City of Niagara Falls accepting applications for 2027 Cultural Development Fund

Local artists and cultural organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000, with new microgrants available for smaller projects.

NIAGARA FALLS, ON – The City of Niagara Falls is now accepting applications for the 2027 Niagara Falls Cultural Development Fund (NFCDF), supporting local artists, performers and organizations in bringing creative projects and cultural experiences to the community.
The annual fund supports arts, culture and heritage initiatives that encourage community participation, collaboration and creativity. Eligible projects can include exhibitions, performances, workshops, public art, community celebrations, cultural programming and more.

New for 2027, the City is introducing a microgrant program designed to make funding more accessible for smaller projects and first-time applicants. The program offers a simplified application process with fewer planning and reporting requirements.

Two funding streams are available:

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

Applications are open to artists and performers living in Niagara Falls, as well as local organizations, groups and collectives operating in the city. Proposed projects must take place in Niagara Falls between March 2027 and February 2028.

The City encourages applications for projects that are accessible, inclusive and collaborative, and that contribute to Niagara Falls' cultural community.

Application support and important dates

To help applicants prepare their submissions, the City is offering several free online learning and support opportunities:

• Wednesday, October 21, at 6 p.m. – Applicant Information Session: An overview of the fund, application process and eligibility requirements, with an opportunity to ask questions.
• Monday, October 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Grant Application Writing Workshop: Led by Kate Leathers, this workshop will provide practical guidance on developing project plans, budgets and supporting materials for grant applications.
• Mondays, November 2 and 9 – One-on-One Consultations: Applicants can book a 20-minute virtual consultation with Kate Leathers to receive feedback on a draft application. Booking details will be shared during the October 26 workshop.

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, November 30, 2026. Funding decisions are expected to be announced by March 2027, subject to City Council budget approval.

How to apply

Applicants are encouraged to connect with the City's Cultural Division before submitting their application to discuss their project and receive guidance.

Full program details, eligibility requirements, application forms and information session registration are available on the City's Cultural Development Fund webpage.

For questions or assistance with the application process, contact:

Kim Van Stygeren
Cultural Development Coordinator
City of Niagara Falls
kvanstygeren@niagarafalls.ca