Grow grant

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What types of projects or activities will be supported?

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 or Yasmina Proveyer, the Cultural funding officers 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 Cultural funding support unit 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.)

Grow grant - Program information

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:

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.

Grow grant for individuals - Application questions and required materials

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?

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

Grow grant for organizations - Application questions and required materials

 

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?

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

Seed award category – microgrants for individuals

Seed funding to grow capacity

Micro-grants for individuals that have faced barriers to equal access, opportunities and resources due to disadvantage, marginalization and discrimination.

The application and report are simplified to assist new or emerging artists to apply. Maximum request to this category is $2,000. Results will be awarded within 2 months of the deadline.

Before submitting an application, be sure to read the sections:

Who can apply? and What types of projects or activities will be supported?

Upcoming deadlines

The Seed Award has two application deadlines per year:

  • 2022 Seed award (2nd deadline): Wednesday, November 2, 2022 by 4 pm
  • 2023 Seed award (1st deadline): Wednesday, April 5, 2023 by 4 pm
  • 2023 Seed award (2nd deadline): Fall 2023

Who will be evaluating my application?

Funding will be awarded by a recommendation committee selected from the Equity and inclusion committee and may occasionally include peers from the community.

For more information on the Cultural funding support unit’s peer assessment process, visit the Application process and policies section on our webpage.

How will projects be selected to receive funding?

Applications are evaluated for their:

Impact

  • Project contributes to personal artistic growth
  • Activities that celebrate and/or connect communities
  • Highlights equity and inclusion

Planning

  • Clear goals and planning
  • Realistic budgeting

How do I apply?

To receive funding from this category, you must tell us about your project by answering 6 questions and include information on the budget.

It is recommended that you read the next section on this webpage titled, Seed award – Application questions and required materials before you begin the application process.

Your answers can be submitted either in writing, audio or video recording through the online portal.

The application will go live two months before the deadline.

Instructions on how to apply using the Cultural funding support unit portal can be found on our website under Information for applicants.

What happens if I don’t get funded?

The Equity and inclusion in the arts fund is a competitive program which means not all applicants can be funded. We encourage you to reapply if you are not successful. The assessment committee will be able to provide important feedback that you can use to re-apply to the program.

How to share your success story!

If awarded funding, the Cultural funding support unit will want to hear about the success of your completed project so that it can be shared on its social media pages or website.