Major Organizations: Operating

Purpose

The program supports the ongoing operations for Ontario-based, not-for-profit, professional major arts organizations.

Deadline dates

March 31, 2021, 1 p.m. ET

• For 2021, the OAC has put a pause on the multi-year cycles of all operating programs. All current operating grant recipients will need to submit a streamlined application that will be reviewed by a panel of peers.
• The OAC will not be accepting new applicants to any operating programs in 2021. Once it is confirmed when this program is accepting new applicants, it will be noted here.
• Applications are available in Nova approximately two months before the deadline.
• Financial and statistical reports must be submitted through Canadian Arts Data / Données sur les arts au Canada (CADAC) before the deadline.
• Grant notification will be available approximately five months after the deadline.

Recent changes

• Grant notification is now available approximately five months after the deadline.

Eligible applicants

• Ontario-based, not-for-profit corporations, or national not-for-profit corporations with the head office in Ontario
• Organizations must have:
  • at least $15 million in total revenues for the last fiscal year, and in projected revenues for the current and requested years (for applicants not currently receiving funding from this program)
  • at least two years of sustained, regular, ongoing programming, as of the application date. If your organization does not meet this requirement, consider applying for project funding
  • a range of revenue sources
  • an active board of directors/governing body
• Major organizations must:
  • demonstrate national or international significance and profile, with international networks/relationships
  • be major employers of artists and other arts professionals
  • operate with multiple layers of staff and structures
  • offer varied and multifaceted programs of depth and breadth
  • serve large audience bases with multiple programming streams

Read the Guide to OAC Operating Programs for more eligibility information.

Ineligible applicants

• non-arts organizations
• municipalities, colleges and/or universities

To apply

Complete and submit an application in Nova, OAC’s online grant application system. You will be able to do this approximately two months before the deadline.

Before applying, you must:

• read the Guide to OAC Operating Programs
• read the Guide to OAC Assessment
• contact the program officer to discuss eligibility (new applicants only)
• create or update your profile in Nova
• register for an account with CADAC (new applicants only)

Your application includes:

• your answers to the application questions
• financial and statistical information submitted through Canadian Arts Data / Données sur les arts au Canada (CADAC)
• financial statements for your organization’s last completed year, uploaded to CADAC

Complete instructions and requirements are in the application in Nova.

For information on how assessors rate applications see the Evaluation Rubric - Operating Programs.