professional artists. It funds core creation, production, presentation, and administrative costs while promoting stability, long-term health, and community vitality.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 550,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- $ 100,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Core creation, production, presentation and administrative costs.
Documents Needed
- Application checklist materials
- Financial statements from the most recently completed fiscal period
- Separate two-page document for organizations under concerned status or with conditional approval
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered not-for-profit societies or not-for-profit cooperatives in good standing with the Nova Scotia Provincial Registry of Joint Stock Companies, or federally registered under the Corporations Act as a not-for-profit society or cooperative based and operating in Nova Scotia.
- Organizations that are based and operating in Nova Scotia.
- Organizations that have received at least three project grants in the last five years from public arts funders, for new applicants.
Who is not eligible
- Private or for-profit entities.
- Organizations that receive operating assistance from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
- Organizations whose primary mandate is education and/or training.
- Organizations that submit incomplete applications.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Volunteer hours from volunteers who are not working in their professional capacity.
- Core staff salaries.
Selection criteria
- Priority is given to equity-deserving organizations as outlined in the Equity Framework.
- Applications are assessed using Artistic Impact (40%), Relevance and Community Impact (30%), and Organizational Effectiveness (30%).
- Peer Assessment Committees make funding decisions, and the program officer does not participate in scoring or ranking.
How to apply
- Send the application by email to artsnssubmissions@novascotia.ca.
- Include your name on all files.
- Number your files in the order they should be opened.
- Ensure page limits and file sizes are in line with the program guidelines.
- Submit by 11:59pm the day of the deadline.
- Send one application per email with the subject line Organization Name – Program Name.
Processing and Agreement
- Successful organizations receive a funding agreement for four years.
- Interim reporting is required after year one, two, and three.
- Funding decisions are made following confirmation of the Arts Nova Scotia budget.
- If the organization is under concerned status, it must provide a separate two-page recovery plan.
- If the organization has received conditional approval, it must provide a separate two-page document explaining the conditions and how they have been met or not met.
Additional information
- Priority is given to equity-deserving organizations as outlined in the Equity Framework.
- Applications are assessed by Peer Assessment Committees made up of three professional arts workers.
- Successful organizations receive a four-year funding agreement.
- Interim reporting is required after year one, two, and three.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Operate - Sustain Program
What is the Operate - Sustain?
Operate – Sustain supports established Nova Scotia arts organizations that produce or present artistic performances and events involving professional artists. It funds core creation, production, presentation, and administrative costs while promoting stability, long-term health, and community vitality.
How much funding can be received?
Operate - Sustain Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $550,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Operate - Sustain program?
To be eligible for the Operate - Sustain program, you must:
The organization must be active for at least four years.
The organization must have a centre of operations in Nova Scotia.
The organization must have median annual revenues of $100,000 or greater.
What expenses are eligible under Operate - Sustain?
Core creation, production, presentation and administrative costs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Operate - Sustain?
You can contact Arts Nova Scotia by email at artsnssubmissions@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-471-5720.
Where is the Operate - Sustain available?
The Operate - Sustain program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Operate - Sustain a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Operate - Sustain is a Grant and Funding