Apply for an Arts Grant

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

Applications closed on February 19, 2026.


On this page:

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

How to apply

The 2026 Arts Grant Program is now closed. If you have questions or would like to receive additional details, please email cultureplan@waterloo.ca


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

2026 Results

Applications were reviewed and evaluated by a Grant Assessment Committee based on the Arts Grant Policy. For the 2026 intake, the Committee reviewed 57 applications and awarded a total of $195,134 in funding to 33 successful organizations.

  • Age of Majority Singers
  • Bandology Inc
  • Destination55
  • Grand River Film Festival
  • Grand River Flamenco Fest
  • Grand River New Horizons Music
  • Grand River Opera
  • Grand River Voices
  • Hepcats Community Dance Studio
  • Inter Arts Matrix
  • IRL Festival
  • JM Drama Alumni / The Registry Theatre
  • Kitchener Musical Society Band
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Society of Artists
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Association
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Orchestra
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
  • MAST - Midtown Artists Sale & Tour
  • Neruda Arts
  • NoteWorthy Singers
  • NUMUS Inc.
  • Pat the Dog Theatre Creation
  • Pinch Arts Company Inc.
  • Quill Fine Arts
  • Spiritus Ensemble
  • The Canadian Arabic Orchestra
  • Three Sisters Cultural Centre
  • Tri-Cities Film Network
  • tri-Pride Community Inc.
  • Unwrap Theatre
  • Waterloo Busker Carnival
  • Waterloo Chamber Players

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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