Toronto Arts Council Black Arts Annual Operating Grant 2026

The Black Arts Program provides Annual Operating support to nonprofit Toronto Black arts organizations (both incorporated and unincorporated). Organizations qualifying for funding will be Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving; ¹ with the requirement for a majority of the leadership (including but not limited to board members, founders, and staff) to identify as Black (Black-led) and the primary goals of the organization to meaningfully support the Black community (Black-focused), as well as a significant portion of program activities prioritizing serving the Black community (Black-serving). Funding through this program supports both operations and programming. The City of Toronto supports this program through a funding allocation approved annually by Toronto City Council. TAC recognizes the need to respond to barriers that Black arts communities face due to anti-Black racism. The program seeks to address these barriers by providing pathways to sustainable support to Toronto’s Black-led arts organizations serving Black artists. This program also seeks to encourage the development and sustainability of Black arts communities by increasing the availability of dedicated resources and support provided to Black artists and communities through Black arts organizations.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: February 9, 2026
2. Value: Operational funding (amount varies; includes eligibility for Accessibility Grant up to $5,000)
3. Category: Grant
4. Sponsor: Toronto Arts Council
5. City: Toronto
6. Eligible Country: Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Toronto Arts Council Black Arts Annual Operating Grant 2026

To be eligible for this Annual Operating funding, an applicant must:²

1. be a non-profit professional arts organization;
2. be Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving
3. have professional artistic leadership and pay appropriate professional fees to artists;
4. be located in the City of Toronto and have a significant portion of its activities occurring within the City;
5. have a recent history of sustained arts activity of at least two years;
6. have a viable administrative structure;
7. demonstrate a range of revenue sources on an annual basis, which may include earned, government, and private sector revenues;
8. provide audited financial statements or internally prepared statements, including a balance sheet and statement of income and expenses (if audited financial statements or review engagement is unavailable)
9. be governed by a majority Black-led Board of Directors or other body responsible for the organization.

Benefits of Toronto Arts Council Black Arts Annual Operating Grant 2026

1. Annual Operating Funding for Black arts organizations
2. Supports staff retention, programming, research & development, donor relations, admin operations, and more
3. Access to TAC Accessibility Grant (up to $5,000)
4. Access to Application Support funding (up to $500 for applicants with disabilities)

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility with TAC Program Manager
2. Prepare financial documents demonstrating transparency and stability
3. Describe artistic programs, community engagement, and organizational impact
4. Submit the application for panel review and staff assessment
5. Receive feedback and, if successful, grant funding to support operational activities and long-term growth

For more Information, visit Toronto Arts Council Black Arts Annual Operating

Application Deadline

9 February, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Toronto Arts Council Black Arts Annual Operating Grant 2026