Cultural Grants

General Operating Grant

The General Operating grant is available to arts, culture and heritage organizations that carry out the majority of their work in Kelowna. These grants support the operations of the organization, but are not to be used for start-up, events or capital projects. This grant acknowledges the work these organizations do and how they positively contribute to Kelowna's quality of life, identity and economy. Grants up to $10,000 dollars are extended to qualifying recipients who demonstrate vision, accountability and a spirit of community service in their operations.

General Operating guidelines  Sample application

Core Operating Program

The Core Operating program provides consistent and reliable annual support to professional, established non-profit arts and cultural organizations which provide impactful, quality programs and services, demonstrate sustainable operations and contribute to the realization of our cultural vision, principals and goals as outlined in the Cultural Plan. Funding assists these organizations with operational sustainability and enables them to develop and deliver their wonderful programs and services to the community. Examples of Core Operating level funding include: Ballet Kelowna, Opera Kelowna and Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.

Due to the nature of the eligibility criteria for this program, please contact Christine McWillis, (250) 470-0640, [email protected] to obtain more information.

Core Operating Guidelines

This open-intake program is intended to provide up to $500 for small scale arts and culture activations or projects for equity seeking communities that would otherwise not have access to supports. Recognizing existing inequities and barriers, this program welcomes applications from, and prioritizes support to historically and systemically marginalized communities.

Celebrating successful applicants

Project name: Time

A screening of a powerful short film Time, created by two Canadian Punjabi women inspired by their personal experiences with their grandmothers. Time follows Surjit Kaur's journey as she navigates life after loss and grief. With a story that transcends generations, this film remind us that life is full of possibilities, even in older age or after experiencing loss. Following the film, there will be a discussion with the Directors. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the filmmakers and be inspired their story.

Project name: Okanagan Chinese Pioneer Genealogy

The Kelowna Chinese United Association (KCUA) History Group, in collaboration with the Kelowna & District Genealogical Society (KDGS), is researching and creating illustrated genealogies of early Chinese families in Kelowna. This project aims to preserve and showcase the contributions of Chinese pioneers through historical records, family trees, and visual storytelling. The completed work will be exhibited during Heritage Week 2026, offering the community a deeper understanding of Kelowna’s Chinese heritage.

Project name: Trans Day of Visibility

On March 31, Advocacy Canada supported the International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) with an event at the Laurel Packing House. The event featured speakers from the trans community, drag queen & king performances, spoken word artists, and other performers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its members and allies. This Trans Day of Visibility event was a celebration of the ways in which community members continue to fight against hate and marginalization, and seek hope and belonging in Kelowna.

Learn more about applying

Alternate submission methods are accepted for the Advancing Equity Micro Grant to assist applicants in the grant application processes and reporting requirements where challenges such as language, accessibility, time, technology, or professional experience may hinder the group's ability to effectively navigate application complexities. 

Accepted submission formats include:

• Interview conducted in person, phone or through video call
• Pre-recorded video submission
• Written in the applicant's language of preference
• In a format proposed by the applicant and accepted by the City of Kelowna that reduces the barriers of the application process for the applicant.

Contact City staff for more information or to arrange an alternate submission method;

Joanne Taylor
Cultural Advisor, City of Kelowna
[email protected]
(250) 317-4264

Apply now 

Advancing Equity guidelines  sample application

This program received 23 applications, the highest number to date, even exceeding levels prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Total funding requests amounted to $167,160, which is 162% above the available funding of $63,760. Of the applications received, 15 were successful and will receive the total available funding of $63,760. Of these successful applicants, 81% will receive partial funding.

The funded Project Grant recipients and a short description of their projects are listed in alphabetical order below.