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Application Assistance

Application Assistance contributes to costs for services to help applicants with the application process.

Who can request assistance

Individuals (or the lead applicant for a group) who self-identify as:

  • Deaf, hard of hearing, having a disability or living with a mental illness
  • First Nations, Inuit or Métis facing language, geographic and/or cultural barriers.

What type of assistance can I request

Eligible applicants can request assistance at any stage of the application process for the following activities:

  • Profile assistance: create a portal account and submit an applicant profile
  • Grant assistance: submit a grant application, grant acceptance, project update or final report

When do I submit my request

Recommended timelines

  • Portal account/profile: before the work begins
  • Application: 1-4 weeks before you plan to submit
  • Grant acceptance: as soon as you know your results
  • Updates/reports: 1-4 weeks prior to your report due date

How do I request assistance

Call 1-800-263-5588 ext. 5060 or email info@canadacouncil.ca.

You will need to provide:

  • the name and contact information of someone who can help you (service provider)
  • the amount you are requesting, including the service provider’s hourly rate.

Before applying for a grant:

  • You must first have a validated applicant profile
  • You must also meet the eligibility requirements for the grant you are applying for
  • Your service provider’s quote must be approved by program staff before work can begin.

How do I request Application Assistance if I have previously received assistance?

If you have previously received assistance and are requesting the same service at the same cost, you may engage a service provider without requesting approval. Once you have submitted your grant, send your invoice to the email address of the program that you are applying to.

If the service you are requesting is different or the amount is different (small changes are acceptable), you must get approval before incurring the expenses. Applicants assume this risk if they do not obtain approval before the work begins.

Maximum contribution by type of service

Generally, you can only request and receive assistance for only one type of service. Please speak to your program officer if you have any questions.

Profile assistance

This applies to applicants who identify barriers such as those described above and cannot create a portal account or submit a profile. 

Type of assistance Hours Maximum amount
Create an account, submit a profile                               1-2 hrs    $50-100

General transcription or editing services and organizing support materials

This applies to applicants who identify barriers within the writing process directly due to a physical/learning disability or due to living with mental illness.


 Hours Maximum amount
Travel/Professional development/Small-scale activities 2-3 hrs $80-100
Project grants 4-6 hrs $160-200
Composite Project grants / Long Term Project grants 7-12 hrs  $280-600
Grant acceptance/reports 2-3 hrs $80-100

Indigenous language translation into written English or French

This applies to applicants writing an application in an Indigenous language who require translation into written English or French.


 Hours Maximum amount
Travel/Professional development/Small-scale activities 4-6 hrs $200-300
Project grants 7-12 hrs $350-600
Composite Project grants / Long Term Project grants 13-18 hrs $650-900
Grant acceptance / reports 4-6 hrs $200-300

Sign language interpretation and translation

We recognize that rates vary from region to region. Please base the total amount of your request on the hourly rates within your area.


 Hours Maximum amount
Travel/Professional development/Small-scale activities 6-8 hrs Up to $800
Project grants 11-16 hrs Up to $1600
Composite Project grants / Long Term Project grants 16-21 hrs Up to $2100
Grant acceptance / reports 4-6 hrs Up to $600

Application development

This applies to applicants who identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability and require support to frame their original ideas and/or concepts.


 Hours Maximum amount
Travel/Professional development/Small-scale activities 4-6 hrs $150-300
Project grants 7-12 hrs $350-600
Composite Project grants / Long Term Project grants 13-18 hrs $650-900
Grant acceptance / reports 4-6 hrs $150-300

How will my request be assessed

An officer will determine your eligibility after receiving the required information.

What are the final steps

  • If you are approved to receive assistance, the officer will confirm Canada Council’s contribution.
  • Once the work is complete and the documents have been submitted, your service provider must send an invoice to the officer (for the amount approved).
  • Council staff will process the invoice and pay the service provider.

I’m a service provider. What do I need to know?

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Have a discussion with the applicant you will be assisting. Find out what their project is and the type of grant they wish to apply for.
  • Ensure the applicant has an up-to-date CV of their professional artistic activities.
  • Familiarize yourself with the steps required to apply by reviewing the Guide to getting a grant
  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions
  • Note that in all programs except Creating, Knowing and Sharing, you cannot have a leadership or artistic role in the project.

What other ways can I get help with my application

If you are not eligible or do not wish to request Application Assistance, there are many other ways you can get help with your application: