FCF & Conventional Loans

Overview of the FCF & Conventional Loans program:

The Toronto Arts Council (TAC) provides a range of funding programs for individual artists, collectives, and organizations working in all artistic disciplines in Toronto. Its mandate is to support artistic creation, community engagement, and cultural development throughout the city. The financing programs offered by TAC include annual project grants, multi-year operating funding, and targeted initiatives supporting equity, innovation, and neighborhood-based arts engagement. Through these programs, TAC finances activities such as the creation and presentation of new work, artist residencies, community-engaged arts, and arts education initiatives. Specialized streams such as the Open Door and Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship programs aim to reduce systemic barriers and invest in underrepresented voices, including Indigenous, racialized, newcomer, and 2SLGBTQ+ artists. TAC programs are generally discipline-specific (e.g., dance, theatre, visual arts), and the organization offers guidance through grant officers to help applicants navigate the process. Applications are submitted via TAC’s online portal and assessed by peer review panels. TAC does not provide loans or equity financing; its funding is non-repayable and focused on advancing artistic practice and cultural access in Toronto communities. Applicants must demonstrate artistic merit, community impact, and sound financial and project planning. Annual deadlines vary by program stream. TAC’s funding supports both emerging and established creators, emphasizing the social and cultural value of the arts in civic life.

Benefits of the FCF & Conventional Loans program:

• Non-repayable grant funding for Toronto-based artists and arts organizations
• Multiple program streams by discipline and activity type
• Funding for both short-term projects and long-term operations
• Targeted initiatives for equity-seeking and underserved communities
• Strategic support for innovation, capacity-building, and career development
• Peer-reviewed application process ensures fair evaluation
• Guidance from TAC program officers and online resources

Eligibility criteria of the FCF & Conventional Loans program:

• Eligible applicants must:
• Be professional artists, collectives, or arts organizations
• Reside or operate primarily in Toronto (City limits)
• Demonstrate artistic merit and a clear project plan
• Meet discipline-specific requirements as outlined in the relevant stream
• Comply with TACs definition of professional practice (e.g., paid artistic work, public presentation history)
• Additional eligibility by program:
• Some streams are for emerging artists; others for established or mid-career
• Organizations must be non-profit and have a history of public programming
• Targeted programs are available for newcomers, Indigenous, Deaf/disabled, and other equity-seeking artists
• Ineligible:
• For-profit businesses
• Non-Toronto-based applicants
• Projects already completed
• Academic or student projects for credit