Legacy Fund – Building Communities through Arts and Heritage

Building Communities through Arts and Heritage - Legacy Fund component provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000.

Who can apply

Eligible organizations must have been in existence for at least two years and plan to continue operating after the project’s completion. They include:

• local incorporated non-profit organizations;
• local band councils, tribal councils or other local Aboriginal government and organizations (First Nations, Inuit or Métis);
• municipal administrations and their agencies, boards and commissions that demonstrate an active partnership with at least one community-based group for the purposes of the proposed project.

Eligible projects

Funding supports community-initiated capital projects that:

• commemorate a significant local historical event or pay tribute to a significant local historical personality;
• mark a 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years (e.g., 125th, 150th);
• involve the restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use;
• encourage arts and heritage activities in the local community that are intended for and accessible to the general public.

Eligible projects must meet all of the above criteria.

Application deadline

The application period for Legacy Fund projects with expenses between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, is now complete. Applications will no longer be accepted for this period.

Organizations planning future projects should review the Legacy Fund guidelines to confirm eligibility.  Please contact the program to submit a brief project summary, including the anniversary date, and to receive guidance for future intake periods.

Expressions of interest for future projects must meet the following timing requirements:

• project expenses must start on or after April 1, 2027; and
• organizations must submit a project summary before the anniversary date of the event or personality being commemorated.

Email: dcap-bcah@pch.gc.ca

Application intake updates will be posted on this page. The next update is expected in Fall 2026. Please check back for updates.

How to apply

• Review the Application Guidelines - Legacy Fund.
• Contact the Department of Canadian Heritage to:
  •  discuss your project with a program officer before preparing your application
  • request the Legacy Fund application form and budget form

Contact us

Department of Canadian Heritage
Building Communities through Arts and Heritage
200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
J8X 4C6

Email

dcap-bcah@pch.gc.ca

Telephone

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

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET).