Grants
The Canada Council for the Arts helps individual artists, arts workers, groups and arts organizations engage in projects and activities.
In 2023–24, over 3,500 Canadian artists, nearly 500 groups and nearly 2,600 arts organizations received grants.
Find funding for your needs
Our grants are designed to support all types of applicants. Explore relevant funding opportunities on the client portal.
For individuals
Artists and arts workers developing their work or advancing their careers can apply for funding. Artists, curators, critics and other arts workers seeking support for artistic projects, professional development or distribution and sharing are included.
For groups
Artist collectives, ensembles and creative partnerships working together on artistic projects or supporting and promoting Canadian artists, arts communities or artistic practices can apply for funding. Groups of collaborating artists who share artistic goals but don’t have formal organizational structures are included.
For organizations
Established arts entities with formal governance structures, including theatre companies, galleries, festivals and other arts organizations or service organizations can apply for funding.
The Canada Council’s grant programs
Grants are organized under programs to deliver outcome-based funding with a measurable impact on the arts and culture in Canada.
The Canada Council for the Arts updated its grants programming in 2025. Grants are now organized under 5 programs, each with several funding opportunities:
Explore and Create
Supports the research, development, creation and production of artistic work.
Engage and Sustain
Supports the research, development, creation and production of artistic work.
Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
Supports individuals, groups, Indigenous-led arts organizations and arts and cultural sector development organizations that foster a vital and resilient Indigenous arts ecosystem.
Supporting Artistic Practice
Supports Canadian arts professionals, groups and arts organizations who champion the Canadian arts sector, boost the capacity for artists to realize work and advance the conditions of creation.
Arts Across Canada and Abroad
Supports Canadian artists in sharing their work both nationally and internationally.
Find support
Whether you’re applying for the first time or returning to the client portal, we’re here to help you through every step of the grant process with resources, guidance and specialized support.
Upcoming deadlines and results
Stay informed about application deadlines and results notifications for funding opportunities.
Guidance and resources
Find the information and tools to help you through the granting process.
Get help with your application
You may be eligible for Application Assistance to pay someone to help you apply for a grant if you have difficulty with the application process and self-identify as:
• an artist who is Deaf, hard of hearing, has a disability or is living with a mental illness; or
• a First Nations, Inuit or Métis artist facing language, geographic and/or cultural barriers.
If you are still unsure about the services available to you or have a specific question, you can visit the Help page on the client portal.