Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Edmonton Screen Underrepresented Initiatives Program provides funding to organizations working to increase representation, access, and career opportunities for underrepresented communities in the film, television, and video game industries. The program supports initiatives that help individuals develop skills, gain industry exposure, and build pathways into Edmonton’s growing screen sector.
Through grants of up to $25,000, the programme aims to strengthen diversity within the screen industries while creating a broader and more inclusive talent pipeline.
About the Program
- The program supports greater representation in the screen industries.
- Funding helps organizations deliver education and training opportunities.
- The initiative focuses on underrepresented communities in Edmonton.
- Projects are designed to improve access to careers in film, television, and video games.
- The program supports mentorship, skills development, and industry exposure.
- Funding helps empower diverse voices and creators.
- Initiatives must include educational or training components.
Program Objectives
- Increase the number of Edmonton creators from underrepresented communities.
- Improve diversity across the local screen industries.
- Build a talent pipeline that reflects the broader population.
- Increase industry skills and professional experience.
- Support career development opportunities.
- Improve access to mentorship and networking.
- Strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion within the sector.
- Create sustainable pathways into screen industry careers.
Priority Focus Areas
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Film industry workforce development.
- Television industry training.
- Video game industry career pathways.
- Mentorship and coaching.
- Skills development.
- Industry exposure and networking.
- Career readiness.
- Community engagement.
- Underrepresented creator support.
Eligible Initiatives
Funding may support:
- Education and training programs.
- Mentorship initiatives.
- On-the-job training opportunities.
- Community events with educational components.
- New initiatives.
- One-time projects.
- Expansion of existing initiatives.
- Industry skills workshops.
- Career development programs.
- Talent development activities.
All initiatives must directly benefit individuals from underrepresented communities.
Project Requirements
Funded initiatives must:
- Have clearly defined start and end dates.
- Include a formal participant intake process.
- Include participant assessment mechanisms.
- Have measurable goals and objectives.
- Contain an educational or training component.
- Focus on increasing participation in the screen industries.
- Be completed within one year of grant approval.
Projects cannot:
- Use funding solely for production activities.
- Function primarily as film, television, or game production funding.
Funding Information
- Maximum grant amount: $25,000.
- Funding covers up to 50% of the total project budget.
- Applicants must secure remaining project funding from other sources where required.
- One application is required for each initiative.
- Organizations may not hold more than one active Underrepresented Initiatives grant at the same time.
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Marketing and communications.
- Keynote speakers.
- Mentors and trainers.
- Contracted professional services.
- Equipment and participant materials.
- Travel expenses.
- Hospitality costs.
- Venue rentals.
- Dedicated project staff wages.
- Participant grants and stipends.
- Volunteer-related expenses.
- Limited administrative and overhead costs.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Non-profit organizations.
- First Nations in Alberta.
- Métis Settlements in Alberta.
- Registered organizations focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Organizations supporting underrepresented communities in the screen industries.
Applicants must:
- Operate in Alberta.
- Have been active for at least six months.
- Be in good standing under applicable provincial or federal legislation.
- Demonstrate capacity to manage and deliver the proposed initiative.
Who Will Benefit?
The program is intended to support:
- Underrepresented creators.
- Emerging filmmakers.
- Television industry professionals.
- Video game developers.
- Youth and adults seeking careers in screen industries.
- Indigenous communities.
- Equity-deserving groups.
- Individuals facing barriers to industry participation.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects should contribute to:
- Greater diversity within Edmonton’s screen industries.
- Increased participation from underrepresented communities.
- Stronger industry skills and experience.
- Expanded mentorship opportunities.
- Improved career pathways.
- Increased industry exposure and networking.
- Sustainable workforce development.
- A more inclusive and representative creative sector.
Why This Program Matters
- Diverse industries produce stronger and more representative storytelling.
- Many talented creators face barriers to entering screen-sector careers.
- Education and mentorship can help bridge opportunity gaps.
- Inclusive talent development strengthens the local creative economy.
- Representation improves innovation and audience engagement.
- Building a broader talent pipeline supports long-term industry growth.
Application Tips
- Clearly identify the underrepresented communities your initiative will support.
- Demonstrate strong educational and training outcomes.
- Include measurable goals and participant outcomes.
- Develop a realistic project timeline and budget.
- Explain how participants will be recruited and assessed.
- Highlight partnerships with industry professionals or organizations.
- Show how the initiative will increase long-term career opportunities.
- Ensure the project focuses on training rather than production funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Edmonton Screen Underrepresented Initiatives Program?
- It is a funding program that supports initiatives designed to increase representation, skills development, and career opportunities for underrepresented communities in film, television, and video game industries.
How much funding is available?
- Organizations can receive up to $25,000 per initiative.
What percentage of project costs can be funded?
- The grant can cover up to 50% of the initiative’s total budget.
Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants include Alberta-based nonprofits, First Nations, Métis Settlements, and registered organizations focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
What types of projects are eligible?
- Eligible initiatives include mentorship programs, training opportunities, workshops, community events with educational components, and career development activities.
Can funding be used for film or game production?
- No. The primary purpose of the project must be education and training, not production funding.
How long can funded projects last?
- Projects must be completed within one year of grant approval.
Conclusion
The Edmonton Screen Underrepresented Initiatives Program helps create a more diverse and inclusive screen industry by supporting education, mentorship, and workforce development opportunities for underrepresented communities. With grants of up to $25,000, the programme enables organizations to strengthen skills, expand access, and help emerging creators build meaningful careers in Edmonton’s film, television, and video game sectors.
For more information, visit Edmonton Screen.
