Request for Applications: Support Operate Program in Canada

The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) Support – Operate Grant Program provides funding to help arts and cultural organizations sustain operations, cover essential costs, and plan long-term programming. Eligible professional not-for-profits, arts service groups, community organizations, and literary publishers can access grants based on annual revenue, supporting activities such as concerts, exhibitions, publications, and community arts programs. This program ensures organizational stability and fosters ongoing cultural impact in Manitoba.

Overview

The Support – Operate Grant Program by MAC offers operational funding to professional arts and cultural organizations in Manitoba. The grant enables organizations to cover essential operational costs, maintain ongoing programming, and plan for multi-year artistic initiatives. This program supports the sustainability and growth of Manitoba’s cultural ecosystem.

Why It Matters

Ensures financial stability for arts organizations.
Supports long-term planning and strategic development.
Enables continued cultural programming including performances, exhibitions, publications, and workshops.
Strengthens the local arts ecosystem, promoting community engagement and artistic excellence.

Who Is Eligible?

Professional not-for-profit arts organizations, arts service groups, and community non-profits.
Book and periodical publishers whose primary mandate is arts or culture, publishing literary works primarily by external authors.
Organizations must have:
- At least one year of qualifying revenue of $50,000 in the past three years (excluding in-kind revenue).
- Staff in leadership roles or a plan to employ leadership within three years.
- Paid professional fees to artists and cultural professionals.
- Ability to report financial/statistical information via the Canadian Arts Database (CADAC).
First-time applicants must have received a minimum of two MAC project grants (excluding special funds).

Grant Amounts and Revenue Tiers

Revenue $50,000–$124,999: Up to 40% of annual revenue or $37,500, whichever is less.
Revenue $125,000–$499,999: Up to 30% of annual revenue or $125,000, whichever is less.
Revenue $500,000–$4,999,999: Up to 25% of annual revenue or $750,000, whichever is less.
Revenue $5,000,000 or more: Up to 15% of annual revenue.
Minimum grant amount: $20,000 per fiscal year.

How to Apply / How It Works

Prepare Required Documentation – Financial statements, CADAC reporting, proof of leadership structure, and prior grant history.
Complete the Online Application – Include details of operations, programming plans, and funding needs.
Revenue Verification – Confirm qualifying revenue and calculate grant request based on MAC guidelines.
Submission and Review – MAC evaluates applications based on eligibility, financial need, and programming impact.
Grant Award Notification – Successful applicants receive operational funding to support ongoing activities and long-term planning.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Ensure all financial documentation is accurate and complete.
Verify CADAC reporting compliance before applying.
Clearly outline multi-year programming plans to demonstrate sustainability.
First-time applicants should confirm prior MAC project grants meet eligibility requirements.
Avoid requesting a grant amount that exceeds the percentage cap for your revenue tier.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Support – Operate Grant? Eligible professional arts organizations, arts service groups, community non-profits, and literary publishers in Manitoba.
2. What is the minimum and maximum grant amount? Minimum $20,000; maximum depends on revenue tier (up to $750,000 or 15% of revenue for organizations over $5 million).
3. Are first-time applicants eligible? Yes, if they have received at least two prior MAC project grants (excluding special funds).
4. What activities are supported? Concerts, exhibitions, performances, workshops, publications, and other arts programming.
5. How is funding calculated? Based on the organization’s annual revenue and specified percentage caps per revenue tier.
6. Do book and periodical publishers qualify? Yes, if their publications focus on literary works primarily by external authors.
7. Is long-term planning required? Yes, applicants must demonstrate plans for programming at least three years ahead.

Conclusion

The Support – Operate Grant Program by MAC provides critical operational funding to arts and cultural organizations in Manitoba, ensuring financial stability and enabling long-term programming. By supporting ongoing operations, MAC helps organizations focus on creative excellence, community engagement, and sustainable growth in the province’s arts sector.