Annual Application Limits
There are annual limits on the number of applications you can submit to the Canada Council each year (1 March to 28-29 February).
In addition, each component has annual limits on the number of times you can apply – details are in the component guidelines.
If you are planning several projects in a year, you will want to strategize which projects to submit to the Canada Council.
The annual application limits are as follows:
- Individuals, groups, and organizations not receiving core grants can submit a maximum of 3 project applications each year. Jump to available grants.
- Organizations receiving core grants can submit a maximum of 2 project applications to certain components each year, in addition to their core grant. Before applying, make sure that you are eligible to apply to the project grant. Jump to available grants.
However, there are exceptions. Applications to certain components are not counted in the annual limits. This enables you to respond to invitations and other time-sensitive opportunities.
Jump to grants not included in the annual limits for:
- individuals, groups and organizations not receiving core grants
- organizations receiving core grants.
Summary of application and grant limits
Individuals, groups and organizations not receiving core grants
Annual limit: Between March 1st to February 28/29, you can submit a total of 3 applications from the components below.
Annual component limits
| Component | Number of applications | Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Explore and Create | ||
|
Professional Development for Artists |
1 application |
|
|
Research and Creation |
2 applications |
projects cannot overlap in time with a composite grant from the same program |
|
Concept to Realization |
2 applications, of which only 1 can be for composite |
project grants: maximum combined grants $100,000 projects cannot overlap in time with a composite grant from the same program |
|
Artist-Driven Organizations |
|
1 core grant from any program |
| Engage and Sustain | ||
|
Artistic Catalysts |
|
1 core grant from any program |
|
Artistic Institutions |
|
1 core grant from any program |
| Creating, Knowing and Sharing | ||
|
Short-Term Projects |
2 applications |
projects cannot overlap in time with another Short-Term Project grant, and cannot be related to activities supported by a Long-Term Project grant |
|
Long-Term Projects |
1 application |
projects cannot overlap in time with another Long-Term Project grant, and cannot be related to activities supported by a Short-Term Project grant |
|
Indigenous Organizations |
|
1 core grant from any program |
| Supporting Artistic Practice | ||
|
Professional Development for |
2 applications |
|
|
Sector Innovation and Development |
2 applications, of which only 1 can be for composite |
project grants: maximum combined grants $100,000 |
|
Literary Publishing Projects |
1 application |
|
|
Literary Publishers |
|
1 core grant from any program |
|
Support Organizations |
|
1 core grant from any program |
|
National Arts service Organizations |
|
1 core grant from any program |
| Arts Across Canada | ||
|
Foreign Artists Tours |
2 applications |
maximum combined grants $75,000 |
|
Public Outreach |
2 applications, of which only 1 can be for composite |
project grants: maximum combined grants $100,000 |
|
Arts Festivals and Presenters |
|
1 core grant from any program |
| Arts Abroad | ||
|
Residencies |
1 application |
|
|
Co-productions |
2 applications |
maximum combined grants $50,000 |
Components not included in the annual limit
| Component | Number of applications | Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Creating, Knowing and Sharing | ||
|
Travel |
2 applications |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Small-Scale Activities |
2 applications |
maximum combined grants $3,000 |
| Arts Across Canada | ||
|
Travel |
1 application for any eligible activity + 2 applications for performing arts showcases and for researching artistic content |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Representation and Promotion |
4 applications |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Translation |
|
maximum 8 translations plus an Annual Supplement for targeted costs |
|
Circulation and Touring |
3 applications |
maximum combined grants $200,000 |
| Arts Abroad | ||
|
Travel |
1 application for any eligible activity + 2 applications for performing arts showcases |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Representation and Promotion |
4 applications |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Translation |
|
maximum 2 translations |
|
Circulation and Touring |
4 applications |
maximum combined grants $200,000 |
| Strategic Funds and Initiatives | ||
|
Access Support Fund |
|
|
|
Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) Fund |
|
|
|
Media Arts Equipment |
2 applications per deadline for equipment purchased in partnership with another organization OR 1 application per deadline for equipment purchased on your own with 1 additional application in partnership |
maximum combined grants $20,000 |
|
Commission internationale du théâtre francophone |
|
|
|
Digital Generator: Stream 1 |
2 applications |
1 grant (total) |
|
Digital Generator: Stream 2 |
2 applications |
1 grant for the group or organization’s benefit 1 additional grant for a different project that benefits multiple groups or orgs |
|
Digital Greenhouse |
2 applications |
2 grants for distinct projects with different activities |
|
Seed Grants |
2 applications |
2 grants for distinct projects with different activities |
|
Cultivate Grants |
2 applications |
2 grants for distinct projects with different activities |
|
Grow Grants – Stage 1 |
1 Expression of Interest |
|
|
Grow Grants – Stage 2 |
1 application (by invitation only) |
|
Summary of application and grant limits
Organizations receiving core grants
Annual limit: Between March 1st to February 28/29, you can submit a total of 2 applications from the components below:
Annual component limits
| Component | Number of applications | Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Creating, Knowing and Sharing | ||
|
Short-Term Projects |
2 applications for exceptional projects |
|
| Supporting Artistic Practice | ||
|
Sector Innovation and Development (National Arts Service Organizations can apply for research projects only) |
2 applications for exceptional projects (not eligible for composite) |
maximum combined grants $100,000 |
| Arts Across Canada | ||
|
Foreign Artists Tours |
2 applications |
maximum combined grants $75,000 |
|
Public Outreach |
2 applications for exceptional projects (not eligible for composite) |
maximum combined grants $100,000 |
| Arts Abroad | ||
|
Residencies |
1 application |
|
|
Co-productions |
2 applications |
maximum combined grants $50,000 |
Components not included in the annual limit
| Component | Number of applications | Grants |
|---|---|---|
| Arts Across Canada | ||
|
Travel |
1 application for any eligible activity + 2 applications for performing arts showcases and for researching artistic content |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Representation and Promotion |
4 applications |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Translation |
|
maximum 8 translations plus an Annual Supplement for targeted costs |
|
Circulation and Touring |
3 applications |
maximum combined grants $200,000 |
| Arts Abroad | ||
|
Travel |
1 application for any eligible activity + 2 applications for performing arts showcases and for researching artistic content |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Representation and Promotion |
4 applications |
maximum combined grants $30,000 |
|
Translation |
|
maximum 2 translations |
|
Circulation and Touring |
4 applications |
maximum combined grants $200,000 |
| Strategic Funds and Initiatives | ||
|
Access Support Fund |
|
|
|
Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) Fund |
|
up to $60,000 |
|
Media Arts Equipment |
2 applications per deadline for equipment purchased in partnership with another organization OR 1 application per deadline for equipment purchased on your own with 1 additional application in partnership |
maximum combined grants $20,000 |
|
Commission internationale du théâtre francophone |
|
|
|
Digital Generator: Stream 1 |
2 applications |
1 grant (total) |
|
Digital Generator: Stream 2 |
2 applications |
1 grant for the group or organization’s benefit 1 additional grant for a different project that benefits multiple groups or orgs |
|
Digital Greenhouse |
2 applications |
2 grants for distinct projects with different activities |
|
Seed Grants |
2 applications |
2 grants for distinct projects with different activities |
|
Cultivate Grants |
2 applications |
2 grants for distinct projects with different activities |
|
Grow Grants – Stage 1 |
1 Expression of Interest |
|
|
Grow Grants – Stage 2 |
1 application (by invitation only) |
|