Changes to our Operating Grant Program for 2026
Organizations will be assessed and grants will be awarded through two separate programs
We have been undergoing a major evaluation and redesign of our Operating Grant Program. The purpose of this redesign is to ensure that program goals and criteria, application/reporting requirements and conditions of funding are appropriate and scaled to organizations’ mandates and operating models.
Operating grants will now be assessed and awarded through two separate programs: one for community arts organizations and one for professional arts organizations. Criteria, conditions and requirements of the program will be tailored to the unique contexts of community arts organizations and professional arts organizations, ensuring that applicants are being assessed according to expectations that are relevant to their mandate, operating models and programming.
In general, we define professional arts organizations as non-profit arts organizations whose primary purpose is to create access to professional artistic work, and we define community arts organizations as non-profit arts organizations whose primary purpose is to create access for community participation in the arts. More details about both programs, including full guidelines, eligibility requirements and the process for current grantees and new applicants, are available on our website here.
Applications for the Community Arts Organizations — Two-Year Operating Grant 2026 – 2027 open to current grantees and new applicants on September 9, 2025. Applications for the Professional Arts Organizations — Four-Year Operating Grant 2027 – 2030 open to new applicants and current grantees in the fall of 2026. Professional Arts Organizations that currently receive funding from Calgary Arts Development through the operating grant program will have their funding amounts reconfirmed for 2026 funding year, and new applicants will have the opportunity to apply for 2026 funding through the New Applicants – Professional Arts Organizations One-Year Operating Grant 2026.
Our program staff will be available to answer questions, but we encourage organizations to fully review the program guidelines before reaching out. Information sessions and open office hours will also be available to learn more about the program.
