Theatre Projects What does this program support? The Theatre Projects program provides funding to professional, non-profit theatre organizations and collectives for the creation, production and presentation of theatre works and other projects that support the development of professional theatre in Toronto. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. The Theatre Program is strongly committed to the development and performance of works by Canadian artists. You may apply in one of four categories described below: Full Production: supports rehearsal, production and presentation of fully developed work. The maximum grant in this category is $20,000. Production in a Festival: supports the rehearsal, production and presentation of a work in an established festival in Toronto. Confirmation of festival participation is required before the application is approved for funding. The maximum grant in this category is $10,000. Workshop: supports the development of work and involves artists and playwright in the workshop process, and must include a reading or a presentation. Activities eligible for the TAC Playwrights grant program are not eligible in this category. The maximum grant in this category is $15,000. Special Initiatives: supports projects that develop and advance the practice of theatre in Toronto, and/or contribute to an understanding and appreciation of theatre. Projects can include festivals, opportunities that benefit the theatre community, conferences, forums, symposiums, etc. The maximum grant in this category is $15,000. Contact Theatre Program Manager to discuss the project. Works conceived for digital platforms are eligible in all categories. Grants awarded may be less than the full amount requested. In all categories TAC will not fund 100% of a project: applicants must indicate a range of revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services. For all categories, project expenses could include: artists fees, production and technical fees, marketing and outreach costs, administrative costs, childcare costs, etc. The payment of artist fees is a requirement in this program. Looking for more details about this grant? See our recent information session, here. This Program does not fund: Projects that have been started or completed prior to the announcement of results. Toronto Arts Council does not fund retroactively; Schools, tuition-funded training programs, curriculum-based programs, or research projects (such as academic research projects); Projects focused solely on professional development; Organizations or collectives that receive Operating funding from TAC; Educational and religious institutions, unless there is a clear separation in both programming and budget between their regular activities and their arts activities; Individuals; Projects for which the project leads are not based in Toronto; Ongoing operating costs, such as permanent staff salaries and general administration of an organization. This program is not intended to support an organization or collective’s ongoing activities. For information about Annual Operating funding, please contact TAC’s Theatre Program Manager. Costs related to equipment purchase, capital projects (such as building purchase or renovation), fundraising activities, deficit reduction, publishing and archiving projects, awards and award ceremonies, projects conceived for the creation of a film or for competitive purposes, art therapy; Activities taking place outside of the City of Toronto (such as touring, travel, accommodations); Projects conceived for the creation of a film or digital works led by media artists. When can the project happen? Applications submitted to the March deadline should be for projects taking place after June 1 and applications submitted to the August deadline should be for projects taking place after November 1; All projects must be completed within two years of the date on the Notification Letter. Who can apply? If you are a first-time applicant, or if you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact the Theatre Program Manager. To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 To apply to Theatre Projects applicants must be either an incorporated non-profit organization or an unincorporated collective operating on a not-for-profit basis. A collective is defined as two or more artists working together under a group name, either on a single project or on an ongoing basis. Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Toronto. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet this requirement. Organizations with a regional Toronto office must have operated in the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the deadline. For collectives of two artists, both must be City of Toronto residents. For collectives of more than two artists, the majority of members must be City of Toronto residents. Collective members cannot be Theatre undergraduate students. Artists must be professional. A professional artist is someone who has developed their skills through training and/or practice; is recognized as such by artists working in the same artistic tradition; actively practices her/his/their art; seeks payment for her/his/their work; and has a history of public presentation. The project for which the funding is requested must take place in the City of Toronto. Applicants may receive only one grant per calendar year through the Theatre program and may not apply to other TAC discipline programs. However, TAC offers other types of granting opportunities through its Strategic Initiatives envelope, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Theatre project grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. Please consult TAC’s website for other granting opportunities. Please note: the Theatre Projects program and the Playwrights program will not support the same play in the same calendar year. Additional Information How do I apply? Applicants register and submit the application through TAC Grants Online. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the deadline dates. TAC does not accept applications by any other means of delivery. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. Check your spam/junk mail folder if it doesn’t arrive in your in-box. Please download the full Program Guidelines for complete program details and application specifics. TAC Accessibility Grant Projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for an additional TAC Accessibility Grant that will provide up to a maximum of $5,000 towards accessibility costs for artists incurred during the project. Accessibility costs include but are not limited to: ASL interpretation, audio description, closed captioning, communications assistants, attendant care (including helpers for Elders), support workers and equipment rentals or other supports required to meet artists’ accessibility needs. Starting in 2026, the TAC Accessibility Grant will allow grant recipients to apply for an Accessibility Grant at any time during their project. The Accessibility Grant will be available to grant recipients as a separate application in 2026. Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Theatre Projects is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Theatre Projects grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants
Theatre Multi-Year Operating What does this program support? The Theatre Multi-year Operating program supports professional non-profit theatre organizations and collectives (both incorporated and unincorporated) engaged in the creation, production and presentation of theatre, and other activities that contribute to the development of theatre, theatre artists, and theatre audiences in Toronto. Funding through this program supports both operations and programming. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. Grants awarded may be less than the full amount requested. These grants contribute to the artistic and administrative costs associated with an organization’s ongoing theatre activities. TAC does not provide funding for capital projects (e.g. equipment, renovations, purchase of buildings), fundraising events/projects or deficit reduction. Who can apply? To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 be non-profit; be a professional Theatre organization; be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City; have been in operation for at least four years; have a demonstrated record of regular, ongoing programming that provides support to professional theatre artists or theatre organizations in Toronto; have received Annual Operating funding through TAC’s Theatre program for at least the past two years; have a viable administrative structure; be governed by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization; have stable artistic, organizational and board leadership with plans in place for any transition; have sound financial management and balanced budgets over time; submit verification of financial results of the last completed fiscal year: for requests over $50,000, audited financial statements are required; for requests of $50,000 or less, a review engagement is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements); for requests of $25,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are under $100,000, unaudited financial statements that include a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements or a review engagement); demonstrate a range of revenue sources on an annual basis, including earned, government and private sector revenues. PROGRAM GUIDELINES 2026 Theatre Multi-Year Operating Guidelines 2026 Theatre Multi-Year Mid-Cycle Report Guidelines Additional Information Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Theatre Multi-Year Operating is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Theatre Multi-Year Operating grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants Mid-Cycle Report Those receiving Theatre Multi-Year Operating funding must submit a Mid-Cycle Report. In 2026, Service Organizations must submit a Mid-Cycle Report. Deadline: April 1, 2026
Theatre Annual Operating What does this program support? The Theatre Program provides Annual Operating support to professional non-profit theatre organizations (both incorporated and unincorporated) engaged in the creation, production and presentation of theatre, and other activities that contribute to the development of theatre, theatre artists, and theatre audiences in Toronto. Funding through this program supports both operations and programming. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. In addition to the objectives stated above, the Theatre Program is strongly committed to the development and performance of works by Canadian artists. Who can apply? To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 be non-profit; be a professional theatre organization; be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City; have a history of sustained theatre activity over the two years prior to this application; have received a minimum of two project grants through TAC’s Arts Discipline or Strategic programs; have a viable administrative structure; have professional artistic leadership; have sound financial management; be governed by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization; submit verification of financial results of the last completed fiscal year: for requests over $50,000, audited financial statements are required; for requests of $50,000 or less, a review engagement is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements); for requests of $25,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are under $100,000, unaudited financial statements that include a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements or a review engagement); demonstrate a range of revenue sources on an annual basis, including earned, government and private sector revenues. organizations must conduct their theatre activities on an annual, ongoing basis either throughout the year or on a seasonal basis. A single project does not constitute annual or seasonal activity. Organizations, whose level of activity varies from season to season, in keeping with their mandate, must describe their multi-year creation and production cycle. Annual and biennial festivals that have completed a minimum of two editions are also eligible. First-time Applicants First-time applicants are organizations that did not receive an operating grant last year. First-time applicants must consult with the Theatre Program Manager before submitting an operating grant application. Additional eligibility requirement. First-time applicants must have at least $75,000 in total revenues for the last completed year, and in projected revenues for the current and request years. First-time applicants to the Annual Operating program may only apply in the first year of a multi-year cycle. The next year that first-time applicants may submit an application is: Service Organizations: 2027 Theatre Companies: 2028 Additional Information How do I apply? Applicants register and submit the application through TAC Grants Online. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the deadline dates. TAC does not accept applications by any other means of delivery. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. Check your spam/junk mail folder if it doesn’t arrive in your in-box. Please download the full Program Guidelines for complete program details and application specifics. TAC Accessibility Grant Projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for an additional TAC grant by completing the Accessibility Expenses section of the application and including the requisite information in their budget. A TAC Accessibility grant will provide up to a maximum of $5,000 towards accessibility costs for artists incurred during the project. Accessibility costs include but are not limited to: ASL interpretation, audio description, closed captioning, communications assistants, attendant care (including helpers for Elders), support workers and equipment rentals or other supports required to meet artists’ accessibility needs). Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Theatre Annual Operating is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Theatre Annual Operating grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants
Music Projects What does this program support? The Music Projects program provides funding to professional, non-profit music organizations and collectives to pursue one-time or time-limited music projects involving production, presentation, dissemination and/or other activities that contribute to the development of music in Toronto. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. The Music Program is strongly committed to the development and performance of works by Canadian artists. The maximum grant available in this program is $15,000. The TAC Music Projects program will fund up to 50% of the project budget. Applicants may receive less than the full amount requested. The budget must indicate a range of revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services. Expenses can include: artist fees, production and technical fees, marketing and outreach costs, administrative costs, childcare costs, etc. This program requires the payment of artist fees at or above industry standards. Due to potential public health restrictions, social distancing rules and venue closures, works taking place on digital platforms are eligible. This program does not fund: Projects that have been started or completed prior to the announcement of results. Toronto Arts Council does not fund retroactively Organizations/collectives that receive Toronto Arts Council operating support Ongoing operating costs, such as permanent staff salaries and general administration of an organization. This program is not intended to support an organization or collective’s ongoing activities. For information about Annual Operating funding, please contact TAC’s Music Program Manager Educational and religious institutions, unless there is a clear demarcation at both the program and budget level between their regular activities and their arts activities Schools that are part of Ontario’s public or private education system Costs related to equipment purchase, capital projects (such as building purchase or renovation), fundraising activities, deficit reduction, publishing and archiving projects, awards and award ceremonies, projects conceived for the creation of a film or for competitive purposes, art therapy Individuals; the creation, composition or recording of individual music works Activities taking place outside of the City of Toronto (such as touring, travel, accommodations) Music Videos and projects conceived for the creation of a film or digital works led by media artists Professional Development and/education When can the project happen? Applications submitted to the February deadline should be for projects taking place after June 1 and applications submitted to the August deadline should be for projects taking place after November 1. If you wish to apply to an earlier deadline, in order to give you extra planning time for your project, please note that all projects must be completed within two years of the date on the Notification Letter. TAC does not fund retroactively. Projects that have commenced prior to the assessment will not be considered. Who can apply? If you are a first-time applicant or have questions related to your project’s eligibility, please contact the Music Program Manager. To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 Applicants must be incorporated non-profit organizations or unincorporated collectives operating on a not-for-profit basis. A collective is defined as two or more artists, curators or programmers working together under a group name, either on a single project or on an ongoing basis. For collectives of two artists, both must be City of Toronto residents. For collectives of more than two artists, the majority of members must be City of Toronto residents Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Toronto. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet this requirement. Organizations with a regional Toronto office must have operated in the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the deadline. The activity for which the funding is requested must occur within the City of Toronto. Artists must be professional. A professional artist is someone who has developed their skills through training and/or practice; is recognized as such by artists working in the same artistic tradition; actively practices their art; seeks payment for their work; and has a history of public presentation. Community Music-based organizations/collectives must be led by professional artistic leadership. Applicants may receive only one grant per calendar year through the Music program and may not apply to other TAC discipline programs. Grant recipients must submit a final report on their previous Music project before submitting a new application to the program. However, TAC offers other types of granting opportunities through its Strategic Initiatives and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please consult TAC’s website for other granting opportunities. Additional Information How do I apply? Applicants register and submit the application through TAC Grants Online. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the deadline dates. TAC does not accept applications by any other means of delivery. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. Check your spam/junk mail folder if it doesn’t arrive in your in-box. Please download the full Program Guidelines for complete program details and application specifics. TAC Accessibility Grant Projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for an additional TAC Accessibility Grant that will provide up to a maximum of $5,000 towards accessibility costs for artists incurred during the project. Accessibility costs include but are not limited to: ASL interpretation, audio description, closed captioning, communications assistants, attendant care (including helpers for Elders), support workers and equipment rentals or other supports required to meet artists’ accessibility needs. Starting in 2026, the TAC Accessibility Grant will allow grant recipients to apply for an Accessibility Grant at any time during their project. The Accessibility Grant will be available to grant recipients as a separate application in 2026. Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Music Projects is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Music Projects grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. About our grants
Community Music Making What does this program support? Toronto Arts Council’s Community Music Making program recognizes the role that non-professional music organizations play in creating a dynamic and culturally engaged City. This program provides funding to support the Toronto-based annual programming of non-profit community choirs, opera, orchestras, and ensembles that are committed to building community through music making processes such as creation, workshops, concert production, and other related activities. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. The Music Program seeks to support a diverse range of musical forms with a high priority given to applicants that demonstrate a commitment to the performance of works by Canadian composers. First-time applicants must speak to the Program Manager prior to submitting an application: applications are accepted by invitation. Who can apply? To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 be non-profit; be governed by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization; be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City; have an annual operating budget of less than $150,000; conduct music activities on an annual, ongoing basis either throughout the year or on a seasonal basis; have previously received a minimum three project grants through TAC’s music program; produce a minimum of two self-presented concerts with different repertoire in each season (self-presented means that the organization takes responsibility for planning, production and ticket selling); pay artist fees to professional artistic leadership; submit verification of financial results of the last completed fiscal year: for requests of $30,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are $100,000 or more, a review engagement is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements); for requests of $30,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are under $100,000, unaudited financial statements that include a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements or a review engagement); actively engage community members, and contribute to building community through music making processes beyond concert presentation (e.g., rehearsals, workshops, masterclasses, retreats, etc). The following are not eligible to apply to this program: Professional Organizations that receive funding through any TAC discipline program; Community music organizations with budgets greater than $150,000; Community music schools, presenters/producers and/or festivals. Organizations may receive only one grant per calendar year through the Music program and may not apply to other TAC discipline programs. However, TAC offers other types of granting opportunities through its Strategic Initiatives envelope, and organizations receiving funding through the Community Music Making program may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please consult TAC’s website for other granting opportunities. Applicants to the Community Music Making program may receive a maximum of one additional grant per calendar year and must submit a final report on that project before applying to another program in the Strategic Initiatives envelope. First-Time Applicants First time applicants must speak to the Program Manager prior to submitting an application: applications are accepted by invitation. Additional Information How do I apply? Applicants are required to register at TAC Grants Online and submit the Community Music Making application and all required support material using this online grants management system. Applications must be submitted on TAC Grants Online no later than 11:59 pm on the deadline day. TAC does not accept applications by any other means of delivery. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. Check your spam/junk mail folder if it doesn’t arrive in your in-box Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Community Music making is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Community Music Making grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants
Music Multi-Year Operating What does this program support? The Music Program provides Multi-Year Operating support to professional, non-profit music organizations engaged in the creation, production and presentation of music, and other activities that contribute to the development of music, music artists, and music audiences in Toronto. The program aims to encourage long-term vision and planning and to provide stability for music organizations. Funding through this program supports both operations and programming. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. In 2026, this program is open to Orchestras, Ensembles, Presenters/Producers & Festivals. The Music Program supports a diverse range of musical forms with a high priority given to organizations that demonstrate a consistent commitment to the development and performance of original works by Canadian composers. Who can apply? To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 be non-profit. be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City. have been in operation for at least four years. have received Annual Operating funding through TAC’s Music program for at least the two past years. have a demonstrated record of regular, ongoing programming. have professional artistic leadership. have a viable administrative structure. be governed by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization. have stable artistic, organizational and board leadership with plans in place for any transition. have sound financial management and balanced budgets over time. submit verification of financial results of the last completed fiscal year: or requests over $50,000, audited financial statements are required; for requests of $50,000 or less, a review engagement is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements); for requests of $25,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are under $100,000, unaudited financial statements that include a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements or a review engagement). receive significant support on an annual basis from other levels of government and/or the public and/or the private sector. Program-Specific Eligibility Requirements In addition to the General Eligibility Requirements listed above, in order to apply for Multi-Year Operating support: Choral Organizations must: produce a minimum of three self-presented concerts with different repertoire in each season (self-presented means that the choral organization takes responsibility for planning, production and ticket selling). Opera organizations must: produce a minimum of two operas per season, for companies mandated to present standard repertoire, or undertake workshops, for companies dedicated to new work development. Orchestras, Bands, Ensembles must: have a minimum of three self-presented concerts in each season (self-presented means that the orchestra takes responsibility for planning, production and ticket selling). Presenter/Producers & Festivals must: present professional, curated music programming that reflects a defined artistic mandate. series presenters must demonstrate a track record of self-presented, ongoing performances (self-presented means the organization takes responsibility for planning, production and ticket selling). First-time Applicants First-time applicants to the Multi-Year Operating program (i.e. organizations that did not receive multi-year funding last year) must speak to Music Operating Program Manager Rudrapriya Rathore prior to completing an application form to confirm that they are eligible to apply. Program Guidelines 2026 Music Multi-Year Operating Guidelines 2026 Music Multi-Year Mid-Cycle Report Guidelines Additional Information Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Music Multi-Year Operating is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Music Multi-Year Operating grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants Mid-Cycle Report Those receiving Music Multi-Year Operating funding must submit a Mid-Cycle Report. In 2026, Music Service Organizations and Choirs and Opera Organizations must submit a Mid-Cycle Report. Deadline: April 1, 2026
Music Annual Operating What does this program support? The Music Program provides Annual Operating support to professional, non-profit music organizations engaged in the creation, production and presentation of music, and other activities that contribute to the development of music, music artists, and music audiences in Toronto. Funding through this program supports both operations and programming. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. The Music Program supports a diverse range of musical forms with a high priority given to organizations that demonstrate a consistent commitment to the development and performance of original works by Canadian composers. Who can apply? To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 be non-profit; have professional artistic leadership;2 be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City; have a history of sustained music activity over the two years prior to this application, with a demonstrated record of regular, ongoing programming; have received a minimum of two project grants through TAC’s Arts Discipline or Strategic programs; have a viable administrative structure; have sound financial management; submit verification of financial results of the last completed fiscal year: for requests over $50,000, audited financial statements are required; for requests of $50,000 or less, a review engagement is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements); for requests of $25,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are under $100,000, unaudited financial statements that include a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements or a review engagement); demonstrate a range of revenue sources on an annual basis, including earned, government and private sector revenues. be governed by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization. Organizations must conduct their music activities on an annual, ongoing basis either throughout the year or on a seasonal basis. A single project does not constitute annual or seasonal activity. Organizations, whose level of activity varies from season to season, in keeping with their mandate, must describe their multi-year creation and production cycle. Annual and biennial festivals that have completed a minimum of two editions are also eligible. Program-Specific Eligibility Requirements In addition to the General Eligibility Requirements listed above, in order to apply for annual operating support, Choral Organizations must: produce a minimum of three self-presented concerts with different repertoire in each season (self-presented means that the choral organization takes responsibility for planning, production and ticket selling). Opera/Music Theatre organizations must: produce a minimum of two operas per season, for companies mandated to present standard repertoire, or undertake workshops, for companies dedicated to new work development. Orchestras, Bands, Ensembles must: have a minimum of three self-presented concerts in each season (self-presented means that the orchestra takes responsibility for planning, production and ticket selling). Presenter/Producers & Festivals must: present professional, curated music programming that reflects a defined artistic mandate. Series presenters must demonstrate a track record of self-presented, ongoing performances (self-presented means the organization takes responsibility for planning, production and ticket selling). First-time Applicants First-time applicants are organizations that did not receive an operating grant last year. First-time applicants must consult with the Music Program Manager before submitting an operating grant application. Additional eligibility requirement. First-time applicants must have minimum total revenues of at least $100,000 for the last completed year, and projected revenues for the current and request years. First-time applicants to the Annual Operating program may only apply in the first year of a multi-year cycle. The next year first-time applicants may apply is: Orchestras, Ensembles, Presenters/Producers & Festivals: 2026 Service Organizations: 2027 Choirs and opera organizations: 2028 Additional Information Applicant Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Music Annual Operating is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Music Annual Operating grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants
Literary Annual Operating What does this program support? The Literary Program provides Annual Operating support to professional non-profit literary organizations (both incorporated and unincorporated) engaged in the presentation, dissemination and/or other activities that contribute to the development of the literary arts, literary artists and literary audiences in Toronto. Funding through this program supports both operations and programming. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. Who can apply? To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 be non-profit; be a professional Literary organization; be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City; have a history of sustained literary activity over the two years prior to this application; have received a minimum of two project grants through TAC’s Arts Discipline or Strategic programs; have a viable administrative structure; have sound financial management; submit verification of financial results of the last completed fiscal year: for requests over $50,000, audited financial statements are required; for requests of $50,000 or less, a review engagement is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements); for requests of $25,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are under $100,000, unaudited financial statements that include a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements or a review engagement); demonstrate a range of revenue sources on an annual basis, including earned, government and private sector revenues; be governed by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization. Organizations must conduct their literary activities on an annual, ongoing basis either throughout the year or on a seasonal basis. A single project does not constitute annual or seasonal activity. Organizations, whose level of activity varies from season to season, in keeping with their mandate, must describe their multi-year creation and production cycle. Annual and biennial festivals that have completed a minimum of two editions are also eligible. This program does not fund publishing. First-time Applicants First-time applicants are organizations that did not receive an operating grant last year. First-time applicants must consult with the Literary program manager before submitting an operating grant application. Additional eligibility requirement. First-time applicants must have at least $75,000 in total revenues for the last completed year, and in projected revenues for the current and request years. Additional Information Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Literary Annual Operating is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Literary Annual Operating grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants
Literary Projects What does this program support? Through its Literary Projects Program, Toronto Arts Council (TAC) provides funding to professional, non-profit, Toronto literary organizations and collectives to pursue one-time or time-limited literary projects involving production, presentation, magazine publishing and other activities that contribute to the development of the literary arts in Toronto. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. You may apply in one of two categories described below. The maximum grant available in all categories of this program is $8,000. TAC will not fund 100% of the project budget. Applicants must indicate a range of revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services. Applicants may receive less than the full amount requested. Production, Presentation and Professional Development: supports the costs associated with producing and presenting performances and professional development activities for literary artists and audiences. Activities must feature professional literary artists and include the payment of artist fees. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to: Literary festivals; Conferences or symposia for literary professionals and their audiences; Workshops; Writer-in-Residence programs, Series or performance events that incorporate any or all of the following: readings, storytelling, dub poetry, spoken word, etc. Expenses can include artistic fees, production and technical costs, marketing and publicity costs, event documentation expenses, administrative costs, etc. Due to potential public health restrictions, social distancing rules and venue closures, works conceived for digital platforms are eligible. Magazine Publishing: supports editorial, production, distribution, and promotion costs of independent, non-profit literary or arts magazines in English or French. Magazines must feature a majority of Canadian writers and can be published in print or digital formats. Expenses must include contributors fees.Examples of eligible publishing projects include, but are not limited to: Arts magazines publishing original criticism, including about other artistic disciplines (dance, music, theatre, visual/media arts). Literary magazines publishing original works of fiction, poetry, non-fiction, or hybrid genres (including comics and graphic works); Looking for more details about this grant? Register for our upcoming information session on Feb 25, 2026, here. This Program does not fund: Projects that have been started or completed prior to the announcement of results. Toronto Arts Council does not fund retroactively. Organizations or collectives that receive Operating funding from TAC; Schools that are part of Ontario’s public or private education system; Educational and religious institutions, unless there is a clear separation in both programming and budget between their regular activities and their arts activities; Individuals; Ongoing operating costs, such as permanent staff salaries and general administration of an organization. This program is not intended to support an organization or collective’s ongoing activities. For information about Annual Operating funding, please contact the Literary Program Manager. Costs related to equipment purchase, capital projects (such as building purchase or renovation), fundraising activities, deficit reduction, archiving projects, awards and award ceremonies, projects conceived for the creation of a film or for competitive purposes, art therapy; Activities taking place outside of the City of Toronto (such as touring, travel, accommodations); Book publishing; Lifestyle magazines; scholarly magazines or journals; magazines primarily published for the purposes of political reportage or for promoting commercial enterprises, religion or spirituality; or magazines primarily run by students or affiliated with a university or college. When can the project happen? Applications submitted to the March deadline should be for projects taking place after June 1 and applications submitted to the August deadline should be for projects taking place after November 1; All projects must be completed within two years of the date on the Notification Letter. Who can apply? If you are a first-time applicant, or if you have any questions about the eligibility of your project,please contact the Literary Arts Program Manager. To apply to Literary Projects applicants must be either an incorporated non-profit organization or an unincorporated collective operating on a not-for-profit basis. A collective is defined as two or more artists working together under a group name, either on a single project or on an ongoing basis. Organizations and collectives must be located in the City of Toronto. A Post Office Box address cannot be used to meet this requirement. Organizations with a regional Toronto office must have operated in the City of Toronto for at least one year prior to the deadline. For collectives of two artists, both must be City of Toronto residents. For collectives of more than two artists, the majority of members must be City of Toronto residents. Artists must be professional. A professional artist is someone who has developed their skills through training and/or practice; is recognized as such by artists working in the same artistic tradition; actively practices her/his/their art; seeks payment for her/his/their work; and has a history of public presentation. Literary and arts magazines must be either incorporated non-profit organizations or unincorporated collectives operating on a non-profit basis, have been publishing for a minimum of 6 months prior to the application deadline, and must already be paying contributors. TAC recognizes that due to systemic barriers within the broader arts community (e.g. limited mainstream presentation opportunities for artists from equity-seeking communities) that some flexibility may be required in interpreting eligibility criteria to take into account equivalent professional experience and contexts. Potential applicants from equity-seeking communities are encouraged to discuss their eligibility with the Program Manager in advance of submitting an application. The payment of artist fees is a requirement in this program. The project for which the funding is requested must take place in the City of Toronto. Applicants may receive only one grant per calendar year through the Literary program and may not apply to other TAC discipline programs. However, TAC offers other types of granting opportunities through its Strategic Initiatives envelope, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Literary project grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. Please consult TAC’s website for other granting opportunities. Additional Information How do I apply? Applicants register and submit the application through TAC Grants Online. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on the deadline dates. TAC does not accept applications by any other means of delivery. You will receive a confirmation email when your application is submitted. Check your spam/junk mail folder if it doesn’t arrive in your in-box. Please download the full Program Guidelines for complete program details and application specifics. TAC Accessibility Grant Projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for an additional TAC Accessibility Grant that will provide up to a maximum of $5,000 towards accessibility costs for artists incurred during the project. Accessibility costs include but are not limited to: ASL interpretation, audio description, closed captioning, communications assistants, attendant care (including helpers for Elders), support workers and equipment rentals or other supports required to meet artists’ accessibility needs. Starting in 2026, the TAC Accessibility Grant will allow grant recipients to apply for an Accessibility Grant at any time during their project. The Accessibility Grant will be available to grant recipients as a separate application in 2026. Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Literary Projects is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Literary Projects grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants
Dance Annual Operating What does this program support? The Dance Program provides Annual Operating support to professional non-profit dance organizations (both incorporated and unincorporated) engaged in the creation, production, presentation and preservation of dance, and other activities that contribute to the development of dance, dance artists, and dance audiences in Toronto. Funding through this program supports both operations and programming. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. Who can apply? To be eligible for this funding, an applicant must:1 be non-profit; be a professional1 dance organization; be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City; have a history of sustained dance activity over the two years prior to this application; have received a minimum of two project grants through TAC’s Arts Discipline or Strategic programs; have professional artistic leadership; have a viable administrative structure; be governed by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization; have sound financial management; submit verification of financial results of the last completed fiscal year: for requests over $50,000, audited financial statements are required; for requests of $50,000 or less, a review engagement is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements); for requests of $25,000 or less, if annual operating revenues are under $100,000, unaudited financial statements that include a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses is required, (or, if available, audited financial statements or a review engagement); demonstrate a range of revenue sources on an annual basis, including earned, government and private sector revenues. Organizations must conduct their dance activities on an annual, ongoing basis either throughout the year or on a seasonal basis. A single project does not constitute annual or seasonal activity. Organizations, whose level of activity varies from season to season in keeping with their mandate, must describe their multi-year creation and production cycle. Annual and biennial festivals that have completed a minimum of two editions are also eligible. First-time Applicants First-time applicants are organizations that did not receive an operating grant last year. First-time applicants must consult with the Dance Program Manager before submitting an operating grant application. Additional eligibility requirement. First-time applicants must have at least $65,000 in total revenues for the last completed year, and in projected revenues for the current and request years. First-time applicants to the Annual Operating program may only apply in the first year of a multi-year cycle. The next year first time applicants may apply to this program is 2028. Additional information Application Accessibility Support Applicants who are Deaf or have a disability and need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. Additional information here. Can I apply to other TAC grants? Toronto Arts Council has two Grant Categories:1. Discipline (e.g.: discipline-specific project grants and operating grants in Theatre, Dance, Music, etc.)2. Strategic (e.g.: Animating Toronto Parks, Artists in the Library, Animating Historic Sites, Artreach, Open Door, etc.) Dance Annual Operating is a Discipline program. Applicants may receive a maximum of one Discipline grant per calendar year. Applicants may not apply for more than one Discipline grant at a time. However, we offer other types of granting opportunities through our Strategic Category, and you may be eligible to apply to one of these programs. Please note: if you apply for a Dance Annual Operating grant you cannot also apply to another TAC program for the same project. For more detail on our granting categories, go to our About Our Grants page. about our grants