Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism is inviting applications for the 2026–27 Heritage Organization Development Grant to support non-profit heritage organizations promoting heritage conservation, public education, and community engagement across Ontario.
The annual operating grant, established under the Ontario Heritage Act, provides up to CAD 1,545 to eligible historical societies, museums, and heritage associations involved in preserving and promoting Ontario’s diverse heritage.
About the Heritage Organization Development Grant
The Heritage Organization Development Grant supports organizations working to:
- Preserve local heritage
- Promote cultural awareness
- Deliver heritage education
- Increase public engagement with history and heritage
- Strengthen community heritage initiatives
The programme provides annual operating support for heritage organizations operating year-round or seasonal facilities in Ontario.
Key Focus Areas
The grant supports activities related to:
- Heritage conservation
- Heritage promotion
- Public education
- Community heritage outreach
- Museums and historical societies
- Heritage displays and exhibitions
- Cultural awareness initiatives
- Heritage walking tours
- Community heritage events
- Educational lectures and programs
Grant Amount
Funding available:
- Maximum grant: CAD 1,545
The programme provides operating support for eligible heritage organizations.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be non-profit organizations
- Be incorporated for at least one year
- Maintain a head office in Ontario
- Be governed by a Board of Directors
- Focus primarily on heritage conservation and promotion
- Conduct public heritage outreach activities
Applicants must also:
- Be registered non-profit corporations or affiliates of the Ontario Historical Society
- Demonstrate at least CAD 250 spent on heritage outreach or educational activities during the previous fiscal year
Eligible Activities
Supported activities may include:
- Heritage-related displays
- Educational materials and promotions
- Public programs and lectures
- Heritage walking tours
- Community heritage events
- Outreach and awareness campaigns
The programme supports organizations actively engaging the public in local history and heritage education.
Why This Grant Matters
The initiative helps strengthen heritage organizations across Ontario while supporting preservation of local culture and history.
The programme aims to:
- Promote heritage awareness
- Support museums and historical societies
- Encourage public engagement with local history
- Strengthen community heritage initiatives
- Preserve Ontario’s cultural identity
It also supports smaller non-profit heritage groups through operational funding.
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Clearly demonstrate heritage-focused activities
- Highlight public outreach and education efforts
- Show community impact
- Include proof of previous heritage spending
- Demonstrate strong organizational governance
Avoid:
- Incomplete financial documentation
- Weak evidence of public engagement
- Unclear heritage objectives
- Activities unrelated to heritage promotion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is offering the grant?
The programme is offered by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism in Ontario.
How much funding is available?
Eligible organizations can receive up to CAD 1,545.
Who can apply?
Non-profit heritage organizations, museums, historical societies, and eligible affiliates operating in Ontario can apply.
What types of activities are supported?
The grant supports heritage education, outreach, displays, tours, public programs, and heritage events.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must be incorporated non-profits operating in Ontario with heritage conservation and promotion as their primary purpose.
Is previous outreach activity required?
Yes. Organizations must demonstrate they spent at least CAD 250 on heritage outreach or educational activities during the previous fiscal year.
Conclusion
The 2026–27 Heritage Organization Development Grant provides valuable operational support for non-profit heritage organizations across Ontario. Through funding for heritage outreach, education, and community engagement, the programme aims to strengthen local heritage preservation efforts while increasing public appreciation of Ontario’s diverse history and culture.
For more information, visit Government of Ontario.
