If you work in the arts, culture, or media sector, knowing what expenses grants will actually pay for is just as important as finding the funding itself. Many programs will only reimburse specific, project-related costs. In British Columbia, equity-focused grants are especially clear about what’s eligible — and what isn’t — to ensure funding reaches underrepresented communities.
This guide explains the most common eligible and ineligible expenses for arts, culture, and media grants, with real examples from BC Equity Grants and comparable Canadian programs.
While each program has its own rules, most arts, culture, and media grants fund direct project costs, not general business overhead. Below are the expense categories you’ll see most often.
Most grants prioritize paying people fairly.
Commonly eligible costs include:
For example, Capital Region District Equity Grants (BC) allow funding for artist and facilitator fees as part of eligible project expenses, with grants of up to $10,000 per project.
These are the hands-on costs required to create or present the work.
Often eligible:
Capital assets — such as permanently purchasing high-value equipment — are usually not eligible under equity-focused programs.
Many arts and media grants recognize that projects need an audience.
Eligible expenses may include:
Programs like Celebrate Canada and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund allow promotional costs directly tied to funded activities.
Equity grants in particular support removing barriers to participation.
These costs are often eligible:
BC Equity Grants are designed to fund projects by and for marginalized communities, making accessibility-related expenses a strong fit.
Limited admin costs are sometimes allowed if they directly support the project.
Examples:
General operating expenses, ongoing salaries, or rent unrelated to the project are usually excluded.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and discipline in seconds, so you don’t waste time on grants that won’t cover your core costs.
Understanding exclusions can save you from rejected applications.
Based on BC Equity Grants and similar programs, common ineligible expenses include:
The Capital Region District explicitly excludes capital assets and fundraising costs from Equity Grant funding.
Most equity and project grants support temporary use, not ownership. Renting is usually acceptable; buying is not.
Grants rarely cover your full rent, utilities, or permanent staff wages unless they are directly tied to the funded project.
Many applicants forget to budget for captioning, interpretation, or community supports — even when these costs strengthen eligibility.
Expenses incurred before your funding agreement is signed are often ineligible and won’t be reimbursed.
Q: Do arts grants cover artist wages or salaries?
Yes, most programs allow artist fees and honoraria, but usually not permanent salaries. The work must be directly related to the funded project.
Q: Can individuals apply for equity-based arts grants in BC?
Individuals can apply if they partner with a willing non-profit sponsor organization. The project must still serve a marginalized community.
Q: Are marketing and promotion expenses eligible?
Yes, when promotion is directly tied to the funded activity, such as an exhibition, screening, or performance.
Q: Are grants taxable?
For non-profits, tax treatment depends on accounting practices. For individuals, grant income may be taxable — confirm with an accountant.
Q: Can I use multiple grants to cover one project?
Often yes, but you must clearly show which expenses each grant will cover and avoid double funding the same cost.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active arts, culture, and media grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your project, community focus, and budget needs.
Before applying, map each expense in your budget to a clear project outcome. If you’re unsure whether a cost is eligible, look at similar funded projects or program FAQs.
GrantHub helps you compare grant rules side by side, so you can focus on programs that actually fund the work you want to do.
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