Apply for an Arts Grant

Get funding to support your arts organization’s operations, projects or capital costs.

Applications will be open from January 7 to February 19, 2026.


On this page:

  1. Apply online
  2. Check if your organization is eligible
  3. Learn what you can apply for
  4. 2025 Results
  5. Find other grants
  6. Contact us

Apply online

The 2025 Arts Grant Program is closed. Applications will reopen in January 2026.


Check if your organization is eligible

Your organization is eligible if it:

  • delivers arts programming or initiatives as part of its mandate
  • provides opportunities for City of Waterloo residents to participate in the arts
  • has operated for at least one year
  • is a not-for-profit or community organization led by a volunteer board or executive committee elected by the general membership, or is a registered charity
  • complies with all laws and bylaws
  • submits a complete application and required documents by the deadline

For complete grant information, read the Arts Grants Policy (PDF)


Learn what you can apply for

You can request funding for:

  • Operating costs – day-to-day expenses that help run your organization
  • Project costs – a specific arts program or event
  • Capital costs – equipment or improvements that support long-term needs

The maximum amount for an Arts Grant is 10% of the organization's total annual budget.

Operating grants

Support ongoing costs that help your organization run. 

Examples include:

  • rent, insurance and utilities
  • phone or internet
  • staff salaries
  • program supplies
  • training for staff or volunteers

Project grants

Support one-time or short-term projects with a clear beginning and end.

Your project must:

  • have a specific goal
  • finish within a set timeframe
  • be different from your core programs or services

Capital grants 

Support one-time expenses for long-term assets.

Examples include:

  • equipment
  • technology
  • improvements to your space

2025 Results

Following a competitive evaluation of many commendable applications, the following organizations have been awarded funding for 2025.

  • Age of Majority Singers
  • Bandology Inc
  • Belmont Village Bestival
  • Button Factory Arts Centre
  • CAFKA – Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area
  • Caribana Arts Group
  • Community Music School of Waterloo Region
  • Cosmic Fishing Theatre
  • Freedom Marching Project
  • Green Light Arts Theatre Company
  • Grand Porch Party
  • Grand River Film Festival
  • Grand River Flamenco Fest
  • Grand River New Horizons Music
  • Grand River Opera
  • Hepcats Community Dance Studio
  • Irish Real Life Festival
  • Kitchener Musical Society Band
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra
  • KW Musical Productions
  • KW Sentro
  • Last Minute Gallery
  • Pat the Dog Theatre Creation
  • Pinch Arts Company
  • Rhapsody Dance Project
  • Spiritus Ensemble
  • Sporas Scattered
  • Strummerfest
  • Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival
  • The Canadian Arabic Orchestra
  • The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery
  • The Multicultural Theatre Space (MT Space)
  • Three Sisters Cultural Centre
  • tri-Pride
  • Unwrap Theatre
  • Waterloo Chamber Players
  • Waterloo Concert Band
  • Wellington Winds

Find other grants

Visit our neighbourhoods funding page or Sports and Recreation Grant page for information on other funding opportunities from the city.

For other granting opportunities within Waterloo Region, please visit wrapply.ca.


Contact us

If you have questions about the Arts Grant Program, email Lakyn.Barton@waterloo.ca.

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