City of Guelph Activating Community Micro-Grant (Canada)

The funded initiatives will help build relationships and a sense of belonging in our communities. The micro-grant program recognizes the arts as an important vehicle for social change and offers funding for local artists to engage the people in creative ways and/or produce a complete work that is available to the public. Projects and initiatives that are led by individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, Person with a Disability, Racialized, and/or Women are prioritized for funding. This funding is open to all- no previous grant writing experience is required.

Funding Information

• Micro-grants are available for projects or initiatives that request a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1000.

Eligible Expenses

• This can include costs such as:
  • Event space rental
  • Refreshments
  • Supplies/materials to be used for a community event or the creation of artistic work
  • Production or technical fees related to an artistic work/performances/events that will be publicly accessible
  • Fees for artists and honoraria for experts/guests

Ineligible Expenses

• Ongoing operating expenses
• Fundraising events
• Debts
• Expenses that have already been spent
• Projects with high ticket prices
• Capital expenses such as new construction or the purchase of major equipment Activities that do not comply with City of Guelph regulations or by-laws

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications are open to:
  • Artists and Individuals
  • Collectives (group of 2 or more working together)
  • Grassroots, neighborhood, or informal groups
  • Groups incorporated not-for-profit with 1 FTE or less
  • Individuals and groups must include at least one individual who is 18 years or older. Youth 16 years and older are eligible for the activating art micro-grant funding.
  • City of Guelph employees who wish to apply must notify the community investment manager prior

Ineligibility Criteria

• Grant Review Committee members from the Guelph Neighborhood Support Coalition and Guelph Arts Council, and their immediate family members.

Review Criteria

• Applications are reviewed by grant review committees and scored using an established set of selection criteria.
• The criteria include prioritizing projects that are led by individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, Person with a Disability, Racialized, and/or Women and the overall impact of the proposed project.
• All applicants will be notified about the status of their application in December 2024.

For more information, visit City of Guelph.