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:

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
Arts Professionals

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
Acquisition Fund

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

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
(open to theatre organizations receiving core grants)

 

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
Acquisition Fund

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)