Request for Applications: Cultural Space Grants (Canada)

The City of Vancouver invites eligible non-profit organizations to apply for the Cultural Space Grants, designed to support arts and cultural spaces within the city. These grants are available to non-profit cultural societies, co-ops, registered charities, and Indigenous organizations. The application window for Cultural Operating Funding (COF-S) opens on November 2, 2026, and for Capital Grants on January 13, 2027. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: City of Vancouver

- Grant Types: Cultural Operating Funding – Spaces, Capital Grants

- Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 for COF-S; Up to $25,000 for Small Grants; Up to $250,000 for Cultural Infrastructure Grants

- Eligible Applicants: Vancouver-based non-profit cultural societies, co-ops, registered charities, Indigenous organizations

- Eligible Locations: Vancouver, Canada

- Application Deadlines: COF-S Grants: December 10, 2026; Capital Grants: March 4, 2027

About the Opportunity

The Cultural Space Grants aim to enhance the capacity and sustainability of Vancouver’s arts and cultural spaces. The grants support projects that align with the city’s priorities on cultural equity, accessibility, and reconciliation. They facilitate activities like space planning, infrastructure development, and operating cost coverage for spaces supporting arts and cultural organizations. Funding and Benefits - Cultural Operating Funding – Spaces (COF-S): Grants up to $40,000 to assist with facility operating costs for spaces dedicated to independent artists and arts organizations.

- Capital Grants:

- Small Grants for Cultural Spaces: Up to $25,000 for planning, improvements, and accessibility upgrades.

- Cultural Infrastructure Grants: Matching grants up to $250,000 for acquisition, construction, renovation, or expansion of facilities.

- Critical Assistance Capital Grants: Up to $25,000 for urgent upgrades and safety-related infrastructure projects.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

- Vancouver-based non-profit cultural societies, cooperatives, registered charities - Organizations with a culture-first vision and mission - Indigenous non-profit organizations from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations Organizations primarily focused on child care, education, health care, religion, social services, or sports are not eligible. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Space planning and research - Building improvements and accessibility upgrades - Acquisition, construction, renovation, or expansion of cultural facilities - Urgent infrastructure upgrades for safety and compliance Why This Opportunity Matters The Cultural Space Grants provide crucial support to sustain and improve arts and cultural spaces in Vancouver, fostering a vibrant cultural community. They help organizations overcome financial barriers to maintaining and enhancing facilities that are vital for cultural expression and community engagement. How to Apply - Cultural Operating Funding – Spaces (COF-S) Grants: - Contact a cultural planner to confirm eligibility. - Prepare financial statements and required documents. - Submit application through VanApply by December 10, 2026.

- Capital Grants:

- Discuss your project with a cultural planner. - Submit an Expression of Interest by February 11, 2027. - Complete and submit your application by March 4, 2027.

- Critical Assistance Capital Grants:

- Applications accepted on a rolling basis starting January 2027. - Consult with a cultural planner and submit the necessary documentation. Next Steps Interested applicants should review the official guidelines and prepare the necessary documentation to apply. For detailed instructions and to access the application portal, visit the City of Vancouver’s Cultural Spaces Grant Program page.