Funding Sources

Various external funding sources for grants, training and artist and art development

Gateway Information Center

Many programs exist that Cree artists can apply for, namely from CALQ, SODEC, Canada Council for the Arts, and others. However, most artists are not aware of these programs. CNACA acts as a one-stop-shop for artists seeking funding. The CNACA staff can help determine which grants an artist is eligible for, and offers help in filling out application documents. Need Help ? Contact us.

Disclaimer The information on this page is sourced from external websites and funding sources and is for general informational purposes. Please always check with the original funding source for the latest and most accurate information.

Le Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ)

For Artists

You are an artist? This program is for you if:

You are an Inuit or are a member of one of Canada’s First Nations.
Your commitment is ongoing, regardless of whether your artistic practice is traditional, customary, contemporary or a mixture thereof.
You have taken part in, produced, presented or distributed a work outside of your training or educational program in a setting recognized by your peers, Elders or community.

First Nations artists may apply for financial aid under 3 different program components.

Revitalization, creation and transmission
Supports the artistic practices of First Nations artists throughout their careers. Supports the distribution, circulation and promotion of First Nations works and artists inside as well as outside Québec.
Examples of activities that may be eligible for support: research, collecting, documentation, artistic transmission, first works, creation, training, professional development, internships, mentoring, travel, residencies, exchanges, first professional experiences, sponsorships, circulation, promotion, etc.
Open Deadline (3 months for answer)
Max. $50,000

Microgrants
This component facilitates artists’ early career and First Nations artists’ professional development by supporting first professional experiences, mentorships and guidance. Supports First Nations artists in their practice throughout their careers. Ideal for up-and-coming First Nations artists.
Examples of activities that may be eligible for support: research, collecting, documentation, artistic transmission, first works, creation, training, professional development, internships, mentoring, travel, residencies, exchanges, first professional experiences, sponsorships, circulation, promotion, etc.
Open Deadline (fast turnaround)
Max. $3,000

Impetus
Boost the career of First Nations artists. Application must be submitted by another artist or cultural worker, who is responsible for putting together the documentation.
Examples of activities that may be eligible for support: research, collecting, documentation, artistic transmission, first works, creation, training, professional development, internships, mentoring, travel, residencies, exchanges, first professional experiences, sponsorships, circulation, promotion, etc.
April 30
Max. $5,000

For Organizations

Do you represent an organization? This program is for you if:

You are a legally constituted non-profit organization headquartered in Québec.
A majority of your Board members are Inuit or First Nations people belonging to one of Canada’s First Nations and who are Canadian citizens who usually reside in Québec.
You offer services or present professional artistic activities.

First Nations organizations may apply for financial aid under 2 different program components:

Revitalization, creation and transmission
Supports projects undertaken by First Nations artistic and organizations involving the dissemination, circulation and promotion of First Nations works and artists inside as well as outside Québec (research, training, travel, residences)
Examples of activities that may be eligible for support: creation, production or remounts of performance, shows or events; activities involving promotion, circulation, recording or dissemination; hosting artists or apprentices in residence; artistic transmission; support services to artists, etc.
Open Deadline (at least 4 weeks before beginning of project)
75% of total cost of the project (max. $50,000

Development of Organizational Capabilities
Supports various initiatives, including the development and strengthening of First Nations artistic organizations (organizational consolidation & development, staff hiring and training, audience development, national/international development, fundraising)
Examples of activities that may be eligible for support: organizational consolidation and developement, staff hiring and training, audience development, national/international development, fundraising, etc
Open Deadline (fast turnaround)
75% of total cost of the project

Canada Council for the Arts

For Artists - Creating, Knowing and Sharing Program Components

The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to reaffirming and revitalizing its relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. The Canada Council believes that an approach that respects First Nations, Inuit and Métis artistic expression, cultural protocols, Indigenous rights and Indigenous worldviews will stimulate First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists, artistic practices, and communities.

Creating, Knowing and Sharing acknowledges the cultural sovereignty of Indigenous peoples and respects the concepts of First Nations, Inuit and Métis self-determination.

Small-Scale Activities
Micro grants to support the advancement of artistic careers (purchase/acquire materials for artistic production; honoraria to other professional artists/ cultural carriers for specific expertise, advice, or training; engage in career or artistic development activities
Open Deadline (3 months for answer)
Max. $3,000

Travel
Grants support travel costs to attend significant events within Canada or abroad that advance professional development, enable you or the artists you represent to access new markets or build national and international presence
Anytime before departure
Max. $30,000

Short-Term Projects
Grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months.
5 calls/year (next deadlines Dec.8 & Mar. 16)
Max. $100,000

Small-Scale Activities
Grants provide support for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting between 1 and 3 years.
Once a year (June)
Max. $300,000

For Organizations- Creating, Knowing and Sharing Program Components

The Indigenous Organizations component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations that engage in contemporary, customary or traditional artistic and cultural activities. These activities can include non-Indigenous artists and collaborations with non-Indigenous organizations. Grants support the exploration of innovative strategies for Indigenous creative and cultural expression, and related administrative activities.

First-time applicants must speak with a Creating, Knowing and Sharing Program Officer before applying to this component.

Activities – what you can apply for

You can apply for a contribution towards:

ongoing costs to support your organization, including staffing
expenses related to your artistic and/or cultural activities, including any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities:
- Creating – research; creation; production; critical discourse (including research or writing); residencies; collaborations
- Knowing – mentorships; artistic training; community-based initiatives to engage young people through artistic practices; language preservation through artistic practices; intergenerational transmission of artistic knowledge; preservation of traditional knowledge through artistic practice; development of administrative, artistic, cultural or organizational capacity; research; collaborations
- Sharing – local, regional, national or international exhibitions; implementation of dissemination strategy and organizational objectives; publishing activities; gathering events involving artistic practices; collaborations; marketing and publicity; presentations, festivals and showcase events; networking events involving artistic practices; outreach activities

You can’t apply for activities that receive funding from another Canada Council program or those on the general list of ineligible activities.

Category A
have artistic and/or cultural activities that are national and international in scope have been in continuous operation for at least 10 years have a total annual operating budget greater than $500,000, averaged over the last 3 years
Up to 60% of total annual revenues

Category B
have artistic and/or cultural activities that are regional and/or national and/or international in scope have been in continuous operation for at least 7 years have a total annual operating budget greater than $250,000, averaged over the last 3 years
Up to 60% of total annual revenues

Category C
have a mandate and primary activities concerned with artistic and/or cultural practice OR are multi-faceted cultural organizations with regular and formalized artistic programming have been in continuous operation OR have ongoing artistic programming for at least 3 years
Max $100,000

Category D
For organizations that qualify as an Indigenous Arts Service Organization For organizations that qualify as an Indigenous Publisher
Max $100,000

Heritage Canada

Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program
Supports the efforts of Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen Indigenous languages (cultural development; capacity building; life skills & wellness; innovation & research, etc..).
May 8, 2023
Max. $300,000/yr (100% of costs)

Anti-Racism Action Program
The Anti-Racism Action Program is intended to help address barriers to employment, justice and social participation among Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities and religious minorities.
CLOSED for 2022-23
Max. $500,000/yr (100% of costs)

Listen, Hear Our Voices/Documentary Heritage
Supports digitize existing Indigenous culture and language recordings AND build the skills, knowledge and resources needed to digitize and preserve Indigenous culture and language recordings.
CLOSED for 2022-23
Small projects: max. $25,000 Large projects: $25,000 to $60,000

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage – Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans or heritage performers. This includes the celebration of LGBTQ2+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants must represent one of the following community-based groups:

a local non-profit organization or group;
a local band council, local tribal council or other local Aboriginal government or organization (First Nations, Inuit or Métis).

In addition, applicants must:

encourage local community engagement through activities that promote, celebrate and preserve local performing and visual arts or local heritage; and
have successfully organized a prior edition of the festival, within the last two years, that met all eligibility requirements of this component.

Local Festivals
The Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, artisans and heritage performers.
Jan. 31, Apr. 30 & Oct. 15
Max. $200,000/yr (100% of costs)

Community Anniversaries
Provides funding to local groups for non–recurring local events, with or without a minor capital project. Eligible events and capital projects are those that commemorate the 100th anniversary or greater of a significant local historical event or personality.
April 30
Max. $200,000/yr

Legacy Fund
Provides funding for community-initiated capital projects that restore, renovate or transform an existing building or exterior space (such as a statue, community hall, monument, garden or work of art) intended for community use.
Before the event
Max. $500,000/yr (50% of costs)

Cree Nation Youth Council

Cree Youth Development Funds

Cree Nation Youth Council offers funding for various programs and services that might be of interest ot artsist and artisans.

Culture & Tradition
Programs in this category are required to show positive outcomes for Participants or the Youth of Eeyou Istchee related to Culture and Tradition. We encourage all applicant to integrate culture and Tradition in their submissions.
Contact CNYC for deadline
Max. $25,000 Provide a reasonable cost per applicant and administration ratio ideally not exceeding 20%

Business & Employment
Programs in this category are required to show positive outcomes for Participants or the Youth of Eeyou Istchee related to Business and employment.
Contact CNYC for deadline
Max. $25,000 Provide a reasonable cost per applicant and administration ratio ideally not exceeding 20%

Personal & Social Development
Programs in this category are expected to deliver positive results for youth in the areas of personal and social development.
Contact CNYC for deadline
Max. $25,000 Provide a reasonable cost per applicant and administration ratio ideally not exceeding 20%

Cree Nation Government

Department of Social & Cultural Development

The Cree nation government provides funding under the department of social and cultural development.

Transfer of Knowledge
Sharing Cree history, language, culture, and skills that promote Cree lifestyle to future generations.
Open Deadline
Contact Nellie W Gray nwapachee@cngov.ca