SaskCulture launches Métis Cultural Development Fund Program in Canada

Deadline: 30-Apr-25

The SaskCulture in partnership with Gabriel Dumont Institute has launched the Métis Cultural Development Fund (MCDF) Program to support community-based activities and initiatives that preserve, strengthen and transmit Métis culture and traditions.

Objectives

• The MCDF program objectives are to:
  • support and strengthen Métis culture and communities through arts and heritage activity in Saskatchewan;
  • mentor and build cultural leadership skills in Métis Communities;
  • increase employment opportunities for Saskatchewan-based Métis arts and heritage resource peoples;
  • support engagement in Métis cultural activity at the individual, group, and community level;
  • support the development of Métis identity through research, documentation and/or sharing;
  • benefit children through skills development, mentorship, and having fun; and
  • encourage gathering, sharing, learning, celebrating and developing Métis culture in Métis communities aimed at building long-term cultural awareness, retention and pride.

Funding Information

• Applicants can apply to a maximum request amount of $10,000 towards their eligible project expenses.

Eligible Projects

• Priority will be given to projects that:
  • provide significant opportunities to meet the purpose of the MCDF grant;
  • deliver relevant cultural activities based on cultural impact, accessibility and service to communities;
  • have significant youth involvement and/or contribute significantly to participation in intergenerational cultural activity;
  • demonstrate strong partnerships and community support;
  • take place in the province’s northern and/or rural or otherwise underserved communities; and
  • are supported by clear project plans and budget detail.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicants are:
  • Registered Non-Profit organizations in Saskatchewan with priority to Métis-led organizations. Organizations that are not Métis-led may still apply, but evidence must be provided to clearly outline the extent of Métis access and leadership in the delivery of the proposed activities. All non-profit organizations must:
    • have a primarily cultural mandate in Arts, Heritage, Multiculturalism or Cultural Industries as defined by SaskCulture’s Cultural Policy, or otherwise demonstrate significant engagement in cultural activity;
    • be in existence as a registered non-profit for at least one full fiscal year. If your organization has been incorporated for less than a year, please contact the SaskCulture consultant to discuss options;
    • be in good standing with Information Services Corporation (ISC) and have no outstanding grant follow-ups due to SaskCulture; and
    • provide a signed copy of the organization’s annual financial statement that was most recently submitted to the ISC to show evidence of good standing as a non-profit organization in Saskatchewan.
      • Note: Organizations receiving Annual Global Funding are not eligible to apply.
• Or
  • A Métis Local or Municipality that must:
    • be in good standing with the Sask Lotteries Community Grant; and
    • have no outstanding grant follow-ups due to SaskCulture.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Ineligible Applicants include:
  • Unincorporated community groups. (These groups may consider partnerships with eligible organizations);
  • Organizations that have received significant Sask Lotteries funding in the last year;
  • Districts for Sport, Culture and Recreation;
  • Organizations receiving Annual Global Funding;
  • Individuals.

For more information, visit SaskCulture.