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Intake-basedCloses 2026-11-06OntarioLoans

Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)

Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation (program of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming)

Partially repayable loan providing up-front marketing and promotion capital; no fixed maximum published. The board usually funds no more than $5 per attendee and no more than the applicant's marketing expenses. Repayment is 15% of project gross earned revenue up to a cap of 30% to 50% of the OCAF investment depending on organization size and location

Provides up-front working capital for the marketing and promotional costs of one-off, first-time or significantly expanded cultural events, festivals and exhibitions that attract new tourists. The investment takes the form of a partially repayable loan.

Open the official page ↗
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How to apply

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Who qualifies

Incorporated Ontario-based not-for-profit and/or charitable professional arts, heritage or cultural organizations, Ontario municipalities or municipal agencies, or First Nation, Band Council, Metis or Inuit communities undertaking a major arts or heritage project; in existence at least one year. Project must be distinct from ongoing programming, run for a fixed period, have a marketing plan targeting new tourists, and anticipate at least 10% private-sector revenue and at least 40% earned revenue. Support no more than once every two years.

Non-profit

Good to know

  • Funding: From the OCAF How To Apply and FAQ pages. Repayment is due 60 to 90 days after the event; returning applicants after two years face a 10% higher repayment cap. Board typically considers attendance of at least 750 (rural) or 7,500 (large urban centres).
  • Notes: Dedicated ontario.ca page does not exist; the delivery agency site was read. OCAF Program Guide is a 2013 PDF.

Evidence from the official page

  • amount“Repayment of a portion of the investment is required in all cases” source ↗
  • amount“The maximum repayment levels range from 30% to 50% of the OCAF investment” source ↗
  • deadline“There is no deadline for Stage 1 applications” source ↗
  • deadline“Stage 2 applications should be assessed by the OCAF Board approximately three to six months prior to an event.” source ↗
  • deadline“November 6, 2026” source ↗

Verified 2026-10-09 · High confidence. Always confirm on the official page before applying.