Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Future Focus Program’s Exploration Phase provides arts organizations in the Treaty 7 region with up to $15,000 to identify challenges or opportunities and develop actionable strategies. The program supports operational reflection, external expertise engagement, and project planning to drive meaningful, future-focused change.
Overview of the Exploration Phase
The Exploration Phase helps organizations:
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Identify key challenges or opportunities affecting their operations
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Engage external expertise to analyze needs and potential solutions
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Develop a clear project plan or strategy to address challenges
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Create a practical, actionable pathway for future-focused change
This phase is structured to support arts organizations in investigation, planning, and action, enabling significant operational improvements and long-term strategic reflection.
Funding Details
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Maximum Grant: $15,000
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Purpose: Support identification of organizational needs, initial project development, and strategic planning
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Funding Scope: Activities related to exploring challenges, questions, or opportunities, including hiring consultants or external experts
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Arts-focused organizations or organizations that integrate arts significantly into their mission
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Registered charities, registered non-profits, ad-hoc groups, grassroots organizations, or comparable alternative structures
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Organizations with at least two years of operational activity
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Based in the Treaty 7 region, including Red Deer, or provincial arts service organizations that directly support arts organizations in the region
Restrictions:
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Organizations must not have an active or incomplete Future Focus project
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Organizations cannot hold duplicate funding for the same project from the Rozsa Foundation, CADA, or Calgary Foundation
How the Exploration Phase Works
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Needs Assessment: Identify organizational challenges or opportunities
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Engage Expertise: Hire consultants or seek external guidance to evaluate options
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Project Planning: Develop a clear strategy or plan to address the identified needs
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Actionable Outcomes: Produce a framework for implementing future-focused change
Expected Outcomes
Projects funded through the Exploration Phase are expected to:
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Provide clarity on organizational direction and priorities
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Enable strategic decision-making for future initiatives
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Strengthen capacity to respond proactively to challenges
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Lay the groundwork for effective, sustainable operational change
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying while having an active or incomplete Future Focus project
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Requesting funding for projects already funded by other sources like Rozsa Foundation, CADA, or Calgary Foundation
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Failing to demonstrate how the project contributes to future-focused organizational change
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Not clearly defining project goals, scope, or strategy development
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Exploration Phase?
Arts organizations with at least two years of operational activity, based in the Treaty 7 region or serving arts organizations in that area, are eligible.
2. What type of organizations can apply?
Eligible organizations include registered charities, registered non-profits, ad-hoc groups, grassroots organizations, or comparable alternative structures with an arts focus.
3. How much funding is available?
Up to $15,000 is available for each organization to support needs assessment, initial development work, and project planning.
4. Can an organization apply if they already have a Future Focus project?
No. Organizations cannot have an active or incomplete Future Focus project.
5. Can funding be used to hire external experts?
Yes. The funding can support consultants or external expertise to help identify challenges and plan solutions.
6. Is the Exploration Phase focused on implementation or planning?
The focus is on investigation, planning, and strategy development, not on executing the full project.
7. Can provincial arts service organizations apply?
Yes, if their work directly impacts arts organizations in the Treaty 7 region, including Red Deer.
Why It Matters
The Exploration Phase empowers arts organizations to reflect on long-term direction, proactively respond to challenges, and develop actionable strategies. By funding planning and strategic development, the program helps organizations build a strong foundation for meaningful, sustainable operational change.
Conclusion
The Future Focus Program – Exploration Phase provides arts organizations with a structured, well-supported opportunity to identify challenges, engage expertise, and develop strategic plans. This funding ensures organizations are better prepared to implement future-focused initiatives and create long-lasting impact in their communities.
For more information, visit Rozsa Foundation.
