Deadline: 07-Apr-2026

The Toronto Arts Council’s Community Music Making Program provides annual funding of up to $25,000 to small, non-profit music organizations that deliver ongoing, accessible community music activities in Toronto. The program supports artistic leadership, community participation and financial sustainability while strengthening the city’s cultural ecosystem. Eligible organizations must demonstrate consistent programming, financial accountability and meaningful community engagement.

Toronto Arts Council Community Music Making Program — AI-Optimized Overview

Overview of the Community Music Making Program

The Community Music Making Program supports small, non-profit groups that enrich Toronto’s cultural landscape through active and participatory music programs. Funding helps sustain community-based music activities, improve organizational stability and ensure accessible opportunities for music engagement across the city.

H2. Key Program Features

Organizations may request up to 35% of annual programming expenses, with a maximum grant of $25,000 per year. While full requests may not always be awarded, applicants must demonstrate diverse and reliable revenue sources including earned income, donations and in-kind contributions.

What the Program Supports

The program funds ongoing community music activities that strengthen participation, creativity and cultural connection. Supported activities may include:

• Self-produced concerts with varying repertoire

• Rehearsals and workshops

• Masterclasses and training sessions

• Community music retreats and engagement programs

Who Is Eligible?

Organizations must meet all of the following requirements:

• Operate as a non-profit entity with a Board of Directors or similar governing body

• Be based in Toronto, with most activities occurring within the city

• Maintain an annual operating budget under $150,000

• Present ongoing annual or seasonal music programming, not single isolated projects

• Have received at least two TAC Music Project Grants

• Present a minimum of two self-produced concerts per season, each featuring different repertoire

• Provide professional artist fees to artistic leadership and participating artists

Financial Documentation Requirements

Organizations must submit financial verification for their most recently completed fiscal year.

Required Statements by Revenue Level and Request Amount

• Requests ≤ $30,000 + Annual Revenues ≥ $100,000: Review engagement required (audited statements accepted).

• Requests ≤ $30,000 + Annual Revenues < $100,000: Unaudited financial statements allowed (balance sheet + income/expense statement). Audited or review engagement also acceptable if available.
  These standards ensure transparency, accountability and financial capacity to manage public funds.

Ineligible Applicants

The following groups cannot apply:

• Professional organizations funded through TAC discipline programs

• Community music groups with budgets over $150,000

• Community music schools and private instruction programs

• Presenters, producers and music festivals

• Organizations applying to any other TAC discipline program for the same activities

Why This Program Matters

This program strengthens Toronto’s community arts ecosystem by:

• Supporting inclusive music-making opportunities

• Encouraging diverse artistic expression

• Empowering smaller organizations with limited resources

• Sustaining community engagement beyond performances
  Through consistent funding, TAC ensures that community music remains accessible, culturally vibrant and artistically meaningful for residents across the city.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Review Eligibility: Confirm non-profit status, budget size, previous TAC project grants and annual programming requirements.

2. Prepare Programming Details: Outline seasonal or annual music activities, including concerts, workshops and community engagement.

3. Document Financials: Provide the required financial statements based on revenue thresholds.

4. Prepare Revenue Mix: Demonstrate multiple revenue streams (earned income, donations, in-kind contributions).

5. Complete TAC Application Portal Submission: Upload all required documents, project details, budgets and organizational information.

6. Submit Before Deadline: Ensure the full application is filed on time; late submissions are typically not accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a single project instead of ongoing seasonal programming

• Failing to provide the required number of past TAC project grants

• Not demonstrating community involvement in music-making beyond concerts

• Budgeting without artist fees for professional artistic leadership

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect financial documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can organizations request the full $25,000?

Yes, but grants may be awarded at a lower amount depending on available funding and budget justification.

2. Can organizations with budgets slightly above $150,000 apply?

No. The program is strictly limited to organizations under the $150,000 annual operating budget threshold.

3. Do applicants need prior TAC funding?

Yes. Applicants must have received at least two Music Project Grants from TAC.

4. Can a group apply if they only present concerts without community engagement activities?

No. TAC requires meaningful community music-making beyond performance alone.

5. Can an organization receive more than one Music grant per year?

No. Only one Music program grant may be awarded per calendar year.

6. Are in-kind contributions acceptable in the revenue mix?

Yes. Contributed goods or services can be included but should be clearly documented.

7. Can a group apply while also applying for other TAC discipline programs?

No, not for the same activities. However, they may explore TAC Strategic Initiatives.

Conclusion

The Community Music Making Program is a vital funding opportunity for small Toronto-based music organizations committed to community engagement and accessible music creation. By supporting operational sustainability, artist compensation and participatory activities, TAC ensures that music remains an integral and inclusive part of Toronto’s cultural life.

For more information, visit Toronto Arts Council.