Where to find arts funding in BC, and how to get your application read
Grants can pay for the time, space and tools your work needs. The hardest part is often knowing where to start. Here's a map.
Who funds artists here
Canada Council for the Arts funds individual artists, groups and organizations across the country, including programs designed for Indigenous artists. canadacouncil.ca
BC Arts Council is the provincial funder, with programs for individual artists as well as organizations. bcartscouncil.ca
Creative BC supports music and screen-based work in the province, including music programs through Amplify BC. creativebc.com
City of Vancouver offers cultural grants to arts and community groups working in the city. vancouver.ca
FACTOR funds Canadian musicians and music businesses. factor.ca
Before you start writing
Read the guidelines twice. Most applications are turned down because they don't fit the program, not because the work isn't good.
Talk to a program officer. Most funders welcome questions before you apply. A 15- minute call can save you weeks.
Start early. Give yourself at least a month. Support letters and budgets always take longer than you expect.
Writing an application that gets read
Lead with the project. Say what you'll make, why it matters and who it's for in the first two sentences.
Be specific. "Six workshops for 20 Black youth in East Vancouver" is stronger than "community engagement."
Make the budget match the story. Every activity you describe should show up as a line in your budget, and the other way round.
Pay yourself. Include artist fees. Funders expect it.
Show your work. Strong, recent support material often matters as much as the writing.
If you don't get it
Ask for feedback. Many funders will share what the jury said, and your next application will be stronger for it.
Working on an application? Reach out at getinvolved@bipoc-ca.org. We're always glad to point you in the right direction.