Saanich Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant Program

Please read through the guidelines and eligibility requirements before starting a grant application. This PDF document can be viewed online or downloaded.

All applicants must include a budget detailing the intended use of the requested SPACG Grant or Bursary funding. This information can be submitted as an attachment with the application

All grant and bursary recipients are required to submit a report upon completion of their program or initiative, or within 12 months of receiving their SPACG funding notification.

Need a paper version of the application? Our preference is that applications are submitted using the online application forms. However, if this presents a challenge, PDF versions of the forms can be downloaded and submitted via email to: admin@artsea.ca, or dropped of at the ArtSea Gallery: 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney BC V8L 1T3.

Q: Where do I find the application for the Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant Program?

A: The application can be filled out online – the Individual Application and Group Application links. This webpage also includes information about the Peninsula Arts and Culture Grant, as well as application guidelines and requirements.

Q: Do I need to be a registered non-profit or charity to be eligible for this funding?

A: No! It is not necessary for applicants to be a registered society, but charitable organizations and non-profits are welcome to apply. This funding stream is available for existing programs, as well as new and innovative initiatives that benefit the residents of the Saanich Peninsula. Please see the section: Who can apply?

Q: Can businesses and for-profit organizations apply?

A: No. This funding stream is for individuals, groups, and organizations that are not a part of a registered business. Please see the section: Who can apply?

Q: I am not a current member of ArtSea. Can I still apply?

A: While you can apply, your application will not be considered until you become a member of ArtSea. If you are not a member by the submission intake deadline, your application will not be considered during the intake period. To learn more about becoming an ArtSea Member.

Q: Where does the funding for the SPACG Program come from?

A: ArtSea identified a need to provide a consistent and reliable funding source for arts and cultural initiatives on the Saanich Peninsula. To respond to this need, ArtSea developed the framework of the SPACG program in 2020 and proposed it to the municipalities on the Saanich Peninsula as a partnership program. In 2021, The Town of Sidney, The District of North Saanich, and the District of Central Saanich agreed to provide grant funding for a new community program that would be administered by ArtSea. ArtSea is thrilled to work together with our municipal partners to support arts and culture in our community. Please see section: SPACG Funding Partners.

Q: Can initiatives that receive funding through the Town of Sidney or the Districts of North or Central Saanich also receive funding through the SPACG Program?

A: Initiatives that receive funding support from the Town of Sidney, the District of North Saanich, or the District of Central Saanich are not eligible to also receive funding through the SPACG Program. The SPACG grants and bursaries are funded directly by the Town of Sidney and the District of North Saanich. While the District of Central Saanich does not currently contribute to the SPACG program, it does provide funding for arts and cultural initiatives directly through the municipality.

Therefore, grant funding to support arts and culture on the Saanich Peninsula is available either through the SPACG program (with funds provided by Sidney and North Saanich) or directly through the municipalities, but not both. Receiving funds from both sources would be considered double-dipping into the pool of tax funding designated for arts and culture on the Peninsula. Please see section: SPACG Funding Partners.

Q: Can we apply for programs that have already started?

A: Yes, you can apply for funding for programs started (and will be complete) within the same year that the application is submitted, but you cannot apply for programs that are already complete (funds are not available for cost-recovery or debt reduction). Please see section: Dates and Deadlines.

Q: Can we apply more than once?

A: There are two scheduled application intakes each year; individuals or groups/organizations can apply once every 12 months. Please see the section: Dates and Deadlines.

Q: Can I apply for a portion of a larger project?

A: Yes. Be sure to provide a budget for the portion that you would like funded, as well as project details for the larger initiative.

Please see the section: Eligible Expenses.

To download a budget template (PDF) document, please see the section: SPACG Forms and Resources for Applicants.

Q: Can applications be submitted via email?

A: Our preference is that applications are filled out using the online Individual Application or Group Application available this page. PDF copies of the Individual Application and Group Application forms are available for download and can be submitted via email to: grants@artsea.ca, along with supporting documentation. Please ensure that you have read all sections of the guidelines and requirements, and that all required sections are complete (required sections are indicated by asterisks*). Please see the section: SPACG Forms and Resources for Applicants

Q: If my grant or bursary funding is approved, am I required to submit a report for my program or initiative?

A: Yes. All SPACG funding recipients are required to submit a report upon completion of their program or initiative, or within one year (12 months) of receipt of the funding. Please see the section: SPACG Report.

Q: If this is the first time applying for funding, can I get assistance?

A: Yes. Should you require assistance with completing the application, please email: grants@artsea.ca

Q: Will I/we be at a disadvantage if I am applying, or if my group is applying for the first time?

A: No. We encourage individuals and new groups to apply. Part of our mission is to be a springboard for new arts and cultural initiatives in the community.

Do you have questions for which you did not find the answer?

Email your question to grants@artsea.ca