Many Canadian non-profits help protect stories, records, and cultural memory. But finding the right funding to preserve these important materials can be confusing. Federal library, archives, and cultural preservation grants support this work. They focus especially on under-represented communities. Programs such as Listen, Hear Our Voices help Canadian non-profits protect and share heritage that could otherwise be lost.
Canadian non-profits can apply to several federal programs, each with its own focus. The following programs are specific to Canada and support library, archival, and preservation activities.
Listen, Hear Our Voices is a Canadian federal funding program managed by Library and Archives Canada (LAC). It helps preserve and improve access to documentary heritage from communities that have been under-represented in Canada’s archives.
What the program supports:
Who can apply:
Key details to know:
This grant is especially important for organizations working with Indigenous, racialized, ethnocultural, and other equity-deserving groups.
The Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) – Development stream is a Canadian federal program. It supports cultural preservation when projects involve public presentation or capacity-building linked to heritage and community culture.
Eligible applicants include:
What it funds:
Funding amounts depend on the project and are set after a competitive review.
The Canada Book Fund – Support for Organizations is a Canadian federal program for non-profits working with published heritage materials. It is best for projects that focus on the preservation, sharing, or access to Canadian-authored books.
Funding highlights:
Eligibility considerations:
This program is best for larger, sector-wide preservation and access projects, not for local archives.
For most Canadian library, archives, and cultural preservation grants, funders look for several key elements:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly find programs that fit your organization’s type, focus, and location before you spend time on applications.
Most preservation grants only fund specific projects, not ongoing daily expenses.
Programs such as Listen, Hear Our Voices want to see strong community leadership or support.
You must show that your organization has the right to preserve, digitize, or share the materials.
Federal funders expect clear records and final reports that match your approved activities.
Q: Can small or volunteer-run non-profits apply for cultural preservation grants?
Yes. Many federal programs, including Listen, Hear Our Voices, are made for smaller community organizations if the project is well-defined and culturally important.
Q: Do we need to be an incorporated non-profit?
Not always. Some programs, like the CAPF Development stream, allow unincorporated Indigenous and ethnocultural groups to apply.
Q: Are digitization projects eligible?
Yes. Digitizing archival and documentary heritage to improve access is a key activity supported by Listen, Hear Our Voices.
Q: Can we apply for more than one federal cultural grant at the same time?
Often, yes—but you cannot fund the same expenses twice. Each program has its own rules about stacking funding.
Q: Are these grants taxable for non-profits?
Funding is usually considered project revenue, but tax rules can vary. Ask an accountant who knows non-profit funding for advice.
Library, archives, and cultural preservation grants are essential for keeping Canada’s shared memory alive—especially for communities whose stories have not been well documented. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, making it easier to find cultural and heritage grants that fit your non-profit’s goals, size, and location.
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