
New Manitoba Arts Council Funding Opportunity: “Looking Forward” Grants Support Arts Organizations in Transition
The Winnipeg Foundation and Manitoba Arts Council have launched a collaborative new funding program called Looking Forward, aimed at helping Manitoba-based arts and cultural organizations prepare for the future.
These grants support meaningful organizational change — from exploring new business models to developing strategic partnerships, or even navigating major transitions like mergers or wind-downs. Whether your group is considering new revenue streams, restructuring, or addressing long-term sustainability, this program could provide critical support.
Two types of grants are available:
- Exploration Grants (up to $15,000) help organizations assess a key challenge and plan for change.
- Implementation Grants (up to $35,000) support putting change into action based on prior exploration work.
Eligible applicants include registered charities, non-profits, collectives, and even some for-profit book or periodical publishers — as long as they are arts-focused and have operated in Manitoba for at least three years.
The fall 2025 deadline is September 30, with results announced by November 30. A summer 2026 intake is also available.
Click here to learn about this new program.