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Film & Video Grants in Canada

Find funding for short films, feature films, documentaries, animation, and video art. Browse grants, fellowships, and production funding from federal, provincial, and private sources supporting Canadian filmmakers.

94 programs available

94 grants found

Explore and Create Program

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $100,000

Supports the creation, development, and production of new works across all artistic disciplines. Covers research, creation, production, and presentation of original work by professional artists.

Grant Federal

Engage and Sustain Program

Canada Council for the Arts

Percentage of revenue (no fixed maximum)

Supports artistic practices that engage people and communities. Funds ongoing activities of arts organizations and long-term projects that contribute to the vitality of the arts sector.

Grant Federal

Ontario Arts Council Project Grants

Ontario Arts Council

Up to $20,000 (varies by discipline)

Project funding for professional artists to create, produce, and present new artistic work. Supports individual artists working in all disciplines with Ontario residency.

Grant Provincial

Alberta Foundation for the Arts Project Grants

Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Up to $18,000

Supports individual Alberta artists undertaking specific arts projects in all disciplines. Funds creation, production, and presentation of new works.

Grant Provincial

Telefilm Canada - Talent to Watch Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $250,000 (fiction); up to $150,000 (documentary)

Supports emerging Canadian filmmakers with their first feature film. Provides production funding for debut feature-length fiction, documentary, or animation projects.

Grant Federal

Telefilm Canada - Production Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $1,000,000

Production financing for Canadian feature films with theatrical release. Supports fiction, documentary, and animation feature-length projects by established filmmakers.

Grant Federal

Manitoba Arts Council - Create Grant

Manitoba Arts Council

Up to $15,000 (established); $10,000 (mid-career); $7,500 (emerging)

Supports Manitoba artists working in all disciplines for significant projects. Funds creation, research, production, and professional development.

Grant Provincial

SK Arts - Independent Artists Program

SK Arts

Up to $18,000 (Production/Presentation); up to $5,000 (Professional Development)

Project grants for Saskatchewan artists in all disciplines to support creation, production, and presentation of artistic work. Includes mentorship and professional development.

Grant Provincial

Arts Nova Scotia - Grants to Individuals: Create

Arts Nova Scotia

Up to $15,000

Supports Nova Scotia artists to create new works of art. Covers living costs and production expenses during dedicated creation time.

Grant Provincial

artsnb Creation Grants

artsnb

Up to $20,000 (Artist, 5+ years); up to $12,000 (Early Career)

Supports New Brunswick artists to undertake the creation of new works. Available to individual professional artists in all disciplines.

Grant Provincial

ArtsNL - Professional Project Grants Program (PPGP)

ArtsNL

Up to $15,000 (established); up to $6,000 (new professional)

Supports Newfoundland and Labrador artists to create, produce, and present new artistic works. Individual artists in all disciplines may apply.

Grant Provincial

Toronto Arts Council Project Grants

Toronto Arts Council

Up to $10,000

Supports Toronto-based individual artists and arts organizations with project-specific funding. Covers all disciplines and project types.

Grant Municipal

Ontario Trillium Foundation - Grow Grant

Ontario Trillium Foundation

$100,000-$600,000 total over 2-3 years

Multi-year grants for Ontario arts and culture organizations to implement a growth strategy. Supports capacity building and audience development.

Grant Provincial

Canada Media Fund - Innovation & Experimentation Program

Canada Media Fund

Up to $1,500,000 (75% of admissible expenses)

Supports interactive digital media projects (video games, apps, immersive experiences, AI applications). For-profit and non-profit eligible. Not a traditional arts grant.

Grant Federal

Artistic Creation (Explore and Create)

Canada Council for the Arts

Varies

Supports Canadian artists, groups and arts organizations to develop, create and share artistic works at any or all stages of the creative process, from initial idea to public presentation. Replaces the former Research and Creation and Concept to Realization grants.

Grant Federal

Artist-driven Organizations (Explore and Create)

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to 60% of average annual revenues (3-year average); min $75,000/yr revenues required

Multi-year funding for incorporated not-for-profit arts organizations that create, produce, present or exhibit artistic activities and are driven by the vision of artistic leaders.

Grant Federal

Artistic Catalysts (Engage and Sustain)

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to 50% of average annual revenues (3-year average)

Multi-year funding for artistic organizations that facilitate connections between artists and communities, spark creative collaborations and build public relationships with the arts.

Grant Federal

Artistic Institutions (Engage and Sustain)

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to 25% of average annual revenues (3-year average); min $2M/yr revenues required

Multi-year funding for leading Canadian arts organizations that promote the work of creators, build public outreach and support the Canadian arts sector as a whole.

Grant Federal

Sector Support, Innovation and Development

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $50,000

Supports projects by artists, arts professionals, cultural connectors, groups and organizations that contribute to the ongoing growth, strengthening and development of the Canadian arts sector.

Grant Federal

Composite Activities

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $100,000/year for up to 3 years ($300,000 max)

Multi-year activity support for Canadian artists, arts and cultural workers, groups and organizations to carry out multiple, large or complex projects over up to 3 years. Supports a wide range of activities.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Micro-grants

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $10,000 per application ($30,000/year max, 3 apps/year)

Small grants for professional development activities that support the advancement of artistic careers. Covers travel, workshops, conferences, and other activities that support artistic growth. Previously covered by Professional Development for Artists and similar programs.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Representation and Promotion

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $30,000 per application ($30,000/year max, 4 apps/year)

Funds travel activities linked to the promotion and development of markets for Canadian artists and artistic works. Supports attending international markets, meetings with presenters, and other promotional trips abroad.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Circulation and Touring

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $200,000 (max 50% of eligible costs)

Supports Canadian artists, groups and arts organizations to circulate and tour their work nationally and internationally. Covers costs for touring exhibitions, performances and artistic works.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — International Residencies

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $20,000

Supports Canadian artists, arts workers, groups and organizations attending residencies abroad, covering travel and residency costs to develop international artistic networks.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — International Co-productions

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $50,000 (max 50% of eligible costs)

Development support for Canadian artistic groups and arts organizations creating new works or exhibitions in partnership with foreign arts organizations.

Grant Federal

Arts Across Canada — Public Outreach

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $100,000 project; up to $300,000 composite (3 years)

Supports activities that build connections between artists and diverse audiences, contributing to public appreciation and enjoyment of the arts in Canada. Covers community engagement projects, public programming and outreach activities.

Grant Federal

Access Support Fund

Canada Council for the Arts

Varies (contribution toward accessibility costs)

Supplementary accessibility support — NOT a standalone grant. Provides additional funding to cover accessibility costs for Deaf/disabled artists who already have a successful Canada Council grant. Non-competitive staff assessment.

Program Federal

Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) Fund

Canada Council for the Arts

Up to $60,000 per application

Aims to increase access of Francophone artists outside Quebec and Anglophone artists in Quebec to a diversity of markets and publics. Supports distribution, promotion and career development activities.

Grant Federal

Telefilm Canada — Development Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $125,000 (Prequalified Tier 3); up to $37,500 (General/Indigenous/Black+POC). All funding is REPAYABLE.

Script and project development financing for Canadian feature films. All funding is a repayable advance. Four streams: Prequalified (tiered by track record), General, Indigenous, Black+POC.

Loan Federal

Telefilm Canada — Theatrical Documentary Program

Telefilm Canada

Varies (full financing plan required; no published maximum)

Provides financial assistance to Canadian production companies for the production and post-production stages of feature-length documentary films intended for theatrical release.

Grant Federal

FACTOR — Video Program

FACTOR (Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings)

Artist 2: up to $20,000/yr; Artist 3: up to $30,000/yr (50% of eligible costs)

Contributes to the cost of producing music videos for eligible Canadian sound recordings. Available to artists rated 2 and 3 by FACTOR.

Grant Federal

Canada Arts Training Fund (CATF)

Canadian Heritage

Up to 70% of eligible expenses (100% for Indigenous/equity orgs). Program total: ~$25.3M/year.

Supports Canadian arts training organizations at the highest professional levels, contributing to the development of future artists and cultural leaders. Priorities include Indigenous and equity arts training.

Grant Federal

Creative Export Canada — Export-Ready Stream

Canadian Heritage

Up to $2,500,000 (75% of eligible costs); minimum project cost $150,000

Provides up to $7M/year to support Canadian creative industries in carrying out export projects expected to generate revenues abroad. Covers books, music, games, film and other creative content.

Grant Federal

Creative Export Canada — Export Development Stream

Canadian Heritage

Up to $90,000 (75% of eligible costs); minimum project cost $15,000

Provides $4M/year supporting new and early-stage exporters entering international markets and experienced exporters expanding their global networks. Supports Canadian creative sector export development.

Grant Federal

Canada Cultural Investment Fund — Endowment Incentives

Canadian Heritage

Matching grants (pro-rated); max $1.5M/yr (endowments <$10M), $500K ($10-18M), $250K (>$18M)

Encourages Canadians to support arts organizations by matching private donations to professional arts organization endowment funds. Government provides matching grants for qualified donations.

Grant Federal

SSHRC Insight Grants

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Stream A: $10,000-$125,000; Stream B: $125,001-$500,000 (over 2-5 years; max $125K/year)

Supports research excellence in social sciences and humanities. Relevant for academic artists and researchers doing research-creation, arts-based research, or arts and cultural policy research.

Grant Federal

Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC)

Canada Revenue Agency / Canadian Heritage

25% of qualified labour (capped at 60% of total cost = effective max 15% of production cost)

Refundable tax credit for Canadian production companies producing certified Canadian content film or video productions. Provides 25% of qualified Canadian labour expenditures.

Tax-credit Federal

Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC)

Canada Revenue Agency / Canadian Heritage

16% of qualified Canadian labour (refundable)

Refundable tax credit promoting Canada as a filming location. Awards 16% of qualified Canadian labour expenditures to non-Canadian and Canadian production companies filming in Canada.

Tax-credit Federal

NFB Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) — Local

National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

Up to $15,000

Provides cash reimbursement of up to $7,500 (short films) or $15,000 (features) for post-production costs to independent anglophone Canadian filmmakers. Covers online editing, colour correction, sound design, sound mixing, DCP authoring and related services with approved local suppliers.

Grant Federal

NFB Filmmaker Assistance Program (FAP) — In-House at Balmoral

National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

In-kind services (value varies; typically $10,000–$50,000+)

Provides free in-kind post-production services at the NFB's Balmoral studios in Montreal to independent anglophone Canadian filmmakers, covering picture and sound editing suites, online editing, colour correction, sound mixing, DCP authoring, and access to NFB archives. Filmmakers within 150km of Montreal cover 10% of costs; those farther away receive 100% of costs covered.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Broadcaster Envelope Program (English and French)

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Varies by broadcaster envelope (typically $100K-$5M+)

Provides production and development funding for Canadian television and digital media content through broadcaster performance envelopes. Supports scripted drama, documentaries, children's/youth content, and variety/performing arts productions for broadcast on Canadian TV.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — POV Documentary Program

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Up to $400,000 (lesser of 49% of eligible costs or $400,000)

Supports the production of one-off point-of-view (POV) documentary films in English and French. Designed to encourage distinct filmmaker voice in documentary production for broadcast.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Digital Creators Pilot Program

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Up to $20,000 per creator

Supports mid-career Canadian digital content creators making short-form video content for social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) over a 6-month period, with goals of growing audience and monetization.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Indigenous Program

Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) / Canada Media Fund

Production: up to $750,000 (Drama/Animation) or $550,000 (Documentary/Children); Development: up to $100,000; Predevelopment: up to $35,000

Dedicated funding stream for the production of Canadian Indigenous-language and Indigenous-content screen-based media content, supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis storytellers in film and television production.

Grant Federal

Canada Media Fund — Innovation & Experimentation Program

Canada Media Fund (CMF)

Varies

Supports the creation of innovative and experimental interactive digital media projects, encouraging risk-taking and new approaches to storytelling through digital technologies including interactive experiences, games, and immersive media.

Grant Federal

Telefilm Canada — Marketing Program

Telefilm Canada

Up to $75,000 (75% of eligible Canadian marketing costs). REPAYABLE advance.

Provides funding contributions to support the marketing and theatrical distribution of Canadian feature films, including promotional campaigns, press and publicity, poster and trailer production, and digital marketing to build Canadian audiences.

Forgivable-loan Federal

SSHRC Insight Grants (includes Research-Creation)

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Stream A: $10,000-$125,000; Stream B: $125,001-$500,000 (over 2-5 years)

Supports postsecondary-based research-creation projects that integrate artistic and/or humanistic inquiry and creation. Enables university-affiliated artists, writers, composers, and designers to undertake significant research-based creative projects with academic partners.

Grant Federal

Canada Arts Training Fund — Indigenous Organizations Stream

Canadian Heritage

Up to 100% of eligible expenses (Indigenous orgs); per-org max up to $6M/yr

Supports Indigenous organizations in preparing First Nations, Inuit or Métis participants for careers in the arts through training activities. Distinct from the general CATF stream with specific eligibility for Indigenous-led training programs.

Grant Federal

Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit (OFTTC)

Ontario Creates

35% of eligible Ontario labour (40% on first $240K for first-time producers; 10% regional bonus outside GTA). Rates stack.

Refundable tax credit for Ontario-based Canadian-controlled corporations producing eligible Ontario film and television content, based on eligible Ontario labour expenditures. First-time producers receive an enhanced rate.

Tax-credit Provincial

Industry Development Program

Ontario Creates

Up to $35,000 (75% of eligible expenses)

Provides up to $35,000 in non-refundable contribution funding for professional development, strategic initiatives, and mentorship programs that strengthen Ontario's book, magazine, film, television, and interactive digital media sectors.

Grant Provincial

Aide à la production — Cinéma et télévision (Film and TV Production Support)

SODEC — Société de développement des entreprises culturelles

Volet 2 (shorts/digital): up to $165,000 cumulative SODEC participation. Features vary.

Supports Quebec film production companies to develop and produce feature films, short films, and documentaries. Three funding streams cover feature fiction, short-form narrative, and documentary productions.

Grant Provincial

BC Film and Television Tax Credit (BCFTTC)

Creative BC

Basic rate 40% (since Jan 1, 2025). DAVE +16%. Regional +12.5%. Distant location +6%. Scriptwriting 35%. Film Training 30%.

Refundable labour-based tax credit for BC-based Canadian-controlled corporations producing eligible film and television content. Basic rate is 35% of eligible BC labour expenditures, increased to 40% for productions starting principal photography after December 31, 2024.

Tax-credit Provincial

Film and Video Individual Project Funding

Alberta Foundation for the Arts

Up to $18,000

Supports individual Alberta film and video artists, arts administrators, and ensembles to develop specific film and video arts projects through production, marketing, research, or training and career development activities.

Grant Provincial

Manitoba Arts Council — Indigenous 360 Grant

Manitoba Arts Council

Up to $1,000 (micro) / $5,000 (small) / $15,000 (large)

Supports artistic and cultural activities led by Indigenous artists, knowledge keepers, and Indigenous-led organizations in Manitoba across all artistic disciplines and project scales.

Grant Provincial

Manitoba Arts Council — Support: Operate Grant

Manitoba Arts Council

$20,000 minimum; up to $37,500 ($50-125K revenue), $125,000 ($125-500K), $750,000 ($500K-$5M). Sliding scale by revenue.

Provides annual operating support to professional arts organizations, arts service organizations, community organizations, and book and periodical publishers to sustain their arts mandate and long-term operations.

Grant Provincial

SK Arts — Professional Arts Organizations Program

SK Arts (Saskatchewan Arts Board)

Varies by stream and organization size

Provides multi-year core support and project-based funding to professional arts organizations in Saskatchewan to sustain their programs, governance, management, and operational functions.

Grant Provincial

Arts Nova Scotia — Grants to Individuals: Professional Development Grant

Arts Nova Scotia

Up to $5,000

Strengthens the artistic practice and career capacity of Nova Scotia professional artists, curators, and independent arts administrators through workshops, mentorships, residencies, and other professional development activities.

Grant Provincial

artsnb — Career Development Grant

artsnb (New Brunswick Arts Board)

Up to $3,000 per component

Supports New Brunswick professional artists in advancing their careers through arts by invitation opportunities, professional development activities, and professionalization and promotion, with grants up to $3,000 per component.

Grant Provincial

artsnb — Documentation Grant

artsnb (New Brunswick Arts Board)

Varies — updated amounts from August 2024

Supports New Brunswick arts professionals and professional artists in researching, developing, and producing original documentation of arts activities, art history, or arts products in written, film, video, or multimedia formats.

Grant Provincial

ArtsNL — Sustaining Program for Professional Arts Organizations (SPPAO)

ArtsNL (Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council)

$20,000 minimum; maximum varies by organization size

Provides annual operating support to professional not-for-profit arts organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador covering administration, operating costs, and production/presentation activities across all artistic disciplines.

Grant Provincial

PEI Arts Grants — Create (Creation Grant)

Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts

Up to $5,000 (emerging), up to $8,000 (established)

Supports Prince Edward Island professional artists in the research, development, and production of new artistic projects across all disciplines. Two funding levels reflect emerging and established career stages.

Grant Provincial

PEI Arts Grants — Learn (Professional Development Grant)

Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts

Up to $1,000 (amateur), up to $2,500 (professional)

Supports the professional development of PEI artists' careers through mentorships, training programs, workshops, and residencies that strengthen artistic practice and long-term capacity.

Grant Provincial

Yukon Government Arts Fund

Government of Yukon — Department of Tourism and Culture

Up to 70% of eligible expenses

Funds group arts projects that foster arts development and engage the public in Yukon, with $500,000 available annually to non-profit societies, First Nations, artist collectives, and community organizations.

Grant Provincial

Yukon Express Micro-Grant

Government of Yukon — Department of Tourism and Culture

Up to $10,000 (100% of eligible expenses)

Provides quick and accessible funding for short-term, emergent creative and cultural industry opportunities in Yukon. Assessed on potential impacts and benefits, not artistic excellence, making it accessible to all.

Grant Provincial

NWT Arts Project Grant — Small

Government of Northwest Territories — Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Up to $5,000

Supports emerging to mid-career NWT artists and craftspeople with small-scale arts projects, covering costs such as artist fees, materials, studio fees, and development activities.

Grant Provincial

NWT Arts Project Grant — Medium

Government of Northwest Territories — Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment

$5,000 to $10,000

Supports mid-career and established NWT artists, craftspeople, and arts organizations with medium-scale arts projects and events such as completing and exhibiting collections, studio development, and larger artistic productions.

Grant Provincial

Nunavut Arts Funding Program

Government of Nunavut — Department of Culture and Heritage

Varies

Supports Nunavut-based individuals, artist cooperatives, and organizations in promoting economic growth through the development of arts and tourism sectors, including Inuit arts, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage activities.

Grant Provincial

Nunavut Culture and Heritage Grants

Government of Nunavut — Department of Culture and Heritage

Varies by program area

Provides grant and contribution funding to community-based organizations and individuals to promote, protect, preserve, and revitalize the culture, language, arts, and heritage of Nunavut including Elders initiatives, language promotion, and arts programming.

Grant Provincial

Communities and Artists Shifting Culture (CASC) Grant

City of Vancouver — Cultural Services

$2,500 – $15,000

Supports arts and cultural projects delivered by registered non-profit organizations in Vancouver. Individual artists and collectives from equity-denied communities may apply via a sponsor registered organization. Advances representation of equity-deserving artists in civic cultural funding.

Grant Municipal

Cultural Operating Funding (COF)

City of Vancouver — Cultural Services

$15,000 – $200,000+

Provides core multi-year operating support to established Vancouver professional non-profit arts organizations to develop, create, produce, present, and disseminate artistic work in any discipline. New recipients typically start at $15,000–$20,000 with potential for multi-year funding commitments.

Grant Municipal

Project Funding for Artists' Collectives

Conseil des arts de Montréal

Varies (up to 75% of project cost)

Supports Montreal-based artists' collectives in carrying out specific artistic projects related to their mandate. Three intake deadlines per year allow for flexible project timing across all artistic disciplines.

Grant Municipal

Project Grant Program — Individuals and Collectives

Calgary Arts Development

Up to $20,000 (individuals) / Up to $25,000 (collectives)

One-time project funding for professional Calgary-based individual artists and artist collectives in any artistic discipline. Supports research, creation, development, production, presentation, or dissemination of artistic work. Projects must be complete by December 31, 2026.

Grant Municipal

Artist Development Microgrant

Calgary Arts Development

Up to $5,000

Provides one-time funding to professional Calgary-based individual artists, collectives, and cultural workers to support professional and artistic skill development or business and career development activities. Uses a lottery process for selection, reducing barriers for first-time applicants.

Grant Municipal

Individuals and Collectives Grant

Edmonton Arts Council

Varies by stream — up to $10,000 (Stream 2); Stream 1 and 3 amounts determined by projected expenses

Three-stream grant program supporting Edmonton-based individual artists and collectives across all disciplines. Stream 1 funds creation and research time; Stream 2 supports professional development, mentorship, and residencies; Stream 3 funds projects ready for production or presentation.

Grant Municipal

Invent and Adapt Grant

Edmonton Arts Council

Up to $30,000

Supports Edmonton arts organizations in planning and implementing thoughtful organizational change. Funds strategic planning, capacity-building, and structural adaptations to ensure the long-term sustainability of established arts and culture organizations.

Grant Municipal

Creation and Production Fund for Artists

City of Ottawa — Cultural Funding

Up to $10,000 (creation) / Up to $15,000 (production)

Funds individual artists in Ottawa at all career stages for creation and production of new artistic work in literary, visual, media, interdisciplinary, and performing arts. Supports the full creative lifecycle from initial concept through production and public presentation.

Grant Municipal

Equity and Inclusion in the Arts Fund — Seed and Grow

City of Ottawa — Cultural Funding

Seed: micro-grant (amount varies); Grow: $2,000 – $20,000

Advances artistic expression within Indigenous and equity-seeking communities in Ottawa. The Seed award provides micro-grants to individual artists; the Grow grant funds projects and operating activities for individuals and organizations. Promotes diversity and representation in Ottawa's arts sector.

Grant Municipal

Individual Artist Grant Program

Winnipeg Arts Council

$3,000 (emerging) – $7,000 (mid-career / established)

Supports Winnipeg professional artists in the creation of new work, development, production, curation, or exhibition of works of art in any art form. Grants are tiered by career stage: $3,000 for emerging artists and $7,000 for mid-career and established professionals.

Grant Municipal

Project Grant Program for Arts Organizations and Collectives

Winnipeg Arts Council

Up to $10,000

Funds arts organizations and collectives in Winnipeg for specific one-time artistic projects with artistic merit and civic impact. Open to new and developing organizations, established organizations working on a project basis, and those undertaking special one-time initiatives.

Grant Municipal

Grants to Professional Arts Organizations — Project Assistance

Halifax Regional Municipality

Varies — contact HRM for current program maximums

Annual funding supporting distinct artistic projects by professional producing and presenting arts organizations in the Halifax region. Supports organizations that advance the profile of the local arts sector and foster broad public access to professional art.

Grant Municipal

CRD Arts Project Grant

Capital Regional District (CRD) — Arts Commission

Typically $1,000 – $10,000

Supports new and established arts organizations in the Capital Region of BC to produce one-time projects, a short series of events, or extended programming. Grants are typically between $1,000–$10,000 and must support activities within participating CRD jurisdictions.

Grant Municipal

CRD Arts Equity Grant

Capital Regional District (CRD) — Arts Commission

Up to $10,000

Dedicated funding stream for arts organizations and groups led by or serving Indigenous, racialized, or equity-deserving communities in the Capital Regional District. Supports projects that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in the regional arts sector.

Grant Municipal

City Enrichment Fund — Arts Creation and Presentation for Artists

City of Hamilton — Cultural Services

Varies — funding requests over $15,001 capped at 30% of total program budget

Project grants to professional artists and artist collectives in any arts discipline for the creation of new artistic work and its public presentation in Hamilton and further afield. Supports the full arc from creative development through public presentation.

Grant Municipal

Creative Communities Projects

Toronto Arts Council

Up to $15,000 (100% coverage up to $8,000; partial above $8,000)

One-time project grants for Toronto-based professional artists, artist collectives, and non-profit organizations pursuing time-limited arts projects that enable public participation and engagement in arts and culture. Supports collaborative work between professional artists and community members.

Grant Municipal

Newcomer and Refugee Arts Engagement Grant

Toronto Arts Council

$20,000

Targeted funding for Toronto non-profit organizations and artist collectives to support professional development and integration for newcomer and refugee artists. Provides a set grant of $20,000 per project to support arts mentorship, programming, and sector integration for recently arrived artists.

Grant Municipal

Region of Waterloo Arts Fund — Individual Artist and Collective Grant

Waterloo Region Community Foundation (administering Region of Waterloo Arts Fund)

$1,000 microgrant (individual); larger amounts for projects

Supports individual artists and arts collectives in Waterloo Region through project grants. Microgrants of $1,000 are available for one-week individual artist projects. Larger individual and collective grants are also available for projects occurring within the following 12 months.

Grant Municipal

Conseil des arts de Montréal — Project Funding for Organizations

Conseil des arts de Montréal

Varies (up to 75% of project cost)

Provides project-based grants to professional arts organizations in Montréal to carry out specific artistic projects aligned with their mandate. Three intake deadlines per year allow organizations to plan projects flexibly. Funding cannot exceed 75% of total project cost.

Grant Municipal

Chalmers Arts Fellowships

Ontario Arts Council (Chalmers Family Fund)

$30,000–$50,000

Significant fellowships providing Ontario artists with 6–12 months of unstructured time to investigate and examine their artistic practice rather than produce new work. Open to professional artists in all disciplines with more than 10 years of practice.

Grant Private

Chalmers Professional Development Projects

Ontario Arts Council (Chalmers Family Fund)

Up to $7,500

Grants supporting Ontario artists and arts administrators in gaining new skills or improving existing skills through study, training, mentorship, internship, or apprenticeship with a qualified specialist.

Grant Private

Leighton Artist Studios Residency — Solo

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Scholarship covering 100% tuition + 50% accommodation (standard); 100% all costs (Indigenous)

Self-directed residencies of 2–6 weeks in private, purpose-built studios in the forested surroundings of Banff Centre for creative professionals in any discipline. Standard scholarship covers 100% of tuition and 50% of accommodation and meals; Indigenous scholarship covers 100% of all costs.

Residency Private

Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts — Thematic Residencies

Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts (Artscape)

Varies by facilitator program; some specific programs include participant stipends

Programmed thematic residencies on Toronto Island bringing together up to 18 artists to work around a specific theme led by a facilitator or curator. Residencies take place in self-contained studio and living spaces surrounded by Lake Ontario.

Residency Private

BC Arts Council Individual Arts Grants: Media Artists

BC Arts Council

Up to $20,000 (unverified — check program guidelines)

Provides funding for media-arts, film-video artists in British Columbia. Supports creation, production, and professional development activities.

Grant Provincial

CALQ - Bourse de création

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec

Up to $50,000

Creation grants for professional Quebec artists in all disciplines. Supports the creation and development of new artistic works.

Grant Provincial

CALQ - Bourse de recherche et exploration

Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec

Up to $25,000

Research and exploration grants for professional Quebec artists. Supports artistic research, experimentation, and concept development.

Grant Provincial

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main funding sources for independent filmmakers in Canada?
Telefilm Canada is the primary federal agency funding feature films, offering programs for development, production, and marketing. The Canada Council for the Arts funds filmmaker-driven projects with an artistic focus through its Explore and Create program. Provincial agencies like Ontario Creates, SODEC (Quebec), and Creative BC provide significant production and development funding. The National Film Board of Canada also co-produces projects with independent filmmakers.
Are there grants specifically for short films or first-time filmmakers?
Yes, several programs target short films and emerging filmmakers. Telefilm's Talent to Watch program funds first feature films with budgets up to $250,000. The Canada Council supports short film and video art projects. Many provincial film commissions also run micro-budget and short film programs designed to help new filmmakers build their portfolios, often with streamlined application processes and mentorship components.
Can documentary filmmakers access the same grants as narrative filmmakers?
Documentary filmmakers have access to both shared and dedicated funding streams. Telefilm Canada funds documentaries through specific programs, and the Canada Media Fund supports factual content for digital and broadcast platforms. The Canada Council for the Arts funds documentaries with a strong artistic or experimental approach. The National Film Board is also a major supporter of Canadian documentary, and several provincial agencies have documentary-specific programs.
What funding is available for animation projects in Canada?
Canada has a robust animation funding ecosystem. The Canada Media Fund supports animated series and digital content. Telefilm Canada funds animated feature films through its regular production programs. The National Film Board has a long history of supporting independent animation. The Canada Council funds animation as part of its media arts programs, particularly for artist-driven and experimental work. Tax credits at both federal and provincial levels also make animation production financially attractive.