Music Projects

Overview

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 program is strongly committed to the development and performance of works by Canadian artists.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant: $15,000
• TAC will fund up to 50% of project budget
• Applicants may receive less than the full amount requested
• Budget must indicate a range of revenue sources, which may include donated goods and services

What This Program Funds

• Artist fees, production and technical fees, marketing and outreach costs, administrative costs, childcare costs
• Works taking place on digital platforms are eligible

What This Program Does NOT Fund

• Projects that have been started or completed prior to the announcement of results
• Organizations/collectives that receive Toronto Arts Council operating support
• Ongoing operating costs, such as permanent staff salaries and general administration
• Educational and religious institutions, unless there is clear demarcation between regular and arts activities
• Schools that are part of Ontario's public or private education system
• Equipment purchase, capital projects, 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; creation, composition or recording of individual music works
• Activities taking place outside the City of Toronto
• Music videos and projects conceived for the creation of a film or digital works led by media artists
• Professional development and education

Project Timeline

Applications submitted to the February deadline should be for projects taking place after June 1. 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. TAC does not fund retroactively; projects that have commenced prior to assessment will not be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

• 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
• 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 City of Toronto with a physical address (PO Box cannot be used)
• Organizations with a regional Toronto office must have operated in City of Toronto for at least one year prior to deadline
• The activity for which funding is requested must occur within City of Toronto
• Artists must be professional (developed skills through training/practice, recognized by peers, actively practice art, seek payment, have 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

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
• Notification Date: August 4, 2026

How to Apply

Applicants register and submit applications 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.

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.

Contact

For questions related to eligibility or your project, contact: Christy DiFelice, Program Manager, Music at [email protected] or 416-392-6802 x 202.