Four grant streams are available for existing non-profit organizations or community groups in Williams Lake and the Central Cariboo (CRD Areas D, E, and F) to support and develop arts and culture initiatives within this region. The funding for these grants is courtesy of the City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District (Central Cariboo Arts & Culture function), subject to the availability of funds.
The CCACS offers two grant application intakes per year:
- SPRING intake: The deadline is May 15th by 4:00pm for activities/projects taking place between July 1st and June 30th.
- FALL intake: The deadline is November 15th by 4:00pm for activities/projects taking place between January 1st and December 31st.
Organizations may apply for grants in amounts between $500 and $3000.
CCACS FUNDING STREAMS AND APPLICATION FORMS
CO-CREATE GRANTS
These grants provide funding to support collaborative arts and culture projects that emphasize co-creation between two or more organizations or between an individual artist and one or more organization(s). The goal is to foster innovative partnerships that bring together diverse perspectives to produce dynamic arts and culture programs, including workshops, performances, and community-centred events.
Eligible projects should prioritize the creation of new, engaging, and inclusive cultural experiences that enrich the community. The funding is designed to support the planning, development, and execution of arts programs, with a focus on projects that are rooted in active partnership, shared creative processes, and meaningful community engagement. Projects may include a wide range of art forms, such as visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literary arts, digital media, and arts-based traditional cultural practices.
Successful applicants will demonstrate how their proposed project will benefit both the participating partners and the wider community, fostering access to the arts, skill-building opportunities, and a platform for creative expression.
CCACS Co-Create Grant Application Form COMING SOON
BRIGHT IDEAS GRANTS
This funding stream is designed to support the creation of brand-new arts and culture programs, offerings, and events that enrich the cultural landscape and inspire community engagement. Funding is available for innovative initiatives that introduce fresh cultural experiences, aiming to enhance access to the arts, celebrate diversity, and foster creativity within the community.
Eligible projects may include new exhibitions, performances, festivals, workshops, and other cultural events or programs. The grant seeks to support programs that are in the early stages of development and that demonstrate a strong potential to impact the community positively. This funding is intended to provide the necessary resources to launch these initiatives, enabling them to reach a broad audience and contribute to the vibrancy of the arts and culture sector.
Applications should highlight how the proposed project will engage the community, encourage participation, and offer unique cultural experiences. Priority will be given to projects that involve local artists, integrate community voices, and create opportunities for learning and creative expression.
CCACS Bright Ideas Grant Application Form COMING SOON
AMPLIFY GRANTS
These grants provide funding to support the continuation and expansion of existing arts and culture programs that have previously demonstrated success and community impact. The goal is to build on the strong foundation of these programs, helping them reach new heights and broaden their positive influence within the community.
Eligible projects include established programs, workshops, events, or cultural offerings that have already proven successful in engaging audiences and fostering arts and culture appreciation. Funding is intended to support efforts to enhance, scale, or diversify these offerings, allowing them to reach a wider audience or introduce new elements that deepen the community’s experience.
Applicants should demonstrate how their program has previously achieved its goals, highlighting outcomes and feedback from past participants or partners. Additionally, proposals should outline the next steps for growth, describing how the requested funds will be used to elevate the program’s reach, quality, and impact. Priority will be given to projects that have a clear plan for sustaining the expanded offerings and that continue to align with community needs and interests.
CCACS Amplify Grant Application Form COMING SOON
ELEVATE GRANTS
This funding stream provides funding to assist with capital purchases that support and elevate arts and culture initiatives. The aim is to enhance the capacity and quality of group activities or to support the execution of specific projects that benefit the broader community.
Eligible projects include the acquisition of equipment, technology, or other capital assets that directly contribute to the improvement and expansion of arts programs, workshops, and events. Funding may be used for purchases that provide necessary tools for artistic creation, or enhance the delivery of cultural experiences, such as special medium equipment, computer equipment, or other resources critical to the success of a project.
Applications should demonstrate how the capital purchase will contribute to the growth, quality, and sustainability of the program or project or activities. Proposals should highlight how the investment will enable more impactful group activities, facilitate new or improved creative processes, or provide a lasting benefit to the organization and the community it serves. Priority will be given to projects that clearly outline the potential long-term impact of the capital investment on their work and the communities they engage.
CCACS Elevate Grant Application Form COMING SOON
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR IN-KIND ARTS AND CULTURE SPACE SUPPORTS AT THE ARTS CENTRE
CREATE/SPACE ARTS AND CULTURE INITIATIVE
This initiative is designed to provide funding to individuals, groups and organizations wishing to host and deliver arts and culture events or offerings through a workshop format that are open to the public (not to closed membership) at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre. Recognizing the vital role that these activities play in enriching cultural experiences and fostering community engagement, this grant aims to alleviate financial barriers associated with rental costs for our venue.
Eligible applicants include arts and culture based non-profit organizations, community groups, artists seeking to organize workshop events aiming to educate, and encourage and facilitate public/community engagement in arts and culture activities. This grant does not apply to internal group or membership activities. Funding can be used to cover rental fees for CCACS facilities and necessary CCACS equipment that enable the successful execution of these activities (Note: Event insurance is not eligible to be refunded through this program and would need to be acquired regardless).
Applications should clearly outline the objectives of the event, the target audience, and the expected impact on the community. Preference will be given to projects that promote inclusivity, collaboration, and accessibility, ensuring that a diverse range of participants can benefit from the offered experiences.
This funding represents in-kind space rental sponsorship for the above listed activities and cannot be transferred to program dollars or used for other locations.
CCACS Create/Space Application Form COMING SOON
See the FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions, including a sample budget.
Please sign up for our mailing list to receive updates about these programs and other funding opportunities.
If you have already received a grant and are looking for acknowledgement or reporting templates and information, please see Logos and Acknowledgements or Reporting.
For further information on these programs, contact CCACS Executive Director Melissa Normandin
