Cultural Development Fund

Person on steps with a guitar waving

Are you an artist, performer, or group with a creative idea? The Niagara Falls Cultural Development Fund helps bring exciting arts and culture projects to life in our city. Each year, we support local projects that engage the community in arts, culture and heritage-related activities.

What the fund supports

We support projects that:

  • Take place in Niagara Falls
  • Welcome everyone, and is easy to access
  • Collaborate and get people, public, private and government groups to partner together and share costs
  • Have a clear goal and make a lasting impact that can be measured

You can apply for funding to help with:

  • Art exhibitions, events and public programs
  • Workshops, tours, and public talks
  • Community celebrations, interactive experiences and performances
  • Research and planning for future culture-based projects
  • Projects that use innovative ways to help people learn or feel included through art and culture

We welcome creative ideas that grow the culture sector, unite people, and celebrate Niagara Falls's history, people, and identity.

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

  • An artist or performer living in Niagara Falls
  • A local organization, group, or collective that operates in Niagara Falls
  • Planning a project that will happen in Niagara Falls between March 2026 and February 2027

Funding levels

  • Full Grants: Up to $10,000 to one project
  • Microgrants: Up to $2,500

Important dates

  • Application opens: October 9, 2025
  • Info session for applicants: October 22, 2025, at 6 pm (must reserve a spot)
  • Application deadline: December 1, 2025, at 11:59 pm
  • Project timeline: March 2026 to February 2027
  • Funding announcements: Expected by March 2026 (based on City Council budget approval)
  • Final reports due: Approved projects must submit a financial report within one month of completion to receive their final installment of funding

How to apply

  1. Before you submit your application, speak with the Cultural Division staff. We can help with the process and give advice
  2. Choose the correct online form for your project
  3. Review the form for full details about eligibility, required documents, and the evaluation criteria
  4. Apply online by Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:59 pm

Applications and final report:

Full details of the fund and criteria are available in the application package.

Program Contact

Kim Van Stygeren
Cultural Development Coordinator, City of Niagara Falls
5810 Ferry Street, Niagara Falls, ON
[email protected]