AFA — Provincial Arts Service Organizations Operating Funding

This grant provides operating funding to member-based arts organizations aimed at supporting their core activities. The eligible projects and activities are centered around fulfilling the organization’s mandate and business goals.

To be eligible for Provincial Arts Service Organizations operating funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:1. Promotion of Arts: The organization should have the promotion of an artistic discipline or sector as its principal mandate, as stated in its incorporation documents.2. Ongoing Development and Advocacy: It must engage in ongoing development of, support for, and advocacy on behalf of that discipline or sector as its core primary activity.3. Province-wide Membership: Serve a province-wide membership that includes both individuals and organizations.4. Revenue Sources: Derive revenue from sources other than the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA).5. Provincial Office: Maintain a provincial office with staff that is accessible to the membership.6. Communication and Programs: Engage in regular communication with its membership and offer regular programs and development opportunities for the artistic discipline or sector.7. Advocacy: Advocate at the provincial level on behalf of the artistic discipline or sector.8. Not-for-Profit Status: Be a not-for-profit organization.9. Registration and Standing: Be registered and in good standing under the appropriate legislation and have been in operation in Alberta for at least two years.10. Board Members: Have at least 50% of the organization’s board members residing in Alberta.11. Executive Position: Employ an Executive Director or equivalent.12. Governance and Administration: Demonstrate the ability to operate using good governance principles, effective administration practices, and maintain fiscal responsibility while achieving its mandate.13. Independence: Operate as a stand-alone arts organization at arm's length from municipalities, commercial enterprises, or organizations and institutions receiving annual operating funds from the Government of Alberta or its affiliates.14. Compliance with CADAC: Comply with all Canadian Arts Database (CADAC) financial and statistical requirements.15. Cash Reserve Policy: Have a board-approved cash reserve policy.Ineligible applicants include organizations primarily engaged in competition-based activity. First-time applicants must contact the AFA for a preliminary eligibility assessment three months before the deadline and must have positive net assets for the three fiscal periods prior to application.

This grant excludes some organizations from eligibility based on their primary activities. The focus is to ensure support is provided to arts service organizations that do not primarily engage in competitive activities.

This funding supports certain operational expenses essential for fulfilling the organization's mandate.

This grant is intended for organizations operating within the Province of Alberta. Eligibility is focused on provincially-based not-for-profit arts service organizations.