RBC Emerging Artists

Overview of the RBC Emerging Artists program:

The RBC Community & Impact Funding program is designed to foster positive social, environmental, and economic change through strategic philanthropic investments. The initiative encompasses multiple funding pillars, each addressing distinct priorities: the RBC Future Launch program supports youth by promoting skills development and mental well-being; the RBC Tech for Nature initiative invests in technology-based solutions for pressing environmental challenges; and the RBC Emerging Artists project aids early-career artists in building sustainable careers. The program is deeply rooted in collaboration and seeks proposals from charitable and non-profit organizations whose missions align with RBC’s impact goals. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their work contributes to long-term change and community resilience. RBC focuses on projects with measurable outcomes, collaborative models, and systemic impact, rather than one-time events or purely local causes. Additionally, RBC has a commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, aiming to uplift programs that support BIPOC, LGBTQ2+, and other underrepresented communities. Applications are accepted year-round, though some specific programs may have targeted intake periods or deadlines. RBC values transparency and long-term impact, encouraging applicants to clearly articulate expected outcomes, partnerships, and scalability of their initiatives.

Benefits of the RBC Emerging Artists program:

• Access to corporate grant funding for mission-aligned projects
• Opportunity to be featured in RBC communications and gain broader exposure
• Support for long-term, scalable, and systemic impact projects
• Access to RBCs network of partners and thought leaders
• Specialized funding streams for youth development, environmental innovation, and emerging artists
• Dedicated focus on underrepresented communities and equity-seeking groups
• Funding designed to strengthen community resilience and collaboration

Eligibility criteria of the RBC Emerging Artists program:

• Applicants must be:
• Registered charities or qualified non-profits
• Based in Canada or international NGOs with measurable impact aligned to RBCs goals
• Focused on one or more of RBCs key pillars: Youth (Future Launch), Environment (Tech for Nature), Emerging Artists, or broader community support
• Able to demonstrate long-term vision, partnerships, and measurable outcomes
• Open to engaging in collaborative models and systems-change initiatives
• Priority is given to projects that serve marginalized or underrepresented communities (e.g., Indigenous peoples, BIPOC, LGBTQ2+)
• Not eligible: political groups, individual sponsorships, religious or sectarian programs, for-profit entities, or projects without broad community impact