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Seed award

Seed award - Before you begin your application

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

Seed award funding is only available to individuals.

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 Algonquin Anishinabe 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

What can affect your eligibility to this program?

  • If you have 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 are a City of Ottawa employee or an elected representative

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 Yasmina Proveyer, 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.)

Seed award - Program information

Micro-grants for requests up to $2,000.

Only individual applicants are eligible to apply.  

When is the deadline?

The Seed Award has two application deadlines per year:

  • Thursday, October 21, 2021
  • Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Results will be awarded within 2 months of the deadline.

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 CFSU 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 Seed award – Application questions and required materials section found on our website 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 on Monday, September 20, 2021.

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

What happens if I don’t get funded?

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. The committee can also make recommendations that you be paired with a mentor to assist you with your next application.

How to share your success story!

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

Seed award - 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.

Application Questions

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

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

1. Provide a short biography describing your creative practice or upload your artistic CV.* (Max 200 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. Describe your project/event.* (Max 1000 words)

Optional writing tips:

  • Tell us what your project is about. (How would you describe this project to someone who you don’t know?)
  • Tell us when the project will occur. (If applicable, does it coincide with any significant celebrations for your community?)

3. If applicable, who else is involved in the project? You may type or upload their biography. (Max 250 words)

Optional writing tips:

  • Why are you partnering or collaborating with this individual(s)?
  • If this is a mentorship project, explain why this mentor is a good fit for you.
  • If you are working with an Elder, include information about their role in the community.

4. What will getting this grant mean to you?* (Max 250 words)

Optional writing tips:

  • How will this help you grow your artistic/creative practice?
  • How will this grant promote arts in your community?

5. How will your project be shared?* (Max 250 words)

Optional writing tips:

  • How will your story be heard?
  • How will you market/promote your project?
  • 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

6. Provide a timeline for all steps of your project from beginning to end.* (Max 300 words)

Optional writing tips:

  • Either by month or by week, list when activities will take place. Include preparation and wrap up time in your schedule

7. Budget*

You will be offered 2 options for submitting your budget, either by responding to the questions below or by filling an online budget template.

7.1 What are the estimated costs of your project?* (Max 200 words)

7.2 If the cost of your project is greater than your request amount, how will you cover the extra cost? (Max 100 words)

Required materials

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

EIAF - Application process

How can we help you reach your goal?

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.