Application Guidelines – Events component

The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

On this page

• Objectives for the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
• Objectives and expected results for the Events component
• Application deadline
• Eligibility
• Who can apply
• Eligible events
• Eligible expenses
• Limits of government assistance
• How to apply
• Application process
• How applications are evaluated
• Evaluation criteria
• Application processing time
• Funding decisions
• How funding is provided
• Funding conditions
• Anti-racism and anti-hate
• Workplace well-being
• Official languages requirements
• Acknowledgement of financial assistance
• Access to information requests
• Disclosure of information
• Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program
• Contact us
• Glossary

Objectives for the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

The Program’s objectives are to support communities to:

• advance anti-racism; foster ethnocultural diversity and inclusion; and promote intercultural and interfaith understanding
• provide equitable opportunities for equity-deserving populations and community organizations to participate fully in all aspects of Canadian society
• promote dialogue on multiculturalism, anti-racism, racial equity, diversity and inclusion to advance institutional and systemic change so that Canada becomes a more inclusive society, free from racism and hate-motivated actions
• support research and evidence to build understanding of the disparities and challenges faced by equity-deserving populations

The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) supports the mandate of the Department of Canadian Heritage by building on Canada's strength as a diverse and inclusive society.

Objectives and expected results for the Events component

The Events component provides funding to community-based events that promote intercultural or interfaith understanding, promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism and religious discrimination, or celebrate a community’s history and culture, such as heritage months recognized by Parliament.

Expected results are that participants and communities will gain knowledge, develop strategies and take action to:

• increase awareness of Canada’s cultural diversity
• increase awareness of issues affecting full participation in society and the economy, related to culture, ethnicity and/or religion
• increase capacity within communities to address racism and discrimination

The Events component is actively seeking proposals that will include one or both of the following funding priorities, based on emerging governmental priorities. Funding priority may be given to:

• Initiatives that support community-led efforts to counter hate, misinformation, and polarization by fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and civic engagement. These public events aim to equip communities to recognize misinformation and hate-motivated actions and encourage the development of critical thinking leading to stronger social cohesion
• Initiatives that foster human connection, civic participation, and a shared sense of belonging by bringing communities together through inclusive and interactive gatherings across the country. Activities such as cultural and/or intergenerational dialogue and participatory forums help reduce social isolation and build meaningful ties between people of diverse backgrounds. These efforts cultivate a Canada where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued, reinforcing equity and advancing the vision of a strong, vibrant, and united nation.

Application deadline

Important Notice – Upcoming Changes to the Events component

Please note that funding applications for Events taking place in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, as of April 1st, 2026, will only be accepted during specified, scheduled intake dates. Applicants are encouraged to plan ahead and submit their funding proposals before the relevant, scheduled intake dates. Application deadlines will be posted on the website shortly.

Applications for events taking place in the current fiscal year (2025–2026), up to March 31, 2026, will continue to be accepted on a continuous intake basis, subject to the program’s 18-week timeline to submit applications prior to a proposed event start date, and subject to funding availability.

Status of the call for proposals:

• 2025-2026 Events: open (ongoing call for proposals)

  Applications must be received 18 weeks before the start date of the event.

• 2026-2027 Events: closed

  Application deadlines will be posted on the website shortly.

Eligibility

We are responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, its event, and event-related expenses.

The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP) is highly competitive. Requests for funding typically exceed our available resources. If your organization is eligible, submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Who can apply

To be eligible for funding, organizations or groups must be:

• Canadian not-for-profit organizations, associations and unincorporated groups
• Canadian incorporated and unincorporated municipalities and townships with a population of up to 10,000
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)
• Indigenous governments, band councils and tribal councils

Applicants that are not eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, applicants who:

• discriminate, contrary to applicable laws, on the basis of prohibited grounds, including race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability and conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted or in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered
• discriminate on the basis of language
• advocate intolerance, discrimination and/or prejudice
• provide support to organizations or individuals that share or promote offensive content or discourse
• undermine Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, as described at Changing Systems, Transforming Lives: Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028
• undermine the values set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act

Eligible events

To be eligible for funding, your event must contribute to the Program’s objectives and the component’s objectives and expected results. Your proposed event must also:

• establish concrete opportunities for positive interaction among cultural, religious or ethnocultural communities
• demonstrate involvement of more than one single cultural, religious or ethnocultural community or target a single cultural community and provide opportunities to engage with and foster pride in the community’s history, culture and/or identity, such as heritage months recognized by Parliament
• help foster intercultural or interfaith understanding
• be open to and intended for the general public

Examples of eligible events include, but are not limited to:

• intercultural dialogues to share cultural heritage, traditions and viewpoints
• public education events that foster intercultural or interfaith understanding
• interfaith dialogues that bring together representatives of Canada’s faith groups
• community-based celebrations of the historic contributions to Canada of particular ethnocultural, cultural or religious groups
• artistic events, workshops, or land-based teachings that create opportunities for interaction between ethnocultural, cultural or religious communities

Activities funded under the Projects component of the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program and under other Canadian Heritage funding programs cannot receive funding under the Events component for the same activities.

Events not eligible for funding are primarily those of a religious, political, commercial or private nature.

Eligible expenses

Only project-related expenses, which can be of cash and in-kind value, are eligible; these may include:

• salaries and benefits;
• consultant fees;
• recruiting, training, or supporting local volunteers (e.g., childcare, uniform or transportation);
• performers’ and speakers’ and artists’ fees and expenses;
• domestic travel and accommodation (which must not exceed the rates for travel on government business);
• liability insurance (public events funded under the Events component must be covered by liability insurance);
• translation from one of Canada’s official languages to the other;
• translation where language comprehension is a barrier to access or participation;
• communications, publicity, promotional materials;
• facility rental, production and set-up costs; (including security costs);
• administration and overhead costs (up to a maximum of 15% of total project funding before administration costs)

In-kind contributions are considered real contributions to the cost of the proposed project but are not reimbursable. Donated goods and services may be considered in-kind contributions if they:

• are essential to your project’s success
• are eligible and would otherwise have to be purchased or paid for by you
• can be measured at fair market value (i.e., in relation to similar goods and services)
• are balanced by an equal revenue in your budget (i.e., total in-kind expenses equal total in-kind revenues)

The following expenses are not eligible for funding:

• core programming expenses such as:
  • any type of fees for members of the board or other governing bodies
  • annual general meetings or regular executive board meetings of an organization or association, including related travel
  • ongoing production or development of newsletters, websites, newspapers, magazines, journals, or radio and television broadcasts
  • capital costs or expenditures (e.g., the purchase of computers and tablets, renovation expenses)
  • start-up and operational costs for organizations
• profit-making activities
• international travel
• food and beverages
• religious and/or politically partisan activities
• contingency fees and miscellaneous fees

We cannot fund expenses incurred prior to receiving your application. If you incur expenses for your event before receiving written confirmation of your funding approval, you will be doing so at your own risk.

Limits of government assistance

To ensure the success of your project, we encourage you to have other funding sources. This may include contributions from your organization, the private sector, or other levels of government.

The total financial assistance received from the Program and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of your total eligible event-related expenses.

The Events component’s maximum amount per event, per fiscal year is $100,000, while the maximum amount per recipient for a recurring event over two fiscal years is $200,000 per application in the case of multi-year funding. The total amount requested cannot exceed $200,000 in the case of a multi-year funding.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate the possibility to receive a multi-year funding:

• maximum of funding per fiscal year cannot exceed $100,000
• have successfully organized a prior edition of the proposed event, within the past two years that met all eligibility requirements of the Events component
• the funding request is for a recurring event to take place over two fiscal years (once per year)

How to apply

Read these Application Guidelines in their entirety before completing your application.

You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding. Incomplete applications will be considered rejected.

A complete application package includes a signed Application Form for the Events funding component, and the following supporting documents:

• a signed Declaration/Attestation
• a balanced Budget (no surplus or deficit) using the program’s budget template
• a signed Application Checklist
• a copy of your most recent financial statements, audited if available
• letters of support from event partners (if applicable)
• a copy of your organization’s letters patent and documents of incorporation (Incorporated applicants only)
• a list of your current Board of Directors (Incorporated applicants only)
• a copy of the resolution from the Board of Directors if contact person is different from authorized person to sign
• a copy of your organization’s bylaws (Incorporated applicants only)
• a copy of your articles of association or a copy of your Terms of Reference (Unincorporated applicants only)
• a signed copy of the Unincorporated Applicant Acceptance of Liability form (Unincorporated applicants only)

Application process

Please contact your Canadian Heritage Regional Office for a copy of the Application Form and Budget Form.

To apply for funding, you must:

• complete, sign and date the Application Form
• complete the Budget Form
• attach all the required supporting documents
• submit your application by e-mail

Scanned images of pen or pencil signatures and digital signatures (i.e. Adobe digital signature certificate) are accepted.

Documents must be signed by an individual with signing authority for the organization.

Signatures typed using a keyboard and unsigned applications sent from the email account of a member of the organization with signing authority will be considered incomplete.

We cannot accept links to application forms, budgets and other documents saved on file-sharing sites (WeTransfer, Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.). All application documents must be sent as attachments by e-mail.

Should you be unable to send by email for any reason, please contact us.

How applications are evaluated

We fund events that have clear objectives and measurable results. Your application will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria listed below by a review committee who will compare it with other applications from your region and prioritize it in relation to Program priorities and the funds available.

Failure to comply with any conditions of a previously funded project will be considered in the evaluation of your new application and could result in the rejection of your new application.

Evaluation criteria

The following criteria are used to assess funding applications:

Event design, goals and rationale:

• the proposal demonstrates how the event supports the program objectives and the objectives and expected results of the Events component
• the need for the event is well established and clear
• the event has confirmed partners (if applicable)
• the event activities are designed to create concrete opportunities for positive interaction between different communities and/or target a single cultural community and provide opportunities to engage

Results, budget integrity and value for money:

• the anticipated impacts of the event on one or more of the communities that are involved are clearly expressed in the proposal and an approach to receive feedback from the communities is articulated
• the proposed budget is balanced and sufficiently detailed (i.e., costs and revenues have been itemized and explained)
• the proposed budget is reasonable and reflects due regard for the efficient and prudent use of public funds

Ensuring event success:

• the applicant has demonstrated capacity to deliver the proposed event in a successful, efficient and timely manner

Application processing time

Please refer to the Service standards for Canadian Heritage funding programs - or contact the Program.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks of receiving your application in our office.

If you do not receive an acknowledgment of receipt by email by the end of the second week, you must contact the Program. (Do not resend your application at this point)

We remind you that it is your responsibility to ensure that your funding application package has been received in order for the program to proceed with the assessment of your funding proposal.

Funding decisions

We reserve the right to target our funding to specific events or activities.

Please note that decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

We will determine if funding will be disbursed as a grant or as a contribution.

A grant is a payment issued to a recipient for a project. The conditions you agree to at the time of application will apply. At the end of your project, you will be required to submit a final activity report and/or participate in the evaluation of results.

A contribution is a conditional payment issued for a specific purpose, as outlined in a funding agreement. The agreement is signed by your organization and by the department and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment. At the end of your event, you must submit a final activity report and a final financial report.

Funding conditions

You may be required to submit interim reports should you receive funding as a contribution. All recipients are required to submit a final activity report whether they receive a grant or contribution.

Additional conditions may apply and, if applicable, will be included in your funding agreement.

Anti-racism and anti-hate

Canadian Heritage is committed to address systemic racism, promote diversity, and create environments where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered. We strive to challenge discriminatory beliefs and practices, cultivate understanding and empathy, and champion policies and programs that advance equality for all.

Organizations receiving funding, including any representatives whether employees, consultants, or other persons directly affiliated with the organization, must take steps to ensure they respect the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.

Workplace well-being

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to promoting healthy workplaces where harassment, abuse and discrimination are not tolerated. Organizations that receive funding from Canadian Heritage must take measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.

Official languages requirements

We are committed to taking positive measures to enhance the vitality of official language minority communities and to promote the use of English and French in Canadian society. If you receive funding, you agree to comply with the official languages requirements set out in your application and in your funding agreement.

Acknowledgement of financial assistance

If you receive funding, you must publicly acknowledge – in English and in French – the financial support received from the Government of Canada in all communications materials and promotional activities. Additional requirements may be included in your funding agreement.

For additional information, please refer to our Guide on the public acknowledgement of financial support.

Access to information requests

We are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The information you submit in your application may be disclosed in accordance with these acts.

Disclosure of information

By submitting your funding application, you authorize us to disclose any information submitted with this application within the Government of Canada or to outside entities for the following purposes:

• to reach a decision
• to evaluate the results of the event
• to support transparency, accountability and citizen engagement
• to explore the possibility of funding from another federal government program

Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program

We reserve the right to audit your accounts and records to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of your funding agreement. We also conduct periodic Program evaluations, during which you may be required to present documentation.

You must keep any records, documents, or other information that may be required to perform the audit or the evaluation for five years. Demonstrated failure to maintain such records may result in the repayment of amounts previously received.

Contact us

For further information, please contact us:

Department of Canadian Heritage
Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau, Quebec
J8X 4B3

Email

financementpmlcr-fundingmarp@pch.gc.ca

Telephone

819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired)

Advisors are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (ET).

Regional offices of the Department of Canadian Heritage

Glossary

This glossary contains definitions of some important terms used in the guidelines, application form or other documents that may be requested as part of the analysis of your project.

Administrative costs

Administrative expenses such as office supplies, telephone, fax, Internet, utilities, postage, courier, photocopying/printing, and rent for office space.

Audited financial report

An audited financial report includes a statement of operations for the given period with regard to the project and is prepared by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization.

Audited financial statements

A complete set of financial statements including a statement of financial position; a statement of operations; and a statement of changes in financial position. Audited financial statements are completed by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization. The certified accountant performs auditing activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Black Canadians

Black Canadians generally includes diverse individuals, populations, and communities in Canada that identify as having African or Caribbean ancestry.

Cash flow

A presentation of all anticipated revenues and planned expenses that will occur over the length of your project. At the beginning of your project, your cash flow will have only forecasted revenues and expenses. Over time, your cash flow will be updated to reflect the actual revenues and expenses.

Community Based Organizations

Community-based organizations are non-profit, non-governmental, or charitable organizations that represent community needs and work to help them. They may be associated with a particular area of concern or segment of the community.

Equity-deserving communities

Equity-deserving individuals and groups are those who face barriers to equal access, opportunities and resources due to disadvantage and discrimination created by institutions, systems, narratives and individuals in power. For the Program, equity-deserving communities are identified as Indigenous Peoples, Black communities, and other racialized and religious minority communities, while considering intersectionality.

Ethnocultural communities

A group of people whose members identify with each other through a common heritage. An ethnocultural community or group is defined by the shared characteristics unique to, and recognized by, that group. This includes characteristics such as cultural traditions, ancestry, language, national identity, and/or country of origin.

To the extent that religion is inextricably linked to the group's racial or cultural identity, it can also be recognized as a defining characteristic. In some cases, a group may view its common origin as pan-national, or it may be based on geographic region of origin.

Ethnocultural communities may or may not overlap with racialized communities (See definition of racialized communities).

Events

Events are community-based, short-term activities that nurture and promote intercultural or interfaith understanding, promote discussions on multiculturalism, diversity, racism, and religious discrimination, or celebrate a community’s history and culture such as heritage months recognized by Parliament. These should be open and intended for the general public and foster concrete interaction amongst communities.

Final report

A final report is submitted at the end of your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. Your final report needs to provide the results of the activities you have undertaken for the duration of your project.

Final financial report

A final financial report includes, as separate items, the budget as well as all of the revenues realized, and expenditures incurred for the given period with regard to the Project being funded.

Financial statements

A complete set of financial statements, including a statement of financial position; a statement of operations; and a statement of changes in financial position. Financial statements may be audited or unaudited.

Indigenous Peoples

A collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. The Canadian Constitution recognizes 3 groups of Indigenous peoples: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These are 3 distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

Interim reports

Interim reports are submitted during your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. These reports indicate the results of the activities undertaken for a specific period. In addition, they include a status report on the work to be accomplished and updated revenue and expense reports.

Liability insurance

Insurance for claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property.

Offensive content

Actions that, in the Minister’s opinion, contain or promote any of the following:

• hate propaganda,
• illegal material as defined in the Criminal Code;
• material that contains excessive or gratuitous violence;
• material that is denigrating to an identifiable group; or
• any other similarly offensive material.

Official-language minority communities

The official-language minority communities are the Anglophone communities residing in Quebec and the Francophone communities residing outside of Quebec.

Partners

All parties (individuals, communities, community-based organizations, public and private sector institutions and funding bodies) with a vested interest in a particular issue.

Racialized communities

Communities of shared heritage who have been historically disadvantaged as a group and may experience discrimination based on colour, culture and/or race.

Religious minority communities

A minority religion is a religion held by a minority of the population of a country, state, or region. In Canada, these are people who identify as being affiliated with a non-Christian religion, for example, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish, Traditional (Indigenous) Spirituality, and others.

Youth

Refers to individuals in the stage of life from adolescence to early adulthood. Numerically it includes young people between the ages of 15 to 29.

Volunteer

An individual working on behalf of others without receiving financial or material gain.