Grow grant

Project Funding that advances self-expression, capacity building, visibility and celebration

Project funding is available to both individuals and organizations.

Before starting an application, here are a few things you need to know:

Individual applicants must:

• identify with an Indigenous or equity-seeking community 
• be 18 years or older
• be a resident of the city of Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation or be Anishinabe Algonquin and live within 150 km radius of Ottawa
• be a professional artist, cultural arts worker, community connector, or be an elder or cultural keeper recognized by their peers

As an organization you must:

• be not-for-profit
• mandated in either the arts and/or represent/celebrate an Indigenous or equity-seeking community 
• have your office/mailing address within the limits of the city of Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation
• have a minimum of 3 members living in the city of Ottawa, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation or Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, that either sits on the Board of Directors or makes up the Collective
• have at least 50% of your Board of Directors committee, or of your Collective, that reside within the Ottawa region
• receive payment in the name of your collective if not an incorporated entity
• and if a collective, must be professional artists, cultural arts workers, community connectors, elders or cultural keepers recognized by their peers

What can affect your eligibility to this program?

• If you, or your organization has an overdue final report to this program
• If you submit more than one funding application to this program
• If you are an active member of the Equity and Inclusion committee
• If you, or a board/collective member are a City of Ottawa employee or an elected representative
• If your organization already receives operating funding through any program administered by the CFSU
• If your organization has an accumulated surplus greater than 100% of its total revenue which exceeds $3,000 (excluding capital assets)
• If your organization has an accumulated deficit greater than 50% of its total revenue which exceeds $3,000 (excluding capital assets)

The following organizations are not eligible to apply:

• crown corporations and government agencies
• political parties
• organizations whose activities come under the jurisdiction of other levels or departments of government (school boards, hospitals, universities, military programs, business improvement associations, etc.)

Examples of projects that meet the aim of this program

This program is meant to be flexible and fund different types of activities that relate to the arts. If you have questions about eligibility you can contact Marie-Christine Feraud, the Cultural Funding Officer for this program.

We cannot list all eligible projects, but here are some examples:

Creation projects:

• Traditional crafts, dance, storytelling, music, or any type of artistic practices that are part of your cultural heritage
• Contemporary and interdisciplinary arts practices that speak to diverse perspectives
• Purchases of materials necessary to create or produce work

Arts education/training/mentorship projects:

• Arts workshop to teach youth about artistic practices linked to their cultural heritage
• Professional training for artists working with new technologies
• Mentorship by an elder to share traditional arts practices/crafts

Arts Events/Special celebrations:

• Artistic programming within cultural heritage celebrations or gatherings
• Community art projects or community showcases
• Performances, exhibitions, film screenings and book readings

Services:

• Mentorship for emerging artists to assist in their professional development
• Support for disability artists to create and/or perform works
• Networking event

Projects that will not be accepted to this program

You cannot apply with a project that:

• promotes hate
• appropriates another culture
• has already been funded through another CFSU program
• raises funds or creates initiatives to benefit a third party
• involves the manufacture and distribution of a product in multiple copies
• is completed on or before the application deadline date
• makes participation conditional to taking part in religious activities
• is part of an academic course of study
• is a capital expense (i.e., purchase of land, facilities, etc.)

Project funding for requests between $2,000 - $20,000. Typically, grants awarded are in the range of $5,000 to $12,000.

When is the deadline?

The Grow grant has one application deadline per year:

• Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Results will be awarded within 5 months of the deadline.

Who will be evaluating my application?

Funding will be awarded by a recommendation committee made up of peers from the community at large. For more information on the CFSU peer assessment process visit the Application process and policies section on our webpage.

For a listing of past recommendation committee members, visit the Cultural Funding Summary Reports page of our website. Please note that juries preceding the 2022 funding cycle will be listed under the “Diversity in the Arts Fund” program.

How will projects be selected to receive funding?

Applications are assessed according to:

Artistic Programming

• Project reflects the mandate of the organization (for organizations only)
• Clear and detailed artistic goals
• Artistic/cultural activities are relevant to the community of interest

Impact on Community

• Highlights equity and inclusion
• Creates engagement and connects communities
• Fosters support to local artists, artisans and cultural arts workers in their artistic practices

Viability

• Clear planning
• Strong project team
• Realistic budgeting

How do I apply?

To receive funding from this category, you must complete an application form, answer all questions and attach all required documentation. Submissions will only be accepted through the online portal. 

The application will go live on Monday, September 27, 2021.

Instructions on how to apply using the online portal can be found on our website under Information for applicants.

It is recommended that you review the Grow grant application questions and required materials section found on our website before you begin in the online portal:
Grow grant for individuals - Application questions and required materials​
​​​​​​Grow grant for organizations - Application questions and required materials

What happens if I don’t get funded?

Not all applicants can be funded. We encourage you reapply if you are not successful. Contact Marie-Christine Feraud to request feedback on your application submission. Feedback will be based on jury comments made during the evaluation process and can be helpful if you wish to re-apply to the program.

Do I have to report?

Yes, every recipient of a Grow grant must submit a final report. Reports must be approved by the CFSU before you can reapply to the program.

Before you begin:

It is recommended that you prepare your responses and documents prior to starting your online application. It is much easier to edit your responses on a word document and copy/paste your answers into the online form when ready to apply.

To complete the online application form you will be required to:

1. Provide written responses to the application questions provided below.

• Questions marked with an * are mandatory.
• Pay attention to word counts, as you will not be able to submit if over the maximum.

2. Provide all supporting and required documents (see list below).

• Files must be uploaded as they are requested.

3. Fill and submit your application on the online portal.

Which questions should I answer?

• Are you an individual applicant? See application questions below or
• Are you applying on behalf of an organization? Go to Grow grant for organizations - Application questions.

You can also refer to the criteria that the peer assessors will use to evaluate your application.

To help you better understand the type of information to include in your answers, use the optional writing tips provided. These are not mandatory to answer.

Application questions for individual applicants only:

1. Provide a short biography describing your creative practice or upload your artistic CV.* (Max 400 words)

Optional writing tips:

• How did you get involved in the arts/creating your work?
• What experience do you have in the arts/cultural sector?
• How long have you been practicing in this field?
• Highlight past success, such as performances, exhibitions, publications, mentorships, etc.

2. Tell us what your project is about.* (Max 400 words)

Optional writing tips:

• Think about explaining your project to someone who knows nothing about what you do.
• Tell us about the goals of your project.
• If proposing an event, stay focused on the artistic activities that you are proposing.
• If applicable include a short summary of the non-artistic activities that you plan on including, such as workshops, food, cultural activities, etc.

3. How does this project connect to your creative practice?* (Max 200 words)

4. Tell us when the project will occur.* (Max 200 words)

Optional writing tips:

• If applicable, does it coincide with a significant celebration for your community?

5. Tell us where the project will take place.* (Max 200 words)

Optional writing tips:

• If applicable, why have you chosen this specific location?

6. If applicable, include information on who else is collaborating on the project, tell us about their background and if relevant, why they are part of the project. (Max 400 words)

Optional writing tips:

• If you are working with an Elder, include information about their role in the community.
• If this is a mentorship project, explain why this mentor is a good fit for you.
• If proposing an event, list all participating artists including a short biography and their role in the project. (If programming is not yet confirmed, tell us about the artists that you might like to invite or have invited in the past, if applicable)
• Add information about any partnerships you may have, including community or business support.

7. How could this project impact your practice, your peers or your community?* (Max 400 words)

Optional writing tips:

• Explain how your project will benefit your community of interest and/or the broader community.
• If proposing an event, who will attend?
• If proposing an event, how many participants/attendees do you hope to have?

8. If applicable, how does this project promote other artists in your community? (Max 200 words)

9. If applicable, will this project help build bridges between communities? (Max 250 words)

10. Provide a timeline for all steps of your project from beginning to end (from planning to implementation).* (Max 400 words)

11. How will you promote your project?* (Max 300 words)

Optional writing tips:

• Examples of ways you might share your project:
  • A social media/postering campaign
  • Word of mouth through community gatherings
  • Exhibition, performance (including pow wows), screening or literary reading event
  • Presenting or participating in a workshop or panel discussion
  • Presenting or participating in a workshop or panel discussion

12. Budget*

You will be provided two options to submit your budget; either a downloadable excel budget template or an accessible budget form.

If you would like to receive a copy of the excel budget template before logging into the portal, please contact infoculture@ottawa.ca

Required materials

• Your artistic CV (optional)
• If applicable, biographies/CVs of collaborator(s)
• Support materials: you can include up to 3 files and 3 web links of support material with your submission

Before you begin:

It is recommended that you prepare your responses and documents prior to starting your online application. It is much easier to edit your responses on a word document and copy/paste your answers into the online form when ready to apply.

To complete the online application form you will be required to:

1. Provide written responses to the application questions provided below.

• Questions marked with an * are mandatory.
• Pay attention to word counts, as you will not be able to submit if over the maximum.

2. Provide all supporting and required documents (see list below).

• Files must be uploaded as they are requested.

3. Fill and submit your application on the online portal.

Which questions should I answer?

• Are you an individual applicant? Go to Grow grant for individuals - Application questions or
• Are you applying on behalf of an organization? See application questions below.

You can also refer to the criteria that the peer assessors will use to evaluate your application.

To help you better understand the type of information to include in your answers, use the optional writing tips provided. These are not mandatory to answer.

Application questions for organizations only:

1. What is the mandate of your organization/collective?* (Max 200 words)

2. Describe your organization’s role within the community with which you identify.* (Max 250 words)

3. Provide a brief history of your organization/collective.* (Max 250 words)

4. What is the project/event?* (Max 400 words)

Optional writing tips:

• Think about explaining your project to someone who knows nothing about what you do.
• If proposing an event, stay focused on the artistic activities that you are proposing.

5. When and where will the project occur?* (Max 300 words)

Optional writing tips:

• If applicable, does it coincide with a significant celebration for your community?
• If applicable, why have you chosen this specific location?

6. Who is/are the artistic lead(s) for the project and why are they a good fit? Include a short biography.* (Max 250 words)

7. Provide a list of participating artists.* (Max 750 words)

• Include a short biography and their role in the project or if applicable, tell us about the artists that you might like to invite or have invited in the past, if programming is still to be confirmed.

8. How were artists selected?* (Max 200 words)

9. How do you support your artists, performers and/or elders/cultural keepers?* (Max 250 words)

Optional writing tips:

• Support includes fees, but may also include technical support, promotional support, mentorship opportunities, etc.

10. If applicable, what other activities will the project/event include, such as workshops, food, cultural activities, etc.? (Max 300 words)

11. Who will attend your event?* (Max 250 words)

12. How many participants/attendees do you hope to have?* (numerical amount only)

13. If applicable, provide a list of businesses and community partners that are involved in this project. (Max 300 words)

Optional writing tips:

• List any businesses that are providing support or in-kind donations, such as food for volunteers.
• List community partners that might help you promote your project or connect you with a community of interest.
• Include embassies or organizations that are providing partnerships.
• Add a short sentence explaining each partners role in the project.

14. Provide a timeline for all steps of your project from beginning to end (from planning to implementation).* (Max 400 words)

15. How will you promote your project?* (Max 300 words)

Optional writing tips:

• Examples of ways you might share your project:
  • A social media/postering campaign
  • Word of mouth through community gatherings
  • Exhibition, performance (including pow wows), screening or literary reading event
  • Presenting or participating in a workshop or panel discussion
  • Presenting or participating in a workshop or panel discussion

16. Budget*

You will be provided two options to submit your budget; either a downloadable excel budget template or an accessible budget form.

If you would like to receive a copy of the excel budget template before logging into the portal, please contact infoculture@ottawa.ca

Required materials

• Incorporation documents (for first time incorporated organizations only)
• Artistic/cultural biographies of the leader(s)* of your organization (*Collectives must include a CV for each member)
• If applicable, biographies/CVs of collaborator(s)
• List of your Board of Directors/Collective members including name, residency, contact information and role
• An approved copy of the minutes from the most recent Board of Directors/Collective meeting
• Approved financial statements
• Support materials: you can include up to 3 files and 3 web links of support material with your submission

How can we help you reach your goal?

Getting started in the online portal

Here is an instructional video that demonstrates how to sign-up and complete your first application.

Grant writing assistance

The Cultural Funding Support Unit (CFSU) can:

• answer your questions about eligibility
• review a draft of your application answers
• help with your submission
• provide financial aid to applicants requiring accessibility support

The CFSU will need advance notice to provide any personalized assistance. Contact Marie-Christine Feraud as soon as possible to discuss options available.

To know more about the re-visioned program, you can participate in a virtual CFSU information session. Visit Information Sessions to see a full list of dates.

Application process

• Applicants must read and abide by the Information for applicants.
• Applicants must read and abide by the Terms and conditions.
• Applicants must complete the application form and attach all required documentation.
• Applications must be submitted through the online portal by 4 pm on the deadline date.
• Applicants must submit support material.

Your Cultural Funding Officer can provide additional information regarding this program, your eligibility, and the application process.

Allocation of funding

An applicant’s success in obtaining funding depends upon the peer assessment committee’s final evaluation and the funding available within the program.

Availability of City of Ottawa funding is subject to the approval of the annual City budget by Ottawa City Council.

The amount requested is not necessarily the amount awarded.

Direct deposit

Funding recipients are encouraged to apply for Direct deposit.

For specific information on your application, or to discuss eligibility, contact:

Seed award

Yasmina Proveyer
Cultural Funding Officer
yasmina.proveyerllopiz@ottawa.ca 

Grow grant, Annual operating funding, and Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Marie-Christine Feraud
Cultural Funding Officer
marie-christine.feraud@ottawa.ca 

For general information, technical issues, or to request a report form, contact: infoculture@ottawa.ca

Back to the main page for the Equity and inclusion in the arts fund (EIAF).