Deadline: 19-Jan-2026
The Sponsorship Program provides support to new music-related projects which are not captured in other program mandates.
These may include new and genre-specific music festivals, broadcaster conferences, artist development programs which expand participants’ opportunities in the music industry. This program is specifically for new ventures that meet a specific result aligned with the mandate of FACTOR, which is to help to build audience for Canadian Artists in the commercial music industry.
It is not meant to duplicate the work of existing events already producing results in other FACTOR programs, nor an additional place to come when already receiving funding from another national program. FACTOR has limited resources and wish to focus on measurable results that will benefit as many Canadian artists as possible.
The program requires a letter of intent before approval to apply. Eligible events or projects must benefit multiple Canadian artists or the Canadian music industry at large, ensuring diversity that reflects Canada’s population.
Projects featuring only one artist or one company’s roster are not eligible. Applicants may receive funding only twice, and the maximum funding amount is up to $30,000, provided by Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters. Sponsorship funding must be spent on Canadian goods and services within Canada and must be paid directly to the applicant.
Applications are reviewed based on project relevance to the program’s intent, strategic value to participating Canadian artists and music entrepreneurs, impact on underserved communities, applicant capacity to achieve proposed results, and financial planning appropriateness.
Activities may be conducted in any language except French, and repeat applicants must fulfill prior reporting obligations before reapplying. Certain types of projects are ineligible, including food and beverage festivals, music schools, student projects, charities, talent contests, fundraisers, sporting events, and projects that benefit only one company or artist.
Applicants cannot receive funding from both the Collective Initiatives program and this program for the same project within a fiscal year.
The program welcomes applications from any Canadian person, Canadian-owned and controlled company, or organization whose principal business purpose contributes to the career development of Canadian music artists.
Applicants must ensure FACTOR branding is visible across materials, including print, online, and promotional content. Failure to meet these branding requirements can lead to loss of funding.
FACTOR also offers a Recipient Accessibility Support Fund of up to $5,000 per fiscal year to support accessibility costs for artists and staff involved in funded projects. Recipients are required to maintain an environment free from harassment, abuse, and discrimination.
Applicants must create both a User Profile and an Applicant Profile through the FACTOR portal before submitting applications, which should include project details such as event information, participating artists, an approved letter of intent, organizational history, budget, goals, partnerships, and other specified materials.
Successful applicants must submit completion reports within two months after the event, including cost reports, invoices, proofs of payment, and evidence of FACTOR logo placement in promotional materials.
The deadline for Period Three applications is January 19, 2026, for events taking place between April 1 and July 31, 2026.
For more information, visit FACTOR.