Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)

Insider Tip

OCAF's model is unique — it is NOT a traditional grant. It provides working capital upfront (before the event) so you can invest in marketing and production, then you repay a portion from event revenues after the event. Treat it like a self-liquidating marketing loan with a grant component. The repayment formula is 15% of your project revenue, capped at 30–50% of the OCAF investment — so a high-revenue event may repay more than a low-revenue one, but never more than the cap. The tourism focus is critical: your marketing plan must demonstrate a genuine strategy to attract visitors from outside your local region. Local audience events without out-of-region tourism pull will not pass Stage 2. Start Stage 1 as early as possible — OCAF's pre-approval consultation service helps shape the Stage 2 application before you invest significant time.

Success Profile

A well-established Ontario arts, heritage, or cultural organization (non-profit or charitable) planning a one-time or first-time major event — a touring exhibition from an international collection, a special anniversary festival, a large-scale commissioned performance — that is specifically designed to attract tourists from outside the host community. Strong candidates have a track record of successful event management, an existing audience base, and the capacity to execute a major marketing campaign targeting out-of-region visitors.

Evaluation Criteria

The OCAF Board assesses: the tourism potential of the event (attendance projections, geographic catchment area, out-of-region marketing strategy), financial viability and repayment capability, private sector revenue contribution (minimum 10%), organizational track record, the distinct and one-time nature of the project, community economic benefit, and the strength of the marketing plan. The Board applies the $5-per-attendee investment rule and will not fund more than the applicant's marketing expenses.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 6

• Marketing and promotional costs specifically targeting out-of-region tourists (advertising, digital, print, PR, travel trade outreach)
• Event production costs directly attributable to the funded project
• Travel trade sales activities (travel agent promotions, tour operator partnerships)
• Website and digital marketing for the tourist-targeted campaign
• Signage and wayfinding for the event venue/route
• International and domestic media outreach targeting travel writers and tourism journalists

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Ongoing or recurring programming costs
• Capital expenditures (equipment, renovation, infrastructure)
• General organization operating costs not specific to the funded event
• Marketing targeting only local audiences without out-of-region tourism strategy
• Events already completed before OCAF approval
• Projects that are the organization's normal/regular programming rather than a distinct new initiative

Intake Periods

Rolling — Stage 1 applications accepted at any time. Stage 2 deadlines are published periodically. The program is expected to run through 2026-2027 fiscal year. Check ocaf.on.ca/application for current Stage 2 deadlines.

Deadline Notes

No fixed intake deadline — Stage 1 applications can be submitted at any time. Stage 2 deadlines are published periodically. Allow a minimum of 8 months from application to event date; 10-12 months recommended for larger projects. The program is expected to run through the 2026-2027 fiscal year (provincial three-year commitment). Check ocaf.on.ca/application for current Stage 2 deadlines.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• For-profit companies (OCAF primarily funds incorporated non-profits, charities, municipalities, and First Nations — contact OCAF to confirm edge cases)
• Organizations that have received OCAF support within the past two years
• Organizations that have existed for less than one year
• Organizations outside Ontario
• Federal government agencies

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Repayment (15% of project revenue, capped at 30-50% of OCAF investment depending on org size/location) is contractually required within 60-90 days of event completion regardless of financial outcome. If the event generates less revenue than projected, the repayment amount is lower (based on actual revenue) but repayment of the non-repayable portion is never required. Full repayment (the cap) is only triggered when the event generates sufficient revenues.