Operating Assistance: Professional Arts Festivals
Operating Assistance applications from established professional non-profit arts and culture organizations that produce major festivals with professional artists and a clear unifying theme or vision.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- 69 days left
- Entry fee
- Not listed - check the source
- Award
- Funding awarded for a one-year term, with the possibility of a second-year rollover.
- Applicants notified
- Feb 15, 2027
About
Overview
Operating Assistance: Professional Arts Festivals provides funding to assist the general operations of established professional non-profit arts and culture organizations that produce a major festival, present and feature professional artists, and have a clear unifying theme or vision.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: October 8, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PT)
- Results Announced: Late February / early March 2027
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all program eligibility requirements, including any funding history requirements outlined in the guidelines. This intake is open to both returning and new applicants. Organizations receiving Operating Assistance are no longer eligible for Accelerate top-up funding.
Funding
Funding is awarded for a one-year term, with the possibility of a second-year rollover. Limited funding is available for new organizations and increases to existing grant levels. Funding recommendations will take into account both current Operating Assistance funding and the organization's Accelerate funding from last year.
Accelerate Program
Applicants that do not receive Operating Assistance, that are eligible for the Accelerate Program as an equity deserving or regional arts organization, may be recommended to receive an Accelerate grant based on this application. Do not submit a separate Accelerate application.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Grant Management System. Before submitting, ensure your organization's profile information is complete and current, required documentation has been uploaded, and address verification and contact information are up to date. Applicants may submit portions of their application through audio or video recordings.
Program Resources
- Guidelines (PDF)
- Application Checklist (PDF)
- Application Preview (Word)
- Accelerate Eligibility Tab Preview (Word)
- Activity Summary (Excel)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (PDF)
Contact
Register with CADAC and begin entering required data before September 24, 2026. Contact a Program Advisor for questions about eligibility or if applying for the first time. To ensure you receive communications, add [email protected] to your safe senders list.
- Award
- Funding awarded for a one-year term, with the possibility of a second-year rollover.
- Theme
- Operating assistance for professional arts festivals that present and feature professional artists with a clear unifying vision.
- Eligibility
- Established professional non-profit arts and culture organizations that produce a major festival, present and feature professional artists, and have a clear unifying theme or vision; must meet all program eligibility requirements including any funding history requirements.
- Audience
- Established professional non-profit arts and culture organizations producing major festivals.
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.