Many Manitoba arts and cultural organizations know they need to change, but they aren’t sure where to start. The Looking Forward – Exploration Grant Manitoba gives up to $15,000 to help groups explore new ideas before starting a big project. This grant supports early-stage work on challenges like sustainability, new ways to earn money, or building partnerships.
The Looking Forward — Exploration Grant is a Manitoba Arts Council program that supports research, planning, and testing ideas, not running a full project. It helps organizations try out new approaches, ask important questions, and plan for the future.
Key program details:
Many groups use this grant before applying for bigger implementation or transformation funding.
Your organization must meet all of these requirements to qualify for the Looking Forward – Exploration Grant Manitoba:
Individual artists and new organizations are not eligible for this program.
The Exploration Grant pays for thinking and trying things out, not doing a finished project. Examples include:
Projects should help you learn, not produce a final product or show.
You can use grant funds for costs that help you explore new ideas, such as:
Overhead costs are allowed but cannot be more than 15% of your total grant request.
If you’re not sure if a cost is eligible, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check before you apply.
Applying for the Looking Forward – Exploration Grant Manitoba is easier if you start early and stay organized.
Describe the question or problem you want to explore
Be clear about what you want to learn or solve. The grant values good questions over finished ideas.
Explain your exploration plan
Share what research, meetings, or testing you will do and why it matters.
Make a simple, clear budget
Show how the money will help you explore—not run a full project.
Apply through the Manitoba Arts Council portal
Your application will be judged on how clear, relevant, and useful your plan is.
Proposing a finished project instead of exploration
This grant is only for early-stage work, not for running or producing a project.
Not explaining your problem or question
Reviewers want to see a clear reason for your exploration.
Missing the rules for for-profit groups
Only book and periodical publishers can apply as for-profits.
Putting too much overhead in your budget
Overhead must be 15% or less, or it may be cut from your request.
Q: Who is eligible for the Looking Forward – Exploration Grant?
Manitoba-based arts and cultural organizations that meet structure and operating history requirements are eligible.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
You can ask for up to $15,000 per application.
Q: What types of projects are supported?
The grant supports early-stage exploration, research, and planning—not full delivery or implementation.
Q: Can for-profit arts organizations apply?
Only registered for-profit book and periodical publishers are eligible.
Q: Can we apply more than once?
Yes. Organizations may submit a second application at a later deadline if more exploration is needed.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, making it easier to find grants that fit your group’s size and goals.
If your organization is facing big questions about sustainability or growth, the Looking Forward – Exploration Grant Manitoba can help you start planning. Once you know what you want to explore, it becomes easier to search for next-phase funding. As you move forward, you can use GrantHub to keep up with new grant opportunities that fit your future needs.
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