Multicultural Initiatives Fund for Small Project in Canada

Deadline: 01-Apr-2026

The Multicultural Initiatives Fund – Project Funding (MIF-P) Small Project stream provides grants of up to $5,000 to support ethnocultural, multicultural, First Nations, Métis, intercultural, and cross-cultural initiatives in Saskatchewan. The program strengthens cultural continuity and celebrates diversity while prioritizing underserved communities and equity-denied groups.

Overview

The Multicultural Initiatives Fund (MIF-P) Small Project stream supports small-scale cultural initiatives that promote cultural continuity and diversity across Saskatchewan.

The fund aims to:

• Advance ethnocultural and multicultural activities

• Support First Nations and Métis cultural development

• Encourage intercultural and cross-cultural engagement

• Promote accessibility and community service

• Strengthen cultural capacity within Saskatchewan

Maximum grant available: Up to $5,000 per project

Purpose of the Fund

Projects must:

• Deliver meaningful cultural impact

• Address a community-identified need

• Demonstrate strong community involvement

• Provide evidence of partnerships and consent from cultural groups involved

• Benefit Saskatchewan residents

Applicants must clearly show agreement, understanding, and commitment from cultural communities represented in the project.

Two Funding Streams

Applicants must select the stream that best aligns with their project’s primary objective.

1. Cultural Continuity Stream

Supports development and advancement of cultural practices within specific communities.

Eligible examples include:

• Preservation of traditional practices

• Purchase of cultural assets (e.g., instruments, traditional regalia or costumes)

• Engagement of cultural workers

• Capacity-building initiatives within ethnocultural, multicultural, First Nations, or Métis communities

Applicants must explain:

• How the organization shares its culture internally

• Why the continuity work is important to that community

2. Celebration of Diversity Stream

Supports public-facing cultural engagement activities.

Eligible examples include:

• Festivals

• Cultural showcases

• Performances

• Exhibitions and displays

• Educational community events

Projects may represent:

• Ethnocultural groups

• First Nations

• Métis

• 2SLGBTQ+ communities

• Disability communities

Applicants must demonstrate:

• How cultural knowledge will be shared with broader audiences

• How the activity encourages learning and engagement

• Why public presentation is important

Priority Considerations

Priority is given to projects that:

• Take place in northern, rural, or underserved communities

• Are led by equity-denied communities

• Are led by organizations with a primarily cultural mandate

• Have limited access to SaskCulture funding

• Have not received more than $30,000 in SaskCulture or Sask Lotteries operational funding in the last year

• Have not been funded in the last two rounds

• Are not competitive events

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be registered non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan

• Have a primarily cultural mandate in:

  • Arts

  • Heritage

  • Multiculturalism

  • Cultural Industries

  • Or demonstrate significant cultural engagement

• Have been registered for at least one full fiscal year

• Be in good standing with Information Services Corporation (ISC)

• Have no outstanding grant follow-ups with SaskCulture

• Submit a signed copy of their most recent annual financial statement filed with ISC

The fund is intended to benefit residents of Saskatchewan and strengthen provincial cultural development.

Who Is Not Eligible?

• Organizations not registered in Saskatchewan

• Organizations not in good standing with ISC

• Groups with outstanding reporting obligations to SaskCulture

• Competitive events

• Organizations exceeding funding threshold limits

Why This Fund Matters

The MIF-P Small Project stream supports:

• Cultural preservation and revitalization

• Inclusion and intercultural dialogue

• Access to cultural expression in underserved regions

• Community-led development

• Equity-driven programming

It ensures communities can sustain traditions while sharing diverse cultural expressions across Saskatchewan.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Review registration status, funding history, and reporting obligations.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Stream

Choose either:

• Cultural Continuity

• Celebration of Diversity

Select the stream that best reflects intended outcomes.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

Gather:

• Proof of registration

• Most recent annual financial statement

• Evidence of community partnerships and consent

• Clear project description

• Budget (maximum request: $5,000)

Step 4: Demonstrate Community Need and Impact

Explain:

• Identified community need

• Cultural significance

• Accessibility

• Long-term impact

Step 5: Contact Program Consultant (Recommended)

Applicants are encouraged to confirm alignment with fund priorities before submitting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting the wrong funding stream

• Failing to demonstrate community consent

• Not providing proof of good standing with ISC

• Submitting incomplete financial documentation

• Proposing competitive events

• Not clearly linking the project to Saskatchewan residents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can be requested?

Up to $5,000 per eligible small-scale project.

2. Who can apply?

Registered Saskatchewan non-profit organizations with a primarily cultural mandate or significant cultural activity.

3. Can we apply if we received SaskCulture funding last year?

Yes, but priority is given to applicants who have not received more than $30,000 in operational funding in the last year.

4. Are festivals eligible?

Yes, under the Celebration of Diversity stream, provided they are not competitive events.

5. Can funds be used to purchase cultural items?

Yes, under Cultural Continuity, for items such as traditional instruments or costumes.

6. Is community consent required?

Yes. Applicants must show evidence of agreement, understanding, and commitment from the cultural groups involved.

7. Does the project need to benefit Saskatchewan residents?

Yes. The fund is intended to strengthen cultural development within Saskatchewan.

Conclusion

The Multicultural Initiatives Fund – Small Project stream provides up to $5,000 to strengthen cultural continuity and celebrate diversity across Saskatchewan.

By supporting ethnocultural, First Nations, Métis, intercultural, and community-led initiatives, the program fosters inclusion, accessibility, and long-term cultural development for residents throughout the province.

Eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to align clearly with stream objectives, demonstrate community engagement, and apply for funding to advance meaningful cultural impact.

For more information, visit SaskCulture.