Operating Grants are annual grants to support the operations, programs and/or services of a wide range of non-profit arts organizations (professional, semi-professional, and emerging) in Kingston. City of Kingston Arts Fund (CKAF) Operating Grants are usually expected to be renewable grants, based on the assessment and decision-making provisions outlined in the CKAF Framework.
CKAF 2026 Operating Grants are intended to support the recipient organization’s operations and programming for their fiscal year ending in 2027.
*First-time Operating Grant applicants must book a consultation with KAC staff before 23 April 2026 to assess their eligibility for this program.
Grants range from $10,000 – $65,000.
All Eligibility requirements can be found within the 2026 CKAF Operating Grant Guidelines document.
Thursday, 7 May 2026
11:59 PM ET
The KAC is committed to Indigenization, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IIDEA) and strives to make our granting processes more accessible. Applicants with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact KAC staff as early in the application period as possible to request accommodations for their grant application. Applicant support offered for the CKAF grant program include, but are not necessarily limited to:
Alternate forms of support for grant applications, including alternative submission methods for components of an application, may be considered upon request. Please contact KAC staff if there is another way we can make the grant application process more accessible for you, and we’d be happy to consider it.
Completed applications are due to the Kingston Arts Council by Thursday, 7 May 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Completed applications are due to the Kingston Arts Council by Thursday, 7 May 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Applications must be submitted by email to Grants@ArtsKingston.ca. All application files should be attached and submitted in one (1) email. If the attachments are too large, send them as a ZIP folder. Please review the detailed application instructions and application checklist before submitting to ensure all required materials are included.
If you require accommodations, please contact Grants@ArtsKingston.ca no less than two weeks in advance of the application deadline.
The KAC will host an information session for the Operating Grant stream, which will include a detailed review of the respective Guidelines, Application Forms, and Assessment Criteria, as well as a Q&A with KAC staff.
The session will be hosted virtually via Zoom, with ASL interpretation provided.
The session will be recorded and shared via the KAC website for applicants who are unable to attend.
CKAF Operating Grant applications are assessed based on the criteria outlined below. In preparation for adjudication, jurors assign each of the assessment criteria below a score on a scale of 1 to 5.
More details on the assessment criteria can be found in the 2026 CKAF Operating Grant Guidelines.
Applications are reviewed by a jury of artists and arts professionals. Jurors are selected for their knowledge of the arts, high standing in the arts community, and awareness of the local and broader arts environment; jurors are reflective of the gender, demographic, and cultural diversity of Kingston.
If you would like to be considered for the 2026 CKAF Operating Grant Jury, please submit a Juror Interest Form.
Inquiries regarding the CKAF Operating Grant program should be directed to Shamara Peart, Grants Administrator at Grants@ArtsKingston.ca or 613-546-2787. Applicants may also visit the KAC office in person during office hours.
Unit 115, Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
370 King St W, Kingston ON K7L 2X4
Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM