Funding

First Peoples’ Cultural Council- Language Programs

• Arts Infrastructure Program. Closes March 5, 2026. This program supports B.C. First Nations-led non-profit arts and culture organizations and societies with building or upgrading art spaces, artistic production, strengthening administrative skills and operations support. There are two areas of funding: Organizations (up to $50,000) and Community Art Spaces (up to $75,000). 
• Arts Strengthening Program. Closes March 5, 2026. This programsupports arts revitalization opportunities for B.C. First Nations creatives to pursue either a one-on-one arts mentorship or arts group knowledge transfer. Projects in this program focus on the transfer of essential artistic and cultural knowledge to new generations of B.C First Nations artists to support the strengthening and continuation of significant cultural practices. There are two areas of funding: One-on-one Mentorships (up to $30,000) and Arts Group Knowledge Transfer (up to $50,000).
• Individual Arts Program. Closes March 5, 2026. This program funds creative practices of any medium or expression for artists. This may include carvers, storytellers, visual artists, choreographers, dancers, dance groups, performance artists, regalia creatives, weavers, writers, multi-media artists and sculptors. The funding supports artists to further develop their creative practice, present their work, and explore new approaches and techniques. This program also includes scholarships for applicants pursuing a post-secondary education in the arts. There are two areas of funding: Individual Artists (up to $20,000) and Scholarships (up to $15,000).
• Braided Knowledge Grant. Closes March 13, 2026. This grantsupports B.C. First Nations community projects that revitalize and focus on the wholistic and integrated nature of B.C. First Nations arts, languages and heritage.An important element of the this grant is the requirement for a mentorship and apprenticeship component to help ensure the protection, transmission and intergenerational knowledge transfer of B.C. First Nations languages, arts and heritage between generations. Grants are awarded between $10,000 to $25,000.

Connecting Communities BC. Closes February 26, 2026. The seventh intake of the Connecting Communities B.C. funding program is open for applications. Eligible applicants can apply for funding to support the expansion of high-speed internet in any area of the province, with a focus on specific areas that currently do not have access to internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. Under the Program, applicants may deploy the technology of their choice, including wired and fixed wireless solutions, but all projects will be assessed in the same way in terms of Program requirements, benefits and objectives. Eligible Costs under the Program are the relevant and reasonable expenses required to carry out the eligible activities to which they relate. Eligible Costs will be costs for the deployment of Broadband Infrastructure, such as purchases of hardware and software, equipment, leases of satellite capacity, salaries and benefits, and fees for associated contracted services related to the build of the Network.

Indigenous Communities Fund. Closes March 4, 2026 (or until the first 200 applications are received). The TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund provides flexible grant funding to Indigenous-led programs supporting Indigenous Peoples in Canada across all provinces and territories. Funding is available for projects focused on, but not limited to: Health, mental health and well-being, Access to education and resources, Preservation of the land and water, Community building and enhancement, Intergenerational language and cultural revitalization. Preference may be given to programs where technology is being used to advance reconciliation. Grants are from $5,000 to $25,000.

Destination Events Program. Closes March 6, 2026. This program supports tourism, arts, culture and sport events throughout British Columbia to drive economic growth and position the province as a leading destination for diverse events. The program provides funding up to 10% of your total event budget, with a maximum of $150,000 per event. You can use the funds to cover a range of operational expenses. Your total event budget must be a minimum of $150,000 to be eligible to apply.

BC First Nations Post-Secondary Partnerships Program. Closes March 16, 2026. The Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) are pleased to support the delivery of the Post-Secondary Partnerships Program (PSPP) in BC. The PSPP supports First Nations and First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes in delivering community-based programming, with the overall aim of increasing the number of First Nation students pursuing post-secondary education. Under the PSPP, there are two categories of eligible activities: Program/Course Development or Adaptation and Program/Course Delivery. Due to limited funds, the overall maximum amount that can be applied for is $350,000.

Creative BC.

• Business Foundations. Closes March 25, 2026. (Opens January 28^th). This program invests in growing businesses owned by people from systemically excluded groups in B.C.’s music ecosystem, to expand and develop networks, capacity, and infrastructure. Businesses can apply for grants up to $10,000 to support business operations, funding up to 100% of expenses.
• Demo Recording. Closes March 25, 2026. (Opens January 28^th). This program supports new and emerging artists from systemically excluded groups living in B.C. to engage in sound recording and mentorship with local music producers. Artists and producers can apply together for a $2,000 grant to cover 100% of recording expenses for one to two songs.

Michif Language Grants. Closes March 31, 2026. To support prospective applicants, the Ministry will host an information webinar on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

• Michif Learning Initiatives Grant. This grant supports community-based Michif language learning initiatives, hosted by Métis Chartered Communities and formal partners of MNBC. Eligible projects for this grant must have a primary focus on providing Michif language instruction to MNBC Citizens. Approved projects are eligible for grants up to $30,000
• Michif Language Celebration Grant. This grant supports Chartered Community gatherings and initiatives that highlight, educate and celebrate the importance of learning Michif languages. In valuing and creating awareness of Michif languages, communities can inspire new generations of Michif learners.  Approved projects are eligible for grants up to $10,000.
• Specialized Michif Project Grant. This grant supports specialized Michif community-based Michif language projects. Eligible projects for this grant must align with MNBC’s Michif language revitalization goals, as indicated in Aan Michif Piikishkwaytaak: MNBC’s 10-Year Michif Language Revitalization Plan, and contribute to the Michif learning community in a meaningful and effective way. Approved projects may be eligible for up to $10,000.

First Nations ECE Wage Enhancement. Closes March 31, 2026. Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) staff play an important role in supporting children, families, and the community. This funding was designed to assist licensed and unlicensed programs with recruiting and retaining qualified ELCC staff working in First Nations ELCC programs.

Professional Arts Festivals and Performing Arts Series Presenters – Canada Arts Presentation Fund. Closes April 1, 2026. This grant supports existing professional arts festivals and performing arts series presenters to offer activities that connect artists with Canadians in their communities. This is primarily achieved through performances, as well as through audience development and outreach initiatives such as pre- or post-show panel discussions, public lectures and workshops, residencies, demonstrations, public rehearsals, and other forms of community engagement activities. For Professional Arts Festivals, we can fund up to 25% of eligible expenses or a maximum of $100,000 per fiscal year in the case of grants and 25% of eligible expenses or $500,000 per year in the case of contributions.

Transforming Systems Grants. Opens June 2026. These grants will fund organizations advancing systemic change by addressing the root causes of inequality and supporting those most affected to shape their own futures. TSG is intended to support organizations that prioritize intersectionality, allyship and mutual liberation in their efforts to challenge oppressive systems. These grants of up to $100,000 a year offer funding for three years to qualified donees, registered non-profit societies and community co-operatives operating in BC.

BC Arts Council

• The BC Arts Council has MANY programs with intakes throughout the year. Please visit their website for information for all opportunities: https://www.bcartscouncil.ca/program.

Canada Council for the Arts Funding. Creating, Knowing, Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. See Grants and Deadlines: https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/grants/deadlines

Community Economic Development and Diversification in British Columbia. Accepting applications on an on-going basis. This program supports projects that: attract investment and talent, increase productivity and economic growth, grow new, existing and transitioning sectors, increase the economic participation of British Columbians and respond to changing economic circumstances. Funding varies by project. Typically up to 50% of eligible project costs; in exceptional circumstances, PacifiCan may fund a higher proportion of a project’s costs.

The Day Scholars Revitalization Fund. The Residential School Day Scholars Class Action Settlement is for Day Scholars who attended an Indian Residential School but did not sleep there at night between the years of 1920-1974 (depending on the school). The fund will grant up to $10,000 to Indigenous Individuals who aim to revitalize their languages and cultures; to promote their heritage and commemoration; to promote their healing and wellness journeys and education and training goals. There are [up to] three granting announcements each year.

RBC Community Investments. Applications accepted year-round.  Funding aims to support impactful initiatives across Canada, and value community investment partnerships built on trust and shared commitments. Recognizing that communities and/or projects need support for different purposes at different times, the approach to funding considers ideas and actions at four distinct stages: Seed, Scale, Sustain, Build. Up to $500,000 available per year.

Legacy Fund- Building Communities through Arts and Heritage. (Federal Government). Applications accepted on continuous basis. This Department of Canadian Heritage Program provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. Funding supports community-initiated capital projects that: commemorate a significant local historical event or pay tribute to a significant local historical personality; mark a 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th); involve the restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use; encourage arts and heritage activities in the local community that are intended for and accessible to the general public.

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.(Federal Government). No deadline- on-going. (Please note changes to this funding program- construction projects will no longer be accepted. However, exceptional circumstances may apply). This program supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The program supports renovation projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment, and planning, design and feasibility studies related to arts and heritage cultural spaces.

Community Development Programs. Northern Development offers a range of funding programs suited to a diverse set of economic development priorities in central and northern British Columbia, including the Cultural Infrastructure program which supports creation of, or the improvement of, arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation spaces. There are three annual intakes with deadlines of January 31, April 30 and July 31.

National Creation Fund. No Deadline. The National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund invests up to $3 million a year in the development of 15 to 20 compelling and ambitious new Canadian works in theatre, dance, music and inter-disciplinary performing arts. Fuelled entirely by donors, the Fund provides Canadian artists with the additional time, space and resources they need to create great work. The Fund invests in both new work, and in promising productions that need additional development after their initial run to produce stronger, more polished work that will be remounted and toured across Canada and around the world.

Movable Cultural Property Grants. (Federal Government). No Deadline. Movable Cultural Property Grants help designated organizations acquire cultural property of outstanding significance and national importance to Canada, as outlined in the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. Designated organizations are located in Canada and demonstrate the ability to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural property. Grants can be used to purchase cultural property: for which an export permit has been denied; or that is important to Canada’s national heritage and available for purchase outside the country.

The Going Home Fund. This fund facilitates the return or long-term loan of culturally significant materials to Indigenous cultural entities worldwide. The application form is for use by Indigenous communities seeking support. Eligible expenses include insurance, packaging, shipping, and other costs associated with the return. You may request funding for the return of multiple items from the same institution. The Going Home Fund Advisory Council meets on or around the 15th day of each month to review requests and make awards.

Innovation Projects that Support Indigenous Languages. Each fiscal year, the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages will invest in a limited number of innovation projects, subject to available budget. These projects will create something new in the Indigenous languages space, and/or significantly improve upon initiatives that already exist, in order to effect real change. As stated in the Commission’s mandate, these innovative projects must be specific to Indigenous languages education and revitalization. There are no deadlines for submission, and the Commission invites project submissions on an ongoing basis. Please note that, as outlined in the Indigenous Languages Act, the Commission is not a funding agency, and is not able to fund Indigenous language programming nor the infrastructure, or capital/operational costs of running an Indigenous language program.

Local Festivals — Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage. Provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, local artisans, local heritage performers or specialists, and local First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations. Applicants may request up to 100% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $200,000 for festivals that meet all funding requirements. Application deadlines: January 31 — for festivals starting between September 1 and December 31 of the same calendar year. April 30 — for festivals starting between January 1 and June 30 of the next calendar year. October 15 — for festivals starting between July 1 and August 31 of the next calendar year.