RFPs: Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators in Canada

Deadline: 08-Jan-2027

The Recommender Grant Program provides funding to professional theatre artists and collectives in Ontario to develop new theatre-based work. Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000, with applications reviewed through designated recommender theatre companies before projects are recommended to the Ontario Arts Council for funding. The Recommender Grant Program supports professional theatre artists and collectives seeking to develop new theatre-based work in Ontario. The program operates through a third-party recommender system. Instead of applications being assessed directly through a single central process, applicants submit proposals to designated theatre companies. These theatre companies assess applications and recommend projects to the Ontario Arts Council for funding. Individual recommender theatre companies may have their own priorities or preferences regarding the types of applicants and projects they support. Applicants should review the relevant recommender company’s information when the program is active. Applicants submit their project proposals to designated recommender theatre companies.

The process involves:

Each recommender theatre company may establish specific priority areas or applicant preferences.

Grants range from:

Due to high demand and limited available funds, the final grant amount may be lower than the amount requested. Applicants should therefore prepare proposals that clearly demonstrate why the requested level of support is needed for the proposed project. Applicants may submit up to five applications per program year. An applicant may receive more than one grant during the same program year, either for: However, multiple grants received during a program year count as one grant toward the applicant’s annual grant limit. The program is open to eligible professional theatre practitioners and groups in Ontario.

Eligible applicants include:

Applicants should also meet any additional requirements established by the recommender theatre company to which they apply. The following applicants are not eligible: Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting an application. The program supports the development of new theatre-based work by professional theatre artists and collectives. Applicants should demonstrate the artistic purpose of their project and explain how the proposed activities will contribute to the development of new work. Specific priorities may vary between recommender theatre companies. Individual recommender theatre companies may have their own: These details are provided on the respective recommender theatre company’s page when the program is active. Applicants should therefore identify a recommender that is appropriate for their proposed work and review its specific requirements before applying. Applications must be submitted through Nova, the Ontario Arts Council’s online grant application system. Applicants should prepare all required information and supporting materials before submitting their proposal.

The application should include:

Applicants should ensure that the application is complete and follows the requirements of the selected recommender theatre company. Funded activities must not begin before the recommender theatre company’s deadline. Once applicants receive their grant results, funded activities must be completed within two years. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed project schedule is realistic and complies with these timing requirements. Applicants should clearly communicate the artistic purpose and development needs of their proposed theatre project.

A strong application should:

Applicants should also review the specific priorities of their selected recommender theatre company before submitting their proposal. The Recommender Grant Program supports professional theatre artists and collectives in Ontario developing new theatre-based work through a third-party recommender system. Applicants submit proposals to designated theatre companies. These companies assess projects and recommend eligible projects to the Ontario Arts Council for funding. Grants range from $1,000 to $3,000. Yes. Because demand is high and funds are limited, the grant awarded may be lower than the amount requested. Applicants can submit up to five applications per program year. Yes. Applicants may receive more than one grant in a program year, either for the same project or different projects, subject to the program’s annual grant limit. Professional theatre artists who are Ontario residents and eligible ad hoc groups or collectives primarily composed of Ontario residents can apply. No. Organizations are not eligible to apply under the program. No. The program is intended for professional theatre artists and eligible professional collectives. Applications should include project details, responses to the application questions, the name of the recommender theatre company, artistic examples where required, and supporting documents. Yes. Individual recommender companies may have their own priority areas or applicant preferences. Applicants should review the relevant information when the program is active. Funded activities must be completed within two years of receiving the grant results. The Recommender Grant Program provides professional theatre artists and collectives in Ontario with an opportunity to obtain $1,000 to $3,000 to support the development of new theatre-based work. Through its third-party recommender system, the program allows designated theatre companies to assess and recommend projects to the Ontario Arts Council. With up to five applications permitted per program year and the possibility of receiving multiple grants, the programme offers flexible support for eligible theatre practitioners pursuing new creative work. Applicants should carefully review the priorities of individual recommender theatre companies, prepare the required artistic and project materials, and submit their appl