Arts & Culture Grant Program

Is support available during the application process?
Yes. Applicants can receive assistance at any stage of the process by contacting the Culture Services team at culture@abbotsford.ca. Information sessions will also be held during the intake period to help applicants understand the program and ask questions.

How much funding is available?
The total available funding for 2026 is $25,000. Creators can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $2,500, while Organizations can apply for amounts between $1,500 and $5,000.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for all applicants?
To be eligible, projects must take place within Abbotsford and be open to the public. Applicants must have been active in their field for at least one year and may only apply to one category per year-either as a Creator or an Organization. All funded projects must be completed by December 31 of the grant year, and applicants must submit an Impact Report to remain eligible for future funding.

Is it possible to receive partial funding?
Yes. Applicants will be asked whether their project could still proceed with partial funding. This information may influence the jury's decision during the assessment process in order to help meet the grant disbursement goals.

How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by a jury of cultural professionals who assess each project based on its alignment with the program's outcomes. Key evaluation criteria include community engagement, artistic merit, cultural significance, demonstrated need, applicant experience, and budget management.

Can for-profit businesses apply for the grant or be involved in funded projects?
For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply directly for the grant. However, they can participate in funded projects as collaborators provided the application is submitted by an eligible creator or organization. The program encourages partnerships and collaboration.

Can previous grant recipients apply again?
Yes, previous recipients are welcome to apply again. However, priority will be given to applicants who did not receive funding in the previous year to encourage a diversity of new projects.

The City of Abbotsford’s Arts and Culture Grant Program (Grant) supports key objectives outlined in the Culture Connect Strategy, and the City of Abbotsford’s Strategic Plan. The Grant supports new or newly enhanced cultural activities, programs and events that:

1. Contribute to the City of Abbotsford’s Strategic Plan mandate for Abbotsford to be the cultural and economic hub of the Fraser Valley
2. Contribute to building a shared sense of community
3. Increase opportunities for community members to connect with new or newly enhanced arts, culture and heritage experiences 
4. Support the growth and development of local artists, cultural practitioners, producers and content creators that contribute to Abbotsford’s economic vitality and cultural vibrancy
5. Support the advancement of the Culture Connect Strategy through projects that reflect Abbotsford’s rich diversity, provide opportunities for intercultural connections and create space for cultural dialogue and engagement 

The total funding available for the program is $25,000. Applicants will be asked in their application if their project can still proceed with partial funding. This will be considered during the Grant assessment process. Grant funding supports projects under the following categories: 

Arts and Culture Creators 
(Grant amounts available for request: $500 - $2,500)
Creators are the individual artists, artist teams, curators, producers, and cultural practitioners who add vibrancy to the community. Creators work in media including, but not limited to: drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, fashion, craft, installation, performance, sound, music, new media, dance, theatre, literary arts, and cultural traditions. Projects that feature collaboration with organizations or with multiple artists are strongly encouraged.

Arts and Culture Organizations 
(Grant amounts available for request: $1,500 - $5,000)
The registered and unregistered nonprofit groups that deepen community connections and provide exposure to arts, culture and heritage. Arts and Culture Organizations collaborating on a project can apply together. Organizations that receive fee for service support from the City are ineligible. Projects that are already receiving City funding and support through existing City programs (Culture City Program Series, Culture Days, etc.) are ineligible.

Grants are available for projects from Abbotsford-based Creators and Organizations. Fraser Valley based applicants are eligible to apply if their projects take place in Abbotsford, however, priority will be given to Abbotsford-based applicants. All projects and initiatives funded through the Grant must take place in Abbotsford, be open for community participation and clearly illustrate a positive community benefit in alignment with the Program Goals. 

To encourage a diversity of new projects, submissions from applicants who did not receive funding in the previous year will be prioritized during the assessment process. Previous year Grant recipients are welcome to apply with the understanding that they are not guaranteed funding based on the success of their prior applications. 

Eligibility for all Applicants

• Projects must take place in Abbotsford
• Projects must be open to the public and clearly demonstrate a benefit to Abbotsford residents
• Applicants can only apply to one category per year (Creators or Organizations)
• Applicants must have been practicing or in operation for at least one year
• Funded projects must be completed by December 31 in the year the grant was awarded
• Future applications for Grants are ineligible if an Impact Report has not been received by the City 

Additional Eligibility Requirements for Arts and Culture Organizations

• Organizations must be in good standing with the City of Abbotsford
• Unregistered nonprofit organizations will be required to provide a written summary clearly stating how they have nonprofit goals and/or governance structure
   

The Grant is facilitated through a juried assessment process with a panel composed of cultural partners and subject matter experts. Peer assessment ensures that knowledgeable arts and culture professionals assess applications, advise on priorities and make recommendations on awarding funds with transparency and fairness. 

Projects are assessed based on their ability to address the Program Goals as well as on their quality and budget management abilities:

1. Community Engagement and Benefit: Projects featuring public participation and meaningful community engagement that build community connections 
2. Growing Community Opportunities to Connect with Arts and Culture: Increased opportunities for community members to connect with new or newly enhanced arts, culture, and heritage experiences.
3. Support the Culture Connect Strategy: Projects that reflect Abbotsford’s rich diversity, provide opportunities for intercultural connections and create space for cultural dialogue and engagement.
4. Demonstrated Need: Applicants should demonstrate a clear need for funding and explain how it will help support their project.
5. Capabilities and Experience: Applicants should have the capacity and experience required to complete their project. This may include a history of successful project delivery, relevant experience, expertise and a clear plan for project management and evaluation.
6. Artistic Merit, Quality, and Cultural Significance: Assessment focuses on innovation, creativity, excellence in artistic production, and other factors that contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of Abbotsford’s arts and culture sector.
7.  Budget Management: Applicants need to be accountable and must provide a detailed budget that clearly outlines the costs associated with the proposed project, as well as a plan for securing other funding or in-kind support if applicable.