As a nation during a pandemic, or arguably as a species, we tend to prioritize our healthcare, technology, and agricultural sustainability for the needs of our essential survival. Yet in doing so, we seem to neglect the aspects of our livelihoods that make us feel truly alive, our inherent desire for culture, music, and entertainment. Without our vibrant Canadian music industry, we would not have concerts, events, or activities that blossom our collective creativity and bring together our many communities.
The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) will provide eligible applicants with direct grants for up to 50% of project costs to a maximum of $300,000 per funding cycle.
The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) was launched in 2020 with the aim to protect and rebuild Ontario’s lively and diverse music industry by supporting the economic growth of music trade associations and service organizations in the music sector.
How Will OMIF Grants Help the Canadian Music Industry?
The Ontario Music Investment Fund (OMIF) intends to support the local music industry by creating opportunities for emerging artists to record and perform in Ontario.
“Ontario remains open for artists, and open for musicians, and open for online [music industry] business during these unprecedented times.”
– Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
By directing OMIF government funding to optimize the music sector’s revenue, profits, job creation, private investment, and tax revenue, the recovery of Ontario’s music industry will help with our economic world-profile and prestige of our music industry while helping music industry organizations, associations, and individuals through difficult times.
Funding Snapshot: Ontario Music Industry Initiative
Amount:
- 50% to maximum $300,000 per funding cycle.
Applicant Eligibility:
- Non-profit Canadian organization;
- Canadian-owned and controlled, incorporated in Ontario or federally with head office in Ontario;
- In good financial standing and in operation for at least two years prior to application;
- Engaged in music-related activities in Ontario, serving Ontario artists and companies in the music industry; and
- Demonstrate expertise and experience in supporting the industry through activities or programming.
- Ineligible Applicants – the following organizations are ineligible under this fund:
- Music Festivals;
- Federal, Provincial, Municipal Governments and/or their agencies; and
- Universities, Colleges and/or Training Institutions.
- Exceptions to the eligibility requirements may be considered for:
- Incorporated for-profit companies whose primary purpose is to plan, develop, market and stage events, conferences and workshops that provide professional development and networking opportunities for music industry professionals in Ontario.
- BIPOC – (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) or Francophone-focused organizations.
Eligible Projects:
- Strategic Development – new strategic initiatives to address challenges and opportunities for stakeholder groups and/ or address specific environmental changes.
- Professional Development – business learning opportunities for the music sector (such as developing new components for existing conferences (including virtual/online offerings); presenting a regional industry conference; providing online training resources).
- Market Development – new opportunities to showcase Ontario artists at domestic and international festivals and events, engage in trade missions and expand export activities at global industry marketplaces.
- Digital Innovation – new initiatives that provide resources, develop tools (including data analytics), or leverage digital platforms to raise the profile and economic impact of Ontario music.
- Skills Development – support for business development and training initiatives delivered by music industry associations/organizations – targeted at professional artists, technical or business staff and owner/managers.
Apply for the Ontario Music Industry Initiative (OMIF):
The deadline to submit an OMIF application for funding is October 28, 2021. All applications must be submitted 8 weeks in advance of an event or start date of the project. The event or eligible project must take place between July 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022.
The OMIF funding program is seeking music-related associations and organizations that will positively contribute long-term growth to Ontario’s music industry and boost the sector through unprecedented times. With government grants, OMIF hopes that music sector businesses will come out on the other side of the pandemic having not only survived its impacts, but persevered and grown stronger alongside it.
If you are interested in applying for any streams of the OMIF funding program, please contact a member of the Mentor Works team for assistance in completing and submitting the application. We also encourage readers to join our free Weekly Mentor Works Funding Newsletter to stay up to date with program updates and featured success stories.