Operating Grant Program

Overview of the Operating Grant Program program:

The Operating Grant Program is a foundational investment program by Calgary Arts Development (CADA) that supports the long-term sustainability of Calgary’s non-profit arts organizations. This program provides annual, unrestricted funding to qualified organizations, allowing them to cover core expenses such as staffing, facilities, administration, artistic programming, and strategic development. The program is focused on strengthening the capacity and resiliency of Calgary’s arts sector by offering multi-year funding aligned with CADA’s values of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous reconciliation. The Operating Grant is not project-specific; instead, it funds the overall operations of eligible organizations that play a critical role in Calgary's creative ecosystem. The program encourages applications from organizations of all sizes and disciplines that demonstrate artistic impact, sound governance, community connection, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Funding amounts are based on a formula that considers an organization’s operating budget and scope of activity. Organizations already receiving operating funding are reviewed on a three-year cycle, with the 2025 intake prioritizing previously funded organizations. New applicants may apply if they meet specific eligibility and readiness criteria. The review process includes community peer assessors and emphasizes organizational health, community relevance, and alignment with CADA’s strategic priorities. In 2025, the program is undergoing a transition, focusing on refreshing the evaluation criteria to reflect current needs in the arts sector and improve equity in funding distribution.

Benefits of the Operating Grant Program program:

• Provides financial stability to arts organizations
• Unrestricted funding supports salaries, rent, utilities, artistic planning, outreach, and administration
• Encourages long-term growth, equity, and sustainability
• Recognizes and supports a broad range of artistic disciplines and organizational models
• Supports organizations in becoming more inclusive, diverse, accessible, and resilient
• Offers a multi-year funding cycle for ongoing operational support
• Evaluation process led by peer community assessors familiar with the Calgary arts context
• Builds a strong, diverse, and resilient local arts ecosystem

Eligibility criteria of the Operating Grant Program program:

• Eligible applicants must:
• Be incorporated non-profit arts organizations based in Calgary
• Have a primary mandate focused on the arts
• Operate within the City of Calgary (Mohkinstsis)
• Demonstrate a history of programming and community engagement
• Show sound governance and financial management
• Commit to principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA)
• Organizations currently funded through this program are prioritized in 2025
• New applicants must show organizational readiness and may be directed to other programs first
• Must complete all previous grant reporting obligations (if applicable)