AFA Summer School Project Funding 2026

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is currently accepting applications for its Summer School Project Funding 2026. This program is designed to support youth arts education in Alberta by providing grants to organizations that deliver immersive, residence-based summer arts schools.

📖 About AFA Summer School Project Funding

The Summer School Project Funding program aims to:

• Support youth arts education in Alberta.
• Provide grants to organizations offering immersive, residence-based summer arts schools.
• Emphasize intensive training, meaningful engagement with professional artists, and inclusive, safe learning environments for participants across the province.

💡 Benefits of AFA Summer School Project Funding

• Grants may cover up to 40% of eligible project expenses.
• Eligible expenses include:
  • Administration and programming costs.
  • Instructor and artist fees.
  • Promotional expenses.
  • Accommodation, meals, and supervision.
  • Equipment rental and materials.
  • Curriculum development and other reasonable project-related costs.
• Funding does not cover:
  • Alcohol, capital purchases, construction, amortization, GST, or fundraising costs.
  • Competitive performances or applied arts like culinary or architecture.
  • Institutional overhead beyond limited permanent staff allocations.
  • Projects that start before application submission or are already funded by the AFA.

✅ AFA Summer School Project Funding Requirements

• Eligible Applicants:
  • Registered not-for-profit organizations in Alberta, legally established and in good standing for at least one year.
  • Organizations operating independently from municipalities, schools, or commercial enterprises.
  • Demonstrated governance, financial stability, and prior experience in residence-based arts programming.
  • Partnerships are allowed if control, knowledge sharing, and collaborative outcomes are clearly defined.
• Ineligible Applicants:
  • Municipalities, commercial enterprises, schools, or organizations not operating at arm’s length from such entities.

📝 Application Date and Process

Application Deadline

01 October, 2026

Application Process

1. Confirm eligibility of your organization and proposed project.
2. Develop a detailed residence-based arts summer school plan for youth aged 11–19.
3. Outline a clear budget for eligible project expenses, ensuring requested funds do not exceed 40%.
4. Submit your application to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) through the designated online platform.
5. Include the following in your application:
   • Governance details.
   • Prior programming experience.
   • Supervision plans.
   • Curriculum and accessibility measures.

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the AFA Summer School Project Funding.
• Apply for the funding through the AFA Online Portal.

• Grants may cover up to 40% of eligible project expenses
• Eligible expenses include:
  • Administration and programming costs
  • Instructor and artist fees
  • Promotional expenses
  • Accommodation, meals, and supervision
  • Equipment rental and materials
  • Curriculum development and other reasonable project-related costs
• Funding does not cover:
  • Alcohol, capital purchases, construction, amortization, GST, fundraising costs
  • Competitive performances or applied arts like culinary or architecture
  • Institutional overhead beyond limited permanent staff allocations
  • Projects that start before application submission or are already funded by the AFA