Updates to Funding Opportunities and Portal

The Canada Council is committed to continuously improving its services to the arts community. This includes modernizing the way grants and prizes are delivered, including an updated funding portal in 2025.

Program adjustments are also being made based on feedback from the arts community.

To understand the context that led to these changes, please read this letter from Lise Ann Johnson, Director General, Arts Granting Programs.

This page will provide news and updates as they become available. For now, the Council will continue to accept applications in its current portal as usual.

Before applying, applicants should consult this page and the Deadlines and Notification of Results page for up-to-date information.

New funding opportunities in 2025

Two new funding opportunities will be launched in the updated funding portal later in 2025, with more details to come.

Micro-grants

The Micro-grants component will provide streamlined funding for activities supporting the professional growth and advancement of artistic careers or artistic practices of artists, arts workers, groups and organizations. These may include engaging in career or artistic development activities, participating in a presentation or exhibition opportunity, increasing accessibility for audiences, artists and arts workers who are Deaf or have disabilities, or developing markets and networks.

The Micro-grants component will replace support currently provided by the following:

• Explore and Create: Professional Development for Artists
• Supporting Artistic Practice: Professional Development for Arts Professionals
• Arts Across Canada: Travel
• Arts Abroad: Travel

The Council will start accepting applications to the Micro-grants component when the funding portal is updated later in 2025. More information on this to come.

Composite Activities

The Composite Activities component will provide multi-year funding for multiple, large or complex projects for up to 3 years. They will provide flexible support for a wide range of activities. Applicants can seek funding for the artistic process, from research to presentation, the publication of literary books and magazines by writers from Canada, and activities related to sector development, market development and public engagement and outreach.

Activities currently funded through the following will be supported directly through the Composite Activities component instead:

• Explore and Create: Concept to Realization (composite)
• Supporting Artistic Practice: Sector Innovation and Development (composite)
• Arts Across Canada: Public Outreach (composite)

The Council will start accepting applications to the Composite Activities component when the funding portal is updated later in 2025. More information on this to come.