Inspire Vancouver opens first grant applications for community organizations
August 6, 2026
Inspire Vancouver is accepting applications for its Innovation, Impact and Comprehensive grants, marking a major milestone in the City of Vancouver’s new Cultural Access Program. The grants provide support to nonprofits and community organizations that expand access to arts, culture, heritage and science for Vancouver residents.
Inspire Vancouver grants are open to eligible nonprofit organizations focused on arts, culture, heritage or science that are based in Vancouver or provide at least 55% of their programs within the city. Individual artists may also apply with a qualified fiscal sponsor. All grant recipients must provide public programming that benefits Vancouver residents.
Through these grants, Inspire Vancouver aims to:
- Increase public access to arts, culture, heritage and science programming in Vancouver
- Support local nonprofit organization with stable funding
- Foster innovation and creativity
- Strengthen Vancouver’s economic and cultural sectors
- Promote equity and inclusion
- Support youth education and school partnerships
The first Inspire Vancouver funding cycle will be a one-time, eight-month grant period running from November 2026 through June 2027 because the program is launching midway through the fiscal year. As a result, the program’s first-year budget will be approximately $3.85 million, compared with its typical annual budget of approximately $7 million. The first-year budget supports Innovation, Impact, Comprehensive and school grant funding, as well as program administration. Capital grant applications will open in 2027, and all Inspire Vancouver grant programs will be available during the full 2027-28 funding cycle.
Grant applications for Innovation, Impact and Comprehensive are open through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Grant awards will be announced in October, and funding will be distributed in November.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Vancouver’s arts, culture, heritage and science community,” said Diana Betancourt, Inspire Vancouver program supervisor. “Many nonprofits have never had access to a dedicated local funding source like this. We’re excited to launch these first grants and invest in organizations that strengthen our community, expand access and create opportunities for residents throughout Vancouver.”
To help organizations prepare competitive proposals, Inspire Vancouver encourages applicants to attend a grant workshop in August. Staff will also be available for individual proposal feedback before the application deadline.
For information about eligibility, application requirements, grant workshops and how to apply, visit www.inspirevancouver.org/.
Media Contact:
Abby Ketcham, Inspire Vancouver communications specialist, abby.ketcham@cityofvancouver.us, 360-726-0720