Updates to Funding Opportunities and Portal

The Canada Council is modernizing its granting systems, programs and processes, bringing a more seamless, accessible, efficient and secure experience to the arts community. This includes the launch of our updated portal in summer 2025, where, for the first time, grants and prizes funding opportunities will be available in one place.

Transition period: What you need to know

Our current portal will be temporarily unavailable from late May until the launch of the updated portal in summer 2025.

The transition to the updated portal in the summer has impacted some deadlines and processes this year.

The Council is continuing to accept applications in its current portal as usual. However, applicants should consult the Deadlines and Notification of Results and this page before applying.

We’ll share more details through updates and info sessions. Please visit our website to register for info sessions as we announce them.

Key Dates and Info

May 9 – Last date for applicants to submit their Grant Acceptance Form for payment before the transition period.

May 21, 2025 – Last date to submit your Access Support application in the current portal. If you miss this deadline, you can submit your request once the updated portal launches.

August 31, 2025 – if your final report is due during the transition period, the due date will be extended until August 31.

Core, Composite, and Long-Term clients may be eligible for a 35% advance payment. Further information will be sent directly to these recipients.

Retroactive expenses: Expenses incurred between March 26, 2025, and October 22, 2025, will still be eligible for funding after the updated portal launches in summer 2025.

Grant application limits: Applications submitted before the transition will not count toward annual application limits, giving you more chances to apply post-launch. 

Accounts and application history:  

• Clients with an active account in the current portal will not need to create a new account in the updated portal. Your account and application history will be transferred to the updated portal.

• More information on how to log in to your account in the updated portal will be provided before it launches this summer.

• Any applications that have been started but not submitted in the current portal will not be transferred to the updated portal.

Program updates: New and combined grant components 

New and combined grant components will be launching later in 2025 in the updated funding portal. The components will provide more flexible and comprehensive support, covering a wider range of activities and expenses within a single application. Applying for access support will also be easier for applicants who are Deaf or have disabilities. 

More details about the new and combined grant components are available in the links below: 

• Micro-grants: Streamlined funding for activities supporting the professional growth and advancement of artistic careers or artistic practices of artists, arts workers, groups and organizations
• Composite Activities: Multi-year funding and flexible support for various activities
• Artistic Creation: Support for all artistic research, creation and public sharing in one streamlined component
• Circulation and Touring: Supporting the presentation and exhibition of performances and works nationally and internationally
• Representation and Promotion: Funding for travel linked to national and international promotion and the development of markets
• Sector Support, Innovation and Development: Supporting the ongoing growth, strengthening and development of the arts sector