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2027 Intake of City of Nanaimo Culture Grant Applications has begun.
The deadline for submissions will be: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Grant applications must be received by 4:00pm PST on the day of deadline to be eligible for consideration in this funding stream

Culture Grants

Introduction

The City of Nanaimo recognizes the vital contribution of arts and culture activities to the City’s economic and social progress; the value of artistic and cultural expression; and enjoyment of life by its citizens. The work of the Culture & Events team is guided by the City of Nanaimo’s strategic planning document, City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined. The City Plan outlines a commitment to investing in arts and culture for the purpose of strengthening the City’s economic base, improving the quality of life of residents, and enhancing community identity and pride. Further grounded within this integrated document are the City’s strategic goals to build respectful, collaborative relationships with the communities we serve. 

Culture opens our minds to new perspectives. As convener, connector, facilitator, enabler and funder, the City of Nanaimo recognizes the crucial role of Nanaimo’s independent arts, culture and heritage organizations to be united by a desire to create impact and value for diverse publics.

Culture Grants FAQ

Please read our extensive Culture Grants FAQ for more information.  

Culture Grant Application Info

How to Apply

Links to the Application Forms are below in the list of Culture Grants. Detailed information on how to apply is at the top of each Culture Grant Application page.

Overview of Application Process:

1) Ensure you have fulfilled all requirements
- Filed outstanding reports
- Attended a Mandatory Grant Information Session
2) Prepare your application:
- Download sections of the application and complete them
- Gather supporting documents and materials
3) When you're ready to apply online, you will:
- Complete a checklist to ensure you're ready to proceed
- Enter contact information and details about the applicant/organization
- Answer questions specific to the type of grant
- Upload your completed application sections
- Upload your supporting documents and materials
- Agree to the terms and submit

Mandatory Culture Grant Information Sessions

  • Applicants must have attended a mandatory Zoom or In-Person Grant Information Session prior to submitting an application.
  • Organizations that do not have a representative attend a mandatory Grant Information Session may be considered ineligible OR be subject to a minimum 10% reduction in available grant funding at the Grant Panel’s discretion.
  • These sessions are available for Drop In.  It is not necessary to RSVP.  We will record your attendance in the meeting.
  • Please see Meeting Dates listed below.

For your reference, you can download a copy of the 2027 ALL Culture Grants Information Session Presentation.

Grant StreamDateMeeting Location/Link
All Culture GrantsFri, Sept. 18 | 11:00 – 12:30pmIn-Person | Bowen Park | Room 4
Project GrantsMon, Sept. 21 | 12:00 – 1:00pmProject Grants – Zoom Meeting Link
All Culture GrantsWed, Sept. 23 | 5:00 – 6:30pmAll Grants – Zoom Meeting Link
Downtown Event Revitalization FundThurs, Sept. 24 | 12:00 – 1:00pmDERF – Zoom Meeting Link
Operating GrantsThurs, Sept. 24 | 5:00 – 6:00pmOperating Grants – Zoom Meeting Link


Culture Grants List and Application Links

Grant StreamSummary Apply/Deadline

1 Year Operating

Operating Grant Details

Provides operational support for the activities of professional arts, culture and heritage organizations that play a significant role in contributing to the culture profile and economic vitality of Nanaimo.

Application Form

Deadline:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 4pm

Project

Project Grant Details

Culture Project Grants assist culture and heritage organizations to realize projects that benefit our community and contribute to the cultural, social and economic vitality of Nanaimo.

Application Form

Deadline:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 4pm

Downtown Event Revitalization Fund (DERF)

DERF Grant Details 

Supports events and initiatives which attract residents and visitors to downtown.

Application Form

Deadline:
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 4pm

3 Year Operating GrantProvides operational support for the activities of professional arts, culture and heritage organizations that play a significant role in contributing to the culture profile and economic vitality of Nanaimo.The next intake will not begin until Fall 2028

 

Culture Grants Application & Review Timeline

The schedule below outlines the key dates and phases of the Culture Grants review and approval process, from application submission through to funding decisions and applicant notification.

Process / PhaseKey Date
Grants Deadline:4pm Pacific Time | October 6, 2026
Intake Compilation & Preparation:October 7 – 16
Assessment Panel Independent Review:October 19 – 30
Assessment Panel Discussions:November 2 – 6
Report Preparation with Recommendations:November 9 – 20
Report Presented to Finance & Audit:December 9
Results to Council for Approval:December 14
Applicant Notification Late December/ Early January

Questions?

Should you experience challenges or barriers in this application process, or require additional support, we encourage you to reach out BEFORE the application deadline.

Culture & Events
250-755-4483
culturegrants@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: September 19, 2026

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