Applications now open!
About CKAF Project Grants
CKAF 2026 Project Grants offer support for Kingston-based professional artists and non-profit organizations in bringing creative ideas to life through one-time or time-limited arts projects that invite public participation, presentation, and meaningful community engagement. Projects can span a range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, storytelling, and more.
Funding helps cover key project costs including artist fees, production and technical costs, marketing and promotion, and administrative support.
Key Dates
Funding Period
CKAF 2026 Project Grants are intended to support projects occurring between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027.
Grant Amounts
CKAF Project Grants range from $3,000 – $12,000.
Eligibility
CKAF Project Grants are open to Professional Artists (Individuals, Artist Duos, and Collectives) and registered Non-profit Organizations.
All eligibility requirements are outlined in the CKAF 2026 Project Grant Guidelines.
Information Session
CKAF 2026 Project Grants Information Session
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM via Zoom
ASL Interpretation provided
Free & open to all — Register via Eventbrite
Join KAC staff for a detailed overview of the CKAF 2026 Project Grant application process, including an overview of the Guidelines, Application and Budget Forms, application requirements, and assessment criteria, as well as a Q&A period with KAC grants staff. The session will be recorded and shared via the KAC website for applicants who are unable to attend.
Past Workshop
Budgeting for Artists (and Arts Grants)
Facilitated by Alejandro Salgado Cendales
Tuesday, 25 August 2026
2:00 - 4:00 PM at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library - Central Branch
This workshop has passes, here is access the workshop Recording & Slides
This workshop will help artists develop clear, realistic budgets to strengthen grant applications, and make sure your projects are both feasible and successful.
As part of the workshop, attendees will also participate in a hands-on activity to sketch out a budget idea, and gain practical tools and templates for future funding opportunities. This workshop is being held before the deadline for the CKAF 2026 Project Grant and Creation & Development Grant deadline, and participants are encouraged to consider these grant streams and bring their ideas.
Grant Application Support + Accessibility
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:
- Providing ASL interpretation at all CKAF Information Sessions;
- Facilitating online or in-person meetings, and by request:
- Providing Access Notes for the KAC office for in-person meetings; or
- Providing ASL interpretation for individual meetings with applicants, typically hosted via Zoom.
- New to CKAF: Providing financial support of up to $500 for grant writing services for applicants who are Deaf, living with a disability, illiterate, or do not have a working proficiency in English;
- Please note: Financial support for CKAF grant writing services must be requested by the applicant and approved by the KAC no less than two weeks prior to the application deadline. Applicants who are approved for this type of support must then submit the service provider’s details to KAC staff, who will coordinate payment with the service provider directly. The applicant is responsible for paying the service provider for any costs exceeding the maximum allowance.
- Providing recommendations for services or tools that may be of use to artists with accessibility needs.
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.
New to CKAF: Applicants who are Deaf and/or living with a disability and who have identified accessibility costs required to complete the project may request additional funding up to $1,000 to complete their project. Applicants must identify what this funding will be utilized for in their budget notes and application form. Please note that additional funding is not guaranteed, and is subject to availability.
Application Requirements + Submission Process
Before applying, you are required to:
- Review the CKAF 2026 Project Grant Guidelines.
A complete application, respective to each applicant type, consists of:
Professional Artists (Individuals, Artist Duos, or Collectives):
- Application Form - Artists;
- Budget Form;
- Supplementary Material (5 pieces);
- Partnership Letters (if applicable); and
- Two (2) Reference letters.
Non-Profit Organizations
- Application Form - Non-Profit Organizations;
- Budget Form;
- Supplementary Material (5 pieces);
- Partnership Letters (if applicable); and
- Year-End Financial Statements.
Submission Instructions
Completed applications are due to the Kingston Arts Council by Monday, 21 September 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Applications must be submitted via email to grants@artskingston.ca. All application files should be attached and submitted in one (1) email. If the attachments are too large, you may send them as a ZIP folder. Please reviews the detailed application instructions, Guidelines, and application checklist before submitting to ensure all required materials are included.
If you have any questions or require accommodations, please contact grants@artskingston.ca for support.
Contact Information
Inquiries regarding the CKAF Project Grant program should be directed to Shamara Peart, Grants Administrator at grants@artskingston.ca or 613-546-2787. First-time applicants and/or any applicants seeking support in navigating the application process, are encouraged to book a meeting with KAC staff.
The KAC office is open to the public Monday – Friday, 10AM – 5PM and is located at:
Unit 115, Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
370 King St W, Kingston ON K7L 2X4
KAC staff strive to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner. Please note that availability becomes limited closer to the application deadline.
Extension Requests
Potential applicants may question an application deadline extension in extenuated circumstances. Extension requests must be made in writing to grants@artskingston.ca no less than five business days in advance of the application deadline. Extensions are granted at the discretion of the KAC Executive Director and will not exceed a maximum of ten business days.
Information for CKAF 2025 Recipients
Acknowledgement Requirements
As outlined in the Terms of Reference for CKAF Project Grants, all grant recipients are required to acknowledge the support of CKAF by using both the City of Kingston and the Kingston Arts Council logos in advertising, programs, events and brochures relating to the activities for which funds are granted. If the recipient is unable to include these logos in a design (as when, on small flyer or advertisement, space does not permit them to be legibly included), the recipient must acknowledge the support of CKAF by specifying it in the text of the item.
For guidelines regarding the use of the City of Kingston logo, please refer to their webpage here.
If you require different formats or clarification regarding the acknowledgement requirements, please contact the KAC at Grants@ArtsKingston.ca
CITY OF KINGSTON LOGOS
City of Kingston (black)
City of Kingston (white)
City of Kingston (blue)
KINGSTON ARTS COUNCIL LOGOS
Kingston Arts Council - Horizontal (black)
Kingston Arts Council - Horizontal (white)
Kingston Arts Council - Horizontal (colour)
Kingston Arts Council - Vertical (black)
Kingston Arts Council - Vertical (white)
Kingston Arts Council - Vertical (colour)
Insurance
All Project Grant recipients must provide proof of $5 million liability insurance before KAC can release CKAF funds. A quote can also be accepted if the project start date is too far away to secure insurance. Grant recipients may use grant funds to cover the cost of insurance. Insurance must be secured and paid for before project activities begin. The KAC can help grant recipients connect with a suitable insurer.
Reporting Requirements
CKAF Project Grant recipients are required to submit an Interim Report and a Final Report.
Interim Report
The 2025 Project Grant Interim Report deadline is 15 April 2026. All Project Grant recipients must complete an Interim Report, with the exception of projects completed before 31 December 2025.
2025 CKAF Project Grant Interim Report Form
Final Report
All Project Grant recipients must submit a Final Report no more than 60 days after the project completion, and no later than the end of the funding period outlined in their Grant Agreement, as follows:
- 2025 CKAF Project Grant recipients must submit a Final Report no more than 60 days after the project completion and no later than 31 December 2026
- 2024 CKAF Project Grant recipients must submit a Final Report no more than 60 days after the project completion and no later than 31 December 2025
Final Report Forms:
- 2025 CKAF Project Grant Final Report Form
- 2025 CKAF Project Grant Final Budget Form
- 2024 CKAF Project Grant Final Report Form
- 2024 CKAF Project Grant Final Budget Form
Extension Requests
Grant recipients may request an extension for Interim or Final Reports. Requests must be made in writing at least five business days in advance of the deadline. Extensions will be granted at the discretion of the KAC Executive Director and will not exceed 30 calendar days.
If the project will not be completed by the end of the grant term (2024 CKAF recipients: 31 December 2025; 2025 recipients: 31 December 2026), the recipient must submit a request to KAC to extend the term of the project grant. Requests must be submitted before the original Final Report deadline based on the application. Requests should be made in writing to the Grants Coordinator and will be granted at the discretion of the KAC Executive Director. Extensions will not exceed 120 calendar days.
If Project Grant recipients do not submit their signed grant agreement and insurance or an extension request by the original Final Report deadline, the grant will be considered null and void and the amount will not be issued.
Extension requests should be submitted via email to Grants@ArtsKingston.ca