Major Organizations: Operating

Purpose

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

Deadline dates

• In 2024, this program is in year 2 of a three-year cycle.
• Applications are available in Nova about 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 about five months after the deadline.

• New applicants (organizations that did not receive a grant from this program last year) must contact the program officer to discuss eligibility.
• 2026 will be the next deadline open to new applicants to this program.

Recent changes

The application questions and evaluation rubric have been reworked to better align with OAC’s current strategic plan.

Eligible applicants

• Applicants must be Ontario-based, not-for-profit corporations, or national not-for-profit corporations with a 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
  • have received a grant from one of OAC’s other operating programs at its most recent deadline, and be eligible to apply to its next deadline
• New applicants must have received a grant from one of OAC’s other operating programs at its most recent deadline, and be eligible to apply to its next deadline.

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 about 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 Canadian Arts Data / Données sur les arts au Canada (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.