Many arts grants in British Columbia are not open to individuals or informal groups. Funders often require a registered non-profit to apply or act as a sponsor. If you are an artist or project leader and do not have a non-profit, finding the right sponsor can help you access funding that would otherwise be unavailable.

One example is the Equity Grants (BC) program. Individuals from marginalized communities can only apply if they have a willing non-profit sponsor.

A non-profit sponsor applies for the grant and manages the funds for you. The project belongs to you, but the sponsor is the official applicant and is responsible for the funds.

For the Equity Grants (BC) program, a sponsor must:

Be a non-profit organization registered in British Columbia
Be located in an eligible Capital Region District (CRD) municipality
Agree to manage the grant funds and reporting
Support a project led by people or groups from a marginalized community

Equity Grants support arts programs by and for communities facing barriers because of race, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, or disability.

You can apply for up to $10,000 per approved project. Applications are assessed as they come in, while funds are available.

Finding a sponsor works best when you focus on organizations whose mission matches your project.

Local Arts and Cultural Organizations

Start with non-profits active in your field or community. These may include:

Community arts councils
Cultural associations
Artist-run centres
Indigenous or equity-focused arts organizations

Groups in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Highlands, Metchosin, Sooke, and the Southern Gulf Islands (excluding Salt Spring Island) are eligible under Equity Grants.

Non-Profits Serving Marginalized Communities

Equity Grants focus on projects led by marginalized communities. Look for non-profits that:

Serve the same community as your project
Have a mandate for arts, culture, or community expression
Have managed public grant funding before

A strong mission match increases your chances of finding a willing sponsor.

Past Grant Recipients

Non-profits that have received arts funding before understand the process. You can find these organizations by checking annual reports, websites, or public grant listings.

GrantHub can help you find sponsors and grants in British Columbia. You can filter by province and funding structure to see which programs require a sponsor.

How Sponsorship Agreements Work

A sponsorship agreement explains what you and the non-profit sponsor will do. Most agreements cover:

The sponsor’s role as applicant and fund manager
The artist or group’s responsibility for project delivery
How reporting and communication will work
Any administration fees or public recognition for the sponsor

Putting these details in writing helps prevent misunderstandings and supports a good partnership.

When you contact a potential sponsor, be clear and direct. Include:

A short project summary (what you’re creating and who it’s for)
Why the project fits the Equity Grants (BC) goals
The amount of funding you need (up to $10,000)
What you need from the sponsor (application, fund management, reporting)

State the roles clearly. The sponsor handles compliance, and you deliver the project.

Tips for Successful Sponsorship Partnerships

Start early. Give the sponsor time to review your proposal and ask questions.
Show alignment. Explain how your project fits the sponsor’s mission and helps their community.
Be transparent. Discuss budgets, timelines, and expectations from the start.
Build relationships. Good partnerships can help with future funding.

What Non-Profit Sponsors Usually Expect in Return

Sponsors often expect something in return for their support, such as:

A small administration fee
Public recognition in project materials
Alignment with their community or strategic goals

You should agree to these terms in writing before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Contacting unrelated organizations
If your project does not fit the non-profit’s mission, they are unlikely to sponsor you.
Waiting until the last minute
Equity Grants are assessed as they come in, but sponsors need enough time to review and approve your project.
Ignoring geographic eligibility
Equity Grants only apply to certain CRD municipalities, based on the sponsor’s address.
Assuming individuals can apply alone
You must have a non-profit sponsor to be eligible for Equity Grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can individuals apply directly for Equity Grants in BC?
No. Individuals or groups must apply through a non-profit sponsor.

Q: How much funding can an Equity Grant provide?
You can receive up to $10,000 per approved project, depending on available funds.

Q: Are Equity Grants first come, first served?
No. Applications are reviewed as they are received, while funds last.

Q: What expenses are not eligible under Equity Grants?
You cannot use funds for capital asset purchases, fundraising, or scholarships.

Q: Do Equity Grants count as taxable income?
Tax rules depend on the non-profit’s accounting and legal status.

If you need more options, GrantHub tracks hundreds of grants across Canada. You can see which ones match your project or organization.

Next Steps

Finding the right non-profit sponsor takes time, but it can help you access grants you could not get on your own. Start by checking which grants need sponsorship and which organizations fit the criteria. GrantHub can help you identify eligible arts grants in British Columbia and learn what each program expects before you apply.

How to Find a Non-Profit Sponsor for Arts Grants in British Columbia