Please note the points below only apply to funding for arts organizations via Project Development. For eligibility on the Artist-Direct fund please see here.

When should you apply for funding?

Project Development accepts submissions for projects twice a year. For those projects $15,000 and Over, the submission dates are Jul. 15-30, prior to the calendar year that the projects will take place. For those projects that are $15,000 and Under, the submission dates are Jan. 15-30, of the year that the project will take place. 

What is the maximum amount of funding PIA can give to a project?

PIA does not have a specific limit, but historically our funding contributions range from $5,000 to over $100,000. Grant limits are indicated annually for each funding stream.

What information needs to be included in the budget?

To ensure a project is viable, PIA would like to see a full project budget, including detailing other sources of income and all expenses.

How does PIA determine who to fund?

There are two prerequisites: Successful applicants must have Canadian charitable status (or partner with an organization with charitable status) and the proposal must be a contemporary art project involving professional artists. For projects including exhibitions, a curator and/or staff with relevant experience must be involved and there must be an educational opportunity for PIA members and the general public. PIA aims to invest in a variety of different types of projects, including collaborating with grassroots, artist-run, and hybrid arts organizations, as well as museums, institutions, and galleries. PIA is also interested in projects which include a permanent record or legacy such as a book or digital platform.

Does PIA give grants to artists?

Yes, PIA supports artists through our recently launched Artist-Direct Grants. Artist-Direct grants have differently eligibility and goals than PIA’s funding for organizations.

What are acceptable charitable organizations/registered charities for Project Development funding?

Art museums, galleries, organizations, and artist-run spaces, all of which must have a Canadian registered charitable number, or are partnered with an organization that has a Canadian charitable number.

Are there certain types of projects PIA prefers to fund?

PIA gravitates towards challenging projects that advance contemporary art and highlight diverse artistic voices. PIA strives to initiate new partnerships; it continues to support past partners who are known for their expertise and embrace curatorial excellence. Cross pollination is also of value to PIA. Projects that expose Canadian artists to international curators also contribute to the dialogue of contemporary art.

Are there certain types of projects PIA does not fund?

PIA does not fund commercial projects. Also ineligible: exhibition projects without a curator (or equivalent staff), and projects where contemporary art is not the primary focus.

How does PIA fund its projects?

PIA is centered around collective philanthropy. Members contribute through donations and fundraising events to support our funding initiatives.

How many projects does PIA fund in a year?

It varies depending on what kind of projects come forward and PIA’s annual funding budget. Refer to PIA’s project database to see what has been funded in the past. 

Has PIA funded an organization more than once?

Yes, many. Over time PIA has recommitted to organizations with a history of curatorial excellence. To see PIA’s funding history go to the project database. 

What role does PIA expect to play once it invests in a project?

Successful partners receive a letter of agreement outlining the need for an education component and recognition for PIA. PIA works with the organization to develop those elements.

If an application is rejected could it be accepted if it is revised?

Once PIA’s Project Development Committee has voted decisions are final. Sometimes projects are rejected because PIA’s budget has been spent for the year. The committee is willing to give feedback when requested.

How confidential is the information we send to PIA?

There are strict confidentiality requirements for the members of PIA’s project development committee and management committee. Application information will not be shared outside of those two committees.