Call for Applications: Future Focus Program – Implementation Phase (Canada)

Deadline: 15-May-2026

The Future Focus Funding program provides financial support to arts-focused organizations in the Treaty 7 region, including Red Deer, to plan, explore, and implement organizational changes. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for the Implementation Phase, helping organizations strengthen operations and enhance their impact.

What is the Future Focus Funding Program?

The Future Focus Funding program supports arts-focused organizations and groups to undertake activities that strengthen their work and enhance organizational capacity. The program helps organizations move through planning, exploration, and implementation stages, providing financial assistance for structured development and operational improvements.

Supported activities include:

• Initial planning and consultations

• Information gathering and research

• Development of exploration processes

• Identification of organizational needs

• Project planning and implementation of organizational changes

Funding Streams

The program offers three funding streams based on the phase of work:

1. Planning Phase – Early-stage investigations and consultations

2. Exploration Phase – Research, needs identification, and process development

3. Implementation Phase – Implementing organizational changes and improvements

Implementation Phase Funding

• Maximum funding: $25,000

• Focus: Building upon previous exploration or related work

• Purpose: Support organizational change implementation to enhance capacity and effectiveness

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be arts-focused or engage the arts significantly in their mission

• Have completed at least two years of operating activity

• Operate in the Treaty 7 region, including Red Deer

• Not have an active Future Focus project or outstanding reporting obligations

• Not have active funding agreements for the same project from the Rozsa Foundation, CADA, or the Calgary Foundation

Eligible organization types include:

• Registered charities

• Registered non-profits

• Ad-hoc or grassroots groups

• Organizations operating with a comparable alternative structure

Why It Matters

The program helps organizations:

• Strengthen operations and governance

• Implement effective organizational changes

• Plan and execute projects that enhance impact in the arts sector

• Move from early exploration to actionable implementation in a structured way

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization meets all criteria, including arts focus, operating region, and project reporting obligations.

Step 2: Define Project Scope

Clearly outline the planned implementation activities, building upon prior exploration or organizational assessments.

Step 3: Prepare Application

Include:

• Project objectives and goals

• Detailed plan for organizational changes

• Budget and resource allocation

• Timeline for implementation

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit through the official Future Focus Funding portal, including all supporting documentation.

Step 5: Grant Review and Award

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with program objectives

• Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan

• Potential to strengthen organizational capacity and impact

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight how previous exploration informs implementation

• Provide clear, measurable outcomes

• Demonstrate capacity to manage project and budget

• Ensure no conflict with existing Future Focus or Rozsa/CADA/Calgary Foundation funding

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible for funding? Arts-focused organizations or groups operating in the Treaty 7 region, including Red Deer, with at least two years of activity.
2. What is the maximum grant for the Implementation Phase? Up to $25,000.
3. Can organizations with active Future Focus projects apply? No, applicants must not have active projects or outstanding reporting obligations.
4. What activities are supported? Implementation of organizational changes, building upon prior exploration or assessment.
5. Can grassroots or ad-hoc groups apply? Yes, if they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
6. Are multiple applications allowed? Applicants must ensure they do not have overlapping funding agreements for the same project.
7. What documentation is required? Detailed project plan, budget, and supporting materials demonstrating organizational readiness.

Conclusion

The Future Focus Funding program empowers arts-focused organizations to strengthen operations, implement organizational changes, and enhance their impact. With grants of up to $25,000 in the Implementation Phase, the program enables structured development and supports sustainable growth for arts organizations in the Treaty 7 region, including Red Deer.

For more information, visit Rozsa Foundation.