Ontario Creates Magazine Fund — Diversity Enhancement Stream

Independent magazine publishers in Ontario who are looking to strengthen their business and better reach audiences may find targeted support through the Ontario Creates Magazine Fund — Diversity Enhancement Stream. This stream was created to help publishers from underrepresented communities move forward with practical, revenue-focused initiatives, whether that means refreshing a brand, relaunching a title, or improving how the business operates behind the scenes. The emphasis is on projects that deliver clear business results, not just creative output.

Delivered by Ontario Creates, this non-repayable funding is intended for Canadian-owned, Ontario-based magazine businesses in the arts and culture space that self-identify as racially diverse, Francophone, or aligned with other recognized dimensions of diversity. Funding typically ranges from about $5,000 to $15,000 and can cover a significant share of eligible project costs. Supported activities often include sales and marketing initiatives, operational improvements, digital or workflow upgrades, and strategic rebranding efforts designed to increase publisher revenue and long-term sustainability.

The Diversity Enhancement Stream is currently accepting applications and is particularly relevant for smaller publishers who may not otherwise qualify for standard funding streams but have strong growth-oriented plans. For magazine owners considering their next business move, learning more about how this program works could be a valuable step toward building a more resilient and competitive publishing operation.