Major Arts Presenters Operating Funding Program 2026

The Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) is now accepting applications for the Major Arts Presenters Operating Funding Program 2026. This grant is designed to support professional arts presenters in Alberta that focus on large-scale public arts presentations.

📖 About the Program

The AFA grant aims to:

• Support sustainable operations for professional arts presenters.
• Deliver high-quality programming.
• Engage artists and audiences.
• Promote best practices in governance and financial management.

🎁 Benefits

Eligible Costs

The funding can be used for:

• Administration and operational costs.
• Programming expenses for performances.
• Salaries and professional fees for staff and artists.
• Maintenance of equipment and fixed assets.
• Marketing, promotion, and audience engagement.

Ineligible Costs

The funding cannot be used for:

• Alcohol, fundraising costs, GST, amortization, or bad debt.
• Capital expenses (e.g., renovations, equipment, vehicles).
• Any costs disallowed by AFA guidelines.

✅ Program Requirements

To be eligible for this program, applicants must:

• Be a not-for-profit organization registered in Alberta.
• Have at least three years of operational history.
• Ensure a minimum of 50% Alberta-based board members.
• Employ at least one full-time equivalent staff for planning/producing performances.
• Pay at least 75% of artists industry-standard fees.
• Demonstrate good governance, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with the Canadian Arts Database.
• Operate independently from municipalities, commercial enterprises, or other government-funded organizations.

📝 Application Date and Process

Steps to Apply

1. Eligibility Verification: Confirm your organization meets all AFA requirements, including operational history and board composition.
2. First-Time Applicants: Contact AFA at least three months before the application deadline.
3. Prepare Documentation: Include:
   • Board-approved financial statements.
   • Strategic/business plan.
   • Evidence of industry-standard artist fees.
4. Application Submission: Submit your application via the AFA portal following program guidelines.
5. Review and Evaluation: Applications are assessed based on:
   • Mandate alignment.
   • Governance and financial stability.
   • Programming quality.
   • Artist engagement.
6. Grant Award and Reporting: Funds are allocated for three years. Organizations must:
   • Comply with reporting requirements.
   • Use funds for intended purposes.
   • Return unused or mismanaged funds.

📅 Application Deadline

03 April, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View program details: Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA) Major Arts Presenters Operating Funding Program
• Apply here: AFA Application Portal

Eligible Costs

• Administration and operational costs.
• Programming expenses for performances.
• Salaries and professional fees for staff and artists.
• Maintenance of equipment and fixed assets.
• Marketing, promotion, and audience engagement.

Ineligible Costs

• Alcohol, fundraising costs, GST, amortization, bad debt.
• Capital expenses (renovations, equipment, vehicles).
• Any costs disallowed by AFA guidelines.