Aboriginal Cultural Initiatives

 

What is the Aboriginal Cultural Initiatives Program?

The Aboriginal Cultural Initiatives Program provides financial assistance to powwow celebrations recognized as being signature community events.

The program will assist communities in raising an understanding, awareness, and appreciation of its heritage, culture, identity, and other elements. This in turn will foster a sense of identity and pride by organizing a signature community event that will involve community and youth participation. A primary focus of participation will be to engage youth in traditional practices, beliefs and value systems. The celebration and reflection of a community's culture and traditions will contribute to local tourism and/or other economic activity and facilitate the communication and cooperation among community groups, businesses and local governments. The program will provide support for the cultural component of each event.

The types of projects eligible are annual traditional powwow celebrations that promote the preservation of culture and heritage. The cultural component of each event will be eligible for support through this program. Examples of such items include, but are not restricted to: tobacco for ceremonial purposes; gifts given to honour guests and elders; honorariums for elders; special guests/performers. The event must demonstrate tangible financial and/or in-kind support from local government, local business, and the community.

What is the deadline?

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. It is anticipated the majority of requests will be received in April and May each year for projects that will occur in the summer and fall.

Applicants will be notified in writing regarding the result of their application. Notification will normally take place within four weeks of the receipt of the application.

Review and approval procedure

The following information must be included with the application:

• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and should be submitted a minimum of eight weeks in advance of the project/event.
  
  
• A report on the previous year's celebration including financial statement, a description of events and activities and the number of volunteers who worked for the event.
  
  
• A board or organizing committee approved budget for the upcoming event.
  
  
• A program description for the upcoming event, outlining community involvement.
  
  
• Documentation confirming the amount of financial and in-kind support provided by local government, business and or the community.
  
  
• Letters of reference from community organizations and groups, confirming the event's status as the community's signature annual event.
  
  
• In addition to the above, if any of the following information is available, it must be included with the application: mission statement, goals and objectives, bylaws, constitution, policy statements, history of the organization and event.

Who can apply?

• The event must be recognized by the community as a traditional celebration - reflecting, celebrating and profiling the unique character of the local community - its heritage, culture and identity.

• The event must have taken place for a minimum of two years and must not be eligible for ongoing financial assistance through other provincial government programs.

• All events and activities must be open and accessible to the general public.

• The event must provide opportunities for all citizens, including youth, to participate as spectators, volunteers, or as part of the event's programming. Provision of opportunities for youth leadership should be a particular feature.

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

• The event must operate as an incorporated, non-profit corporation or under the jurisdiction of an organizing committee.

• Priority consideration will be given to applications that demonstrate the highest degree of community interaction, cultural impact and youth participation.

What is the funding formula?

Successful applicants are eligible to receive a grant, for eligible costs, of up to a maximum of $5,000.00. Most grants will be awarded in the range of $500.00 to $1,500.00. Grants in excess of $3,000.00 will be dispersed with 75% of the commitment flowing upon Ministerial approval and the remaining balance provided after the project is completed and upon receipt of a final report.

Conditions

• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and should be submitted a minimum of eight weeks in advance of the project/event.

• Assistance will not duplicate support provided through other provincial programs.

• Funding applications to the Aboriginal Cultural Initiatives Program must be made on an annual basis. Previous funding from the program does not guarantee year to year funding.

• Meeting the general and eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis and are subject to availability of funds.

• Qualifying organizations may only apply for one grant per year.

• A narrative and financial report (with the relevant receipts) on the event must be submitted six weeks after the event.

• The event must incorporate an acknowledgement of the Department's support.

What other services are available?

Consultation services are available to assist community organizations in the planning, development and submission of their proposals.

How do you apply for a grant?

Prior to applying for assistance, please contact the Arts Branch artsbranch@gov.mb.ca