AFA — Provincial Arts Service Organizations Operating Funding
AB, Canada
Funding for province-wide arts organizations in Alberta
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 1, 2027
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
This grant offers up to $50,000 in base funding plus an additional amount covering up to 50% of eligible expenses to support the operations of provincial arts service organizations in Alberta. It aims to finance activities aligned with their mandate, such as administration, programming, salaries, and advocacy efforts for their artistic discipline or sector.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides financing based on a dual-component model, offering support through both a base amount and an additional funding proportion. The financing modalities ensure a comprehensive approach to funding operations aligned with organizational mandates.
- A base amount of up to $50,000 is available for operating expenses.
- An additional amount is calculated as up to 50% of eligible expenses.
- Funding levels are contingent on available resources within the allocated program budget, with final recommendations made by an Expert Panel.
- Regular financial and reporting obligations are mandatory to ensure the proper use of funds.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
- Administration of the organization, including operational costs.
- Delivering programming that aligns with the organization's mandate.
- Paying salaries and fees associated with staffing needs.
- Maintenance of equipment and fixed assets necessary for operations.
- Promotional activities to enhance visibility and advocacy for the artistic discipline or sector.
- Other various expenses required to fulfill the organization’s strategic objectives and plans.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires organizations to meet specific operational and governance criteria.
- The organization must be a not-for-profit entity registered and in good standing under the appropriate legislation in Alberta and have been in operation for at least two years.
- It must have the promotion of an artistic discipline or sector as its principal mandate, as stated in its incorporation documents.
- The organization must engage in ongoing development of, support for, and advocacy on behalf of the discipline or sector as its core primary activity.
- It must serve a province-wide membership of both individuals and organizations.
- Revenue must be derived from sources other than the AFA.
- The organization must maintain a provincial office with staff that is accessible to the membership.
- Regular communication with the membership must be ensured.
- Regular programs and development opportunities for the artistic discipline or sector must be offered.
- Advocacy at the provincial level on behalf of the artistic discipline or sector must be practiced.
- The organization must employ an Executive Director or equivalent.
- At least 50% of the organization’s board members must live in Alberta.
- The organization must 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.
- The organization must demonstrate good governance principles, effective administration practices, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining its mandate.
- All Canadian Arts Database (CADAC) financial and statistical requirements must be complied with.
- A board-approved cash reserve policy must be in place.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
- Organizations engaged primarily in competition-based activity.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This funding supports certain operational expenses essential for fulfilling the organization's mandate.
- Administration
- Programming
- Salaries and fees
- Maintenance of equipment and fixed assets
- Promotion
- Other expenses required to fulfill the organization's mandate
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is intended for organizations operating within the Province of Alberta. Eligibility is focused on provincially-based not-for-profit arts service organizations.
- Organizations registered and operating in Alberta, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are conducted by an Expert Panel based on governance practices, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to the arts mandate. However, specific point scores for each criterion are not provided.
- Evaluation of governance practices.
- Assessment of fiscal responsibility.
- Review of the arts mandate and demonstrated success in supporting and advocating for the arts discipline or sector.
- Consideration of strategies for the future development of the arts discipline or sector.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Initial Registration with GATE
- If a first-time applicant, register for a GATE Front Office username and password at least five business days before the application deadline.
- Complete the GATE Front Office Registration form and email it to registrationAFA@gov.ab.ca.
- Await an email with your GATE Front Office username and password.
- Step 2: Complete Online Application Forms
- Log into the GATE Front Office system using your username and password.
- Access and fill out the required online forms, including the Application Contact List.
- Ensure all organization details such as legal name, Alberta Registration number, and incorporation date are up-to-date.
- Submit the Organization Applicant Agreement signed by the organization's signing authority.
- Step 3: Submit Financial and Statistical Data
- Provide your organization’s CADAC number for the last three years' financial and statistical data.
- Complete the Statement of Eligible Expenses form using CADAC data.
- Step 4: Application Attachments Preparation
- Prepare and upload the required attachments, such as the current, board-approved business or strategic plan and list of planned activities for the upcoming three-year cycle.
- Include the most recent annual financial statements, confirmation of annual return filing, and a current list of core staff.
- Submit a copy of your organization’s Cash Reserve Policy.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit your application through the GATE Front Office system before the deadline of February 1, 2027.
- Ensure submission is completed by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline date.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Eligible first-time applicants must contact the AFA at least three months before the deadline for a preliminary eligibility assessment and only at the beginning of each three-year cycle.
- Organizations must maintain a CADAC number and comply with CADAC financial and statistical requirements to apply.
- Applications and reports must be submitted through the GATE Front Office system by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the due dates.
- There are specific reporting requirements including interim and final reports, which must demonstrate compliance with AFA recognition and usage requirements.
- If the application deadline or report due date falls on a holiday or weekend, submissions are extended to the next business day.
- Organizations failing to meet reporting requirements may become ineligible for future funding for up to three years.
- Grant recipients must acknowledge AFA financial support in all publicity related to their activities, with failure to do so potentially affecting future funding.
- Applicants are encouraged to consult with department staff when developing their Cash Reserve Policy.
grant_single_labels|contact
780-415-0285