Connections to Culture grants. Burke Museum. Applications for Connections to Culture grants will open January 20, 2026. This program facilitates opportunities for artists, researchers, and students to engage in collections-based study with the Northwest Native Art and Plateau collections at the Burke Museum. Through this program, grantees can expand their artistic and cultural knowledge, inspire personal practice, and aid in the transmission of artistic and cultural knowledge throughout communities and across generations. Visiting researcher grants are awarded for a period of 1–3 days of research time, 2 travel days, and any additional days needed for demonstrations or workshops. Grant award includes funding to cover meals, transportation, lodging, and an honorarium. Up to $5,000.
LEVEL BIPOC Grants (Vancouver Foundation). Closes February 9, 2026. This program invests in the leadership capacity of BIPOC-led and BIPOC youth-led and/or youth-engaging organizations operating in B.C. These grants of $150,000 offer flexible, operating funding for three years to registered charities and registered non-profit societies. This funding can be used to cover costs that will contribute to their operational sustainability and adaptability to continue supporting the changing needs of their communities over time.
First Peoples’ Cultural Council- Language Programs
- Heritage Stewardship Program. Closes February 18, 2026. This program provides funding for training and support for B.C. First Nations people to act as stewards and experts of their cultures and heritage. It supports projects that reflect four key priority areas that support Indigenous heritage stewardship: Climate Change, Digitization and Archiving, Oral History and Protocols, Sense of Place. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate aspects from several of the priority areas into their project. This offers the opportunity to train and support members in stewarding, protecting and documenting their community’s heritage in ways best suited to their needs. Recipients can receive up to $25,000 per priority area, for a maximum of $75,000. o support 2026 applicants, we will be hosting an online information webinar on January 22, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT.
- Braided Infrastructure Program. Closes February 24, 2026. This program supports B.C. First Nations’ efforts to develop an infrastructure project that braids together arts, culture, heritage, and the values and teachings as understood through B.C. First Nations languages. BIP will fund projects that implement a broad range of infrastructure projects that conserve, repair or develop B.C. First Nations’ cultural heritage, and arts infrastructure. Applicants can apply for up to $70,000 for their proposed project. To support 2026 applicants, we will be hosting an online information webinar on January 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT.
BC Arts Council
- Community Arts Festivals (Project Assistance). Closes February 18, 2026. supports the artistic development of local, community-based arts festivals by providing funding for fees paid to B.C. or Canadian professional artists and technicians and Elders or Knowledge Keepers engaged in the festival. The festival must be an existing festival, with an arts focus, presented by local Indigenous or community arts organizations, and may feature a combination of local and touring artists. Maximum grant amount is $6,000.
- 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.
Recordings at Risk. Closes February 24, 2026. This program is for nonprofit academic, research, or cultural heritage organizations located in the United States and Canada that collect, preserve, and share rare and unique materials with the general public. Applicants may request as little as $10,000 or as much as $60,000 per project. The grant may fund up to 100% of the direct costs of audio or audiovisual digital reformatting services to be provided by an external service provider. In-house digitization projects are not eligible for this program.
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.
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 28th). 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 28th). 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.
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.
