Future Focus Grants for Arts Organizations (Feb 16, May 17, Aug 16, Nov 1, 2024)

In support of this work, the Future Focus Program is a joint initiative of Calgary Arts Development, the Rozsa Foundation and the Calgary Foundation aimed at supporting arts organizations to investigate, plan and implement significant strategic adaptations in their operations.

The funding partners recognize the resources and expenses required to responsibly consider such adaptations and, through this program, organizations can access funds to develop strategies and engage expertise to build their capacity and assist them in their journeys to navigate the questions, challenges and opportunities they face. The work of future planning and transformation cannot be undertaken without considering how Reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) is embedded into all areas of organization’s operations, and organizations will be asked how they are considering Reconciliation and EDIA as they plan their projects.

This work may incorporate issues relating to:  

• organizational strategy development and planning to explore new directions 
• business model evaluation and shifts and structural changes 
• sustained inter-organizational collaborations and resource sharing 
• succession planning to transition from founding & longstanding leaders 
• organizational life cycle questions including the explorations of mergers and closures 

Please note, this program is not intended to support the development and delivery of specific programs. The goal is to assist organizations in making strategic changes or decisions about their model, operations or focus that may inform how existing and future programs are developed and delivered.

This program builds upon Calgary Arts Development’s Organization Structural Change Program, as well as the capacity-building grants offered by the Rozsa Foundation and Calgary Foundation. This joint initiative will be evaluated on an ongoing basis with the participation and support of applicants and grantees.  

Applications will be reviewed shortly after each intake deadline.

2024 Application Deadlines

Friday, February 16, 2024

Friday, May 17, 2024

Friday, August 16, 2024

Friday, November 1, 2024

There is $400,000 available and applications will be accepted until the funds are expended.

Funding Amounts

​Funding amounts are based on the nature of the work to be undertaken.

• Exploration Phase — up to $15,000: Identification of needs, initial development, project planning.
• Implementation Phase — up to $25,000: Builds upon exploration phase or previously related work, implementing change within the organization.

​Organizations may apply for more than one Exploration Phase prior to seeking Implementation Phase support.

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