Who is eligible to apply for funding?
Eligibility varies by funding stream but generally includes individual artists, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and arts and culture organizations.
If you are an established nonprofit or community group with arts and culture-based activities in the Central Cariboo region (City of Williams Lake and CRD Areas D, E, and F), there is likely a CCACS grant stream you can apply for through a competitive assessment process.
To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be based in and/or actively operating within the Central Cariboo region.
• Offer arts or cultural activities, programming, or events within the Central Cariboo region.
• Be an established community group, nonprofit organization, Indigenous Government, Friendship Centre, or Métis Chartered Community. Established means your group has been active in the community for at least one year.
Each grant has specific criteria, so be sure to review the guidelines for the stream you’re applying to.
What are “CRD Areas D, E, and F”?
Funding is available for activities based within the City of Williams Lake or within the Cariboo Regional District Areas D, E, or F.
Area D includes Commodore Heights, Fox Mountain, McLeese Lake, Pine Valley, Wildwood, Xat’sull, Soda Creek, and Deep Creek areas.
Area E includes South Lakeside, Frost Creek, Springhouse, Esk’etemc, Stswecem’c Xgat’tem, Alkali Lake, and Dog Creek areas.
Area F includes T’exelc, 150 Mile House, Big Lake, Likely, Spokin Lake, and Horsefly areas.
For further Cariboo Regional District area information, please visit https://www.cariboord.ca/government/electoral-areas/electoral-areas-2
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Eligible projects may include:
- Capital purchases that support and enhance arts and culture initiatives.
- Collaborative projects between multiple organizations or artists.
- New and innovative arts programs, workshops, or events.
- Expansion of existing successful arts and culture programs.
- Publicly accessible workshops hosted at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre.
Can I apply for more than one grant?
Yes, you may apply for multiple grants if your projects meet the eligibility criteria for each funding stream. However, adjudicator feedback as well as other circumstances will dictate how many applications may be approved for funding (number of other applications received, amount of funding available, application merit, etc).
My great idea will not be able to be completed within the one-year timeframe allowed for the completion of grant activities. Can I have more time?
All grant-related activities must be completed within the designated timeframe for each application intake. If your project is large in scope and will take multiple years to complete, we recommend breaking it down into smaller, manageable phases. These phases should be structured so they can be completed within the funding period and applied for over multiple intakes, allowing you to build upon your progress over time.
I have a great idea, but I’m not part of a non-profit organization or community group. Can I still apply for funding?
Only established non-profit organizations and community groups can apply for CCACS grants. It is recommended that you partner with a willing and relevant non-profit organization or community group to achieve your goals. Talk to our Executive Director Melissa Normandin about the various organizations and community groups that might lead to a relevant and successful partnership.
Please note that your non-profit does not need to be registered with BC Societies to be eligible, we instead use the following criteria for non-profit group: An established not-for-profit group which has a leader, a mandate, a bank account, and has been active in the community providing a public benefit over the past year.
How will applications be evaluated?
Applications are evaluated based on key criteria specific to each funding stream. Adjudicators assess proposals using a 3-point scale, considering factors such as community impact and engagement, innovation and long-term sustainability, collaboration and co-creation, and inclusivity and accessibility. Each application is reviewed for its potential to enhance the local arts and culture landscape while demonstrating a clear and thoughtful approach to these core priorities.
I don’t know how to write a grant application or don’t understand the questions on the application form. Can you help me?
We’re here to help you bring your great ideas to life in our community, and we want to ensure your application is as successful as possible. Keep an eye out for CCACS Grant Information Sessions, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on your application. Additionally, feel free to reach out directly to our Executive Director for any questions or assistance you may need throughout the application process.
Previously recorded Q&A sessions are available on our Facebook page.
What must be included in my application?
All applications must include:
- A balanced budget page outlining funding sources and expenses.
- A signature page and checklist to confirm all required documents are included.
- A plan demonstrating diversified funding sources (projects cannot rely 100% on CCACS funding).
- A clear and well-explained rationale demonstrating how the application meets the grant requirements.
Note: If you have previously received funding, a completed final report on past activities must be submitted before applying for a new grant.
What costs are eligible for funding?
Eligible costs depend on the grant stream but may include:
- Equipment, technology, or capital assets that enhance arts programming.
- Costs associated with developing and delivering cultural experiences, performances, and workshops, including but not limited to payments made to artists, performers, and project/activity coordinators; elder honorariums; project/activity supplies.
- Space rental at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre for public workshops.
- Expansion efforts for existing arts programs.
We strongly encourage fair and market-rate payments to artists and performers for artwork and services. For more information, please consider the CARFAC-RAAV Minimum Recommended Fee Schedule.
Please see our sample budget for an example of how your budget should be completed.
I’m new to my non-profit organization/community group and am unsure if we’ve received funding the past. How can I find out?
You can visit our Previous Recipients page, where we provide details on past grant recipients, their activities, and the funding amounts. If you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out to our Executive Director for assistance.
My last grant application was rejected. Am I eligible to apply again?
Yes, you are absolutely eligible to apply again! There could be various reasons for a previous rejection, such as a highly competitive process or limited funding availability. We strive to offer constructive feedback to all applicants, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement in your application. This feedback can be valuable for your future submissions, whether to the CCACS or other funding opportunities. If your application was rejected, we encourage you to reach out to our Executive Director for personalized feedback to help strengthen your next application.
When will funding decisions be announced?
Decisions are typically communicated to applicants within 8-10 weeks after the application deadline. Successful applicants will receive detailed instructions on next steps, reporting requirements, and funding disbursement.
What should I include in my report on the use of funds?
Please see our page on reporting and download our handy reporting template. Reports should be emailed to the Executive Director, including all requested attachments, and are due within two months of your completed activities (based on the date provided in your grant application).
If your question was not answered by reading these FAQ, please do not hesitate to contact our Executive Director for further assistance. We are here to help!
