Funding is available to support music initiatives that align with the Toronto Music Strategy and/or the Action Plan for Toronto’s Culture. Apply to the most relevant stream (Event Sponsorships, Sector Development Grants or Skills Development Grants) for your project.
Applications are also considered for cross-sectoral projects with relevance to other sectors, e.g., film, digital technology, gaming, etc., alongside music. If applying for cross-sectoral support, please ensure your application highlights how the project engages other sectors.
| Contact the relevant sector office if you have questions about timelines. Applications received after the deadline are not normally considered. Exceptions may be made only in extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of the relevant sector office. | |
| Eligible Project Start Dates | Deadline to Apply |
|---|---|
| April 1 to December 31 | February 1 |
| July 1 to December 31 | May 1 |
| October 1 to December 31 | August 1 |
| January 1 to June 30 (of the following year) | November 15 |
After submitting an application, you may be asked by staff for additional information. Staff may also suggest that you re-submit application for a later intake period for consideration.
Grants are modest, with most Creative Industries music funding issued for amounts of $5,000 or less. For sector development grants, higher amounts may be considered if the initiative is ongoing or has a significant impact on the sector. If your project or event is larger in scope and requires greater funding, please contact the Music Office at music@toronto.ca to discuss the project and possible support from this or other funds.
For creative and artistic works, find other music-related grants.
If your organization is producing an event that supports Toronto’s music ecosystem and/or local artists, the City of Toronto may be able to assist through sponsorship.
Events must support music as a primary goal and must serve companies or individuals based in Toronto. Through the Event Sponsorship stream, events that focus on the following elements are prioritized:
Organizations must:
Projects focused on an individual artist’s career or on a single organization’s business expenses are not eligible. For example:
Be prepared to describe in detail how the outcome/impact of your initiative will be measured and the metrics you intend to provide to the City if funded.
Accountability criteria will be included in the funding agreement for each successful grant applicant. The metrics must be tracked throughout the initiative and reported at its conclusion to receive the final grant payment.
Suggested metrics:
Submit an application online below. Applications are considered several times throughout the year. All applications must be submitted through the online portal.
Depending on application volume and project timelines, complete applications may be deferred to a subsequent intake for consideration.
After your application is submitted, you will be contacted by the related sector office if clarification or additional information is desired. Decisions will generally be communicated within four weeks of the application deadline and decisions are final.
The Music Office prioritizes applications that demonstrate clear Music Strategy and/or Culture Connects alignment, and that support marginalized communities (organizations/artists/audiences), including those operating outside the downtown core. In addition, priority is given to organizations that:
The City will receive logo presence at all sponsored events and other recognition or entitlements as agreed upon.
Sector Development Grants support projects, services or initiatives that build capacity and create opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, their businesses and the sector as a whole.
Sector Development grants target applications that focus on:
Organizations must:
Projects focused on an individual artist’s career or on a single organization’s business expenses are not eligible. For example:
Be prepared to describe in detail how the outcome/impact of your initiative will be measured and the metrics you intend to provide to the City if funded.
Accountability criteria will be included in the funding agreement for each successful grant applicant. The metrics must be tracked throughout the initiative and reported at its conclusion to receive the final grant payment.
Suggested metrics:
Submit an application online below. Applications are considered several times throughout the year. All applications must be submitted through the online portal.
Depending on application volume and project timelines, complete applications may be deferred to a subsequent intake for consideration.
After your application is submitted, you will be contacted by the related sector office if clarification or additional information is desired. Decisions are generally communicated within four weeks of the application deadline and decisions are final.
Apply for Sector Development Grant
Additionally, priority is given to organizations that:
The City receives logo presence at all sponsored events and other recognition as appropriate.
Skills Development Grants support initiatives that build practical skills in trades, crafts or technical skills for which there are existing labour gaps.
Initiatives must support employment readiness for individuals, matching skills to high-demand roles in creative sectors. These grants often, but not exclusively, support the work of not-for-profit community groups led by and/or serving historically underrepresented groups and the programs they offer to build bridges to employment in creative industries.
Training offered may include segments related to professional/life skills. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Organizations must:
Projects focused on an individual artist’s career or on a single organization’s business expenses are not eligible. For example:
Be prepared to describe in detail how the outcome/impact of your initiative will be measured and the metrics you intend to provide to the City if funded.
Accountability criteria will be included in the funding agreement for each successful grant applicant. The metrics must be tracked throughout the initiative and reported at its conclusion to receive the final grant payment.
Suggested metrics:
Submit an application online below. Applications are considered several times throughout the year. All applications must be submitted through the online portal.
Depending on application volume and project timelines, complete applications may be deferred to a subsequent intake for consideration.
Only one application per program or event are considered for each calendar year.
After your application is submitted, you will be contacted by the related sector office if clarification or additional information is desired. Decisions are generally be communicated within four weeks of the application deadline and decisions are final.
Apply for Skills Development Grant
Additionally, priority is given to organizations that:
The City receives logo presence at all sponsored events and other recognition as appropriate.
All initiatives or events receiving either a grant or sponsorship must comply with the City’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies.