Applications open for next round of St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program funding

The City is now accepting applications for the next round of St. Catharines Cultural Investment Program (SCCIP) funding for 2026.

After a comprehensive program review in 2025, two new grant streams have been added for 2026: Individual Artist Microgrant and PAC Facility Access. SCCIP now offers seven program streams tailored to specific priorities, eligibility criteria, and evaluation standards. The deadline for Arts Development, Culture Builds Community, Festival, and Performing Arts Centre (PAC) Facility Access program applications is Sept. 17 (for projects starting Jan. 2027 or later).

The total SCCIP budget for 2026 is $657,000, with $207,720 left to allocate for five programs this fall.

Applications are reviewed by committees comprised of individuals that reflect, as best as possible, a diversity of knowledge, experience and perspective in the areas of arts and culture and, ideally, both professional and community practice. Review committees will include at least five individuals, including two members of the City’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.

For this intake, applications will be launched on a new grant platform intended to streamline and simplify the application process for applicants and reviewers. New for 2026, the City will offer assistance for applicants who are deaf or have a disability and need help to complete their grant applications.

2026 Recipients included:

•           Carousel Players (CP)

•           Chorus Niagara

•           The Foster Festival

•           Niagara Artists Centre (NAC)

•           The Niagara Symphony Orchestra

•           Avanti Singers

•           The Gallery Players of Niagara

•           The Niagara Youth Orchestra

•           Suitcase in Point

•           The Willow Arts Community

•           Mighty Niagara Film Fest

•           Niagara Children’s Festival

•           Avanti Singers

•           CPR Films

•           Alexa Fraser Ad Hoc Group

•           Half Blind Owl

•           Studio Kim Odine

•           Summer Freak Fest Niagara

•           Si Calaycay

•           Luis Martin Flores

•           Habitat for Humanity Niagara

•           Silver Spire United Church

Applications for SCCIP and additional information can be found at stcatharines.ca/SCCIP.

For application assistance, please contact culture@stcatharines.ca