Toronto Arts Council Theatre Annual Operating Grant Program 2026

🌟 About the Program

The Toronto Arts Council’s Theatre Annual Operating Grant supports professional theatre organizations that produce continuous, high-quality artistic work in Toronto. Unlike project grants, this program funds the overall operations of a theatre company, helping maintain staff, artistic planning, community engagement, and long-term stability.

🎁 Benefits

• Stable Funding: Provides annual operating support, enabling organizations to plan long-term rather than relying solely on project-based grants.
• Operational Support: Covers both day-to-day operations and artistic programming, ensuring sustainability.
• Artistic Growth: Encourages the creation, production, and presentation of new works, especially by Canadian artists.
• Audience Development: Supports activities that grow and engage theatre audiences in Toronto.
• Legitimacy & Recognition: Receiving TAC funding signals credibility and strengthens an organization’s reputation in the arts community.
• Flexibility for Equity-Seeking Groups: TAC applies flexibility in eligibility criteria to reduce systemic barriers, making funding more accessible.
• Accessibility Support: Additional grants are available to help applicants overcome accessibility challenges in the application process.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a non-profit professional theatre organization located in Toronto.
• Conduct a significant portion of activities in Toronto.
• Have at least two years of sustained theatre activity prior to application.
• Have received two project grants from TAC programs.
• Demonstrate a viable administrative structure, professional artistic leadership, sound financial management, and governance by a board.
• Provide financial documentation based on the request size:
  • Over $50,000: Audited financial statements.
  • $50,000 or less: Review engagement or audited statements.
  • $25,000 or less (with revenues under $100,000): Unaudited statements acceptable.
• Show a range of revenue sources (earned, government, private).
• Conduct annual or seasonal activities, not one-off projects.
• Festivals with at least two editions completed are eligible.

📝 Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Review Program Guidelines
   Confirm eligibility and required documentation within TAC’s official program details.

2. Prepare Organizational Materials
   Include budgets, past financial statements, and details on artistic leadership.

3. Complete Outstanding TAC Reports
   Ensure all previously funded project reports are approved before submitting a new application.

4. Submit Through the TAC Online Portal
   All applications must be filed electronically via the TAC grants portal.

5. Await Assessment and Notification
   Peer assessors evaluate applications based on artistic merit, impact, and organizational capacity.

📅 Application Deadline

09 February, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View detailed program information: Toronto Arts Council Theatre Annual Operating Grant Program
• Apply here: Toronto Arts Council Application Portal

This grant program is an excellent opportunity for theatre organizations in Toronto to secure stable funding and enhance their artistic and operational capabilities. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Stable Funding: Provides annual operating support, helping organizations plan long-term rather than relying only on project-based grants.
• Operational Support: Covers both day-to-day operations and artistic programming, ensuring sustainability.
• Artistic Growth: Encourages the creation, production, and presentation of new works, especially by Canadian artists.
• Audience Development: Supports activities that grow and engage theatre audiences in Toronto.
• Legitimacy & Recognition: Receiving TAC funding signals credibility and strengthens an organization’s reputation in the arts community.
• Flexibility for Equity-Seeking Groups: TAC applies flexibility in eligibility criteria to reduce systemic barriers, making funding more accessible.
• Accessibility Support: Additional grants are available to help applicants overcome accessibility challenges in the application process.