FAQs

Inspire Vancouver is the city’s cultural access program. It uses public funding to support nonprofit arts, culture, heritage and science organizations so people in our community can experience learning, creativity and connection. The program especially helps those who face barriers such as cost, transportation or disability.

Funding can support many kinds of public programs, including:

• School-based and youth learning programs
• Free or low-cost events, festivals and performances
• Exhibitions, workshops and lectures
• Cultural and science programs in neighborhoods and community spaces

Programs should be open to the public, with some exceptions for school-based programs.

The program is funded by a 0.1% cultural access sales tax—about one penny for every $10 spent, or roughly $30 per year for the average household. Inspire Vancouver is expected to invest nearly $7 million each year in community-based cultural experiences through grants.

Equity is central to the program. Inspire Vancouver prioritizes:

• Reducing barriers such as cost, transportation and accessibility
• Expanding cultural learning for youth
• Supporting programs by and for historically underrepresented communities
• Bringing arts, culture, heritage and science to neighborhoods with fewer resources

Organizations that don't have their own 501(c)(3) nonprofit status but meet all other eligibility criteria can team up with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to serve as their Fiscal Sponsor. Fiscal Sponsorship is when a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides administrative and financial support for another organization that works for the good of the public but doesn't have their own nonprofit status. The Fiscal Sponsor can sign and manage a contract with the City of Vancouver on behalf of the sponsored organization.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations whose main purpose is to advance or preserve arts, culture, heritage or science, and who provide public programs or experiences for Vancouver residents.

• Organizations outside Vancouver may apply if most of their programming happens in the city or primarily serves Vancouver residents
• Individuals can also apply for most grants with an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

To see if a location is within Vancouver city limits, enter the address in the Vancouver City Limits Map. A flag icon will show your location and confirm whether it is inside or outside city limits.

Not necessarily. The organization’s primary mission must focus on arts, culture, heritage or science.

Organizations without nonprofit status may be eligible by partnering with an eligible fiscal sponsor, a nonprofit that manages administrative and financial responsibilities for the project.

No. Government organizations, including the City of Vancouver, are not eligible to receive funds. However, cultural nonprofits operating in city facilities can receive funding for expenses or tenant improvements.

Yes. Funds cannot be used for:

• Commercial or for-profit activities
• Fundraisers or galas
• Debt service or endowment building
• Programs promoting political agendas or religious practices
• Programs that primarily happen outside Vancouver

Yes. Funding can cover:

• Staff, contractors and artists’ compensation
• Supplies, equipment and technology
• Rent, insurance, permits and marketing
• Capacity-building and sustainability efforts for public programs

Payment schedules vary depending on the grant type and award amount.

You are allowed to apply for grants in multiple categories during the same grant cycle. You can't submit multiple proposals in the same category.

Applications are reviewed by panels of community members using published criteria. Recommendations go to the Culture, Arts and Heritage Commission for final approval. Inspire Vancouver staff can help guide applicants but do not score applications.

Eligible organizations may apply whenever a new grant cycle opens. Each application goes through a competitive review process. Prior funding does not guarantee future funding. Timelines, eligibility details and deadlines are posted on the Inspire Vancouver website and shared on social media.