Closed
Source verified August 18, 2026
Operating Assistance
Annual operating support for BC arts organizations
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Latest source updateLast Update: August 18, 2026Latest change: Operating Assistance listings now show an October 8, 2026 intake deadline, updated application instructions, and revised funding rules for returning and new applicants.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 18, 2026
Latest change: Operating Assistance listings now show an October 8, 2026 intake deadline, updated application instructions, and revised funding rules for returning and new applicants.
Operating Assistance intake updated
Operating Assistance pages now show an October 8, 2026 application deadline, with results announced for late February / early March 2027 on the updated program pages. The intake is now open to both returning and new applicants, and the pages add revised eligibility language, one-year funding with possible second-year rollover, limited funding for new organizations and increases, and no Accelerate top-up eligibility. The application process was expanded with new program resources such as guidelines, checklists, previews, FAQs, and updated Grant Management System submission instructions. Applicants are also told to complete required profile information, upload required documents, and register with CADAC before September 24, 2026 where noted.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Operating Assistance provides annual support to established arts and cultural organizations in British Columbia. It funds operating support for eligible organizations in fields such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, community arts, museums, festivals, publishing, and arts training.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Enhance an existing program
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- General operations of established arts and cultural organizations.
- Annual artistic programs and public programming.
- Specialized arts training programs.
- Publishing, production, presentation, and dissemination activities.
Documents Needed
- All required financial and statistical information, to be submitted and uploaded to CADAC by the application deadline date
- Up to 5 current planning and policy documents
- Up to 5 links to electronic materials
- Facility description or floor plan of current location(s), if applicable
- Up to 5 images illustrating programming or presentations
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Organizations
Who is not eligible
- New applicants in 2025/26
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
How to apply
- Submit the application through the Grant Management System.
- New applicants must register and create a profile in the online system.
- Ensure that all information and documentation in the organization’s online profile is up to date before submitting an application.
- Current Operating Assistance recipients must provide key updates and all submissions detailed in the Overview document through the Grant Management System.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed through a peer review process using the published assessment criteria.
- Current Operating Assistance recipients must provide key updates and all submissions detailed in the Overview document through the Grant Management System.
Additional information
- The program is not open to new applicants in 2025/26.
- Current recipients must provide key updates to access funding.
- Applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines before submitting.
- Applicants are urged to contact their Program Officer prior to submission.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Operating Assistance Program
What is the Operating Assistance?
Operating Assistance provides annual support to established arts and cultural organizations in British Columbia. It funds operating support for eligible organizations in fields such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, community arts, museums, festivals, publishing, and arts training.
Who is eligible for the Operating Assistance program?
To be eligible for the Operating Assistance program, you must:
Established organizations
Based in British Columbia
Eligible arts or cultural focus
What expenses are eligible under Operating Assistance?
General operations of established arts and cultural organizations.
Annual artistic programs and public programming.
Specialized arts training programs.
Publishing, production, presentation, and dissemination activities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Operating Assistance?
You can contact British Columbia Arts Council (BCAC) by email at bc.artscouncil.noreply@gov.bc.ca.
Where is the Operating Assistance available?
The Operating Assistance program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Operating Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Operating Assistance is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Operating Assistance?
Operating Assistance is funded by British Columbia Arts Council (BCAC)