---
title: Is collaborative grantmaking the key to equitable funding in Vancouver?
date: 2023-10-20T10:13:30Z
modified: 2025-10-17T05:47:05Z
permalink: "https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/city-project/advance-equitable-accessible-funding-leadership-organizational-practices/"
type: city-project
status: publish
excerpt: The Grants and Awards team piloted a dedicated Cultural Equity Grants program, an invitation based, noncompetitive process for multi-year grants to support greater equity for the arts and culture sector.
wpid: 168705
tags:
  - Advocacy
  - Cultural Rights
  - Innovation
  - Vancouver
  - Canada
  - North America
  - Economy
  - Equity & Inclusion
  - Funding
region:
  - Vancouver
country:
  - Canada
city-region:
  - North America
topic:
  - Economy
  - Equity & Inclusion
  - Funding
featured_image: "https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PARIS-4.jpg"
timestamp: 2025-10-17T05:47:05Z
---

## Project: making cultural grants more equitable



![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PARIS-4.jpg)

**The Purpose**
The purpose of the Cultural Equity Grants program was to establish an innovative grant mechanism focused on equity within the arts and culture sector. It aimed to build stronger connections between the City and grant recipients through an invitation-based, non-competitive process for multi-year grants. The primary objective was to foster a collaborative relationship where staff actively engaged with invited organizations to facilitate the grant application process.

**The Challenge**
The challenge was the lack of a grant program that holistically addressed cultural equity in the arts and culture sector. Traditional grant processes were often competitive, leaving some underrepresented and marginalised organisations without funding. This challenge necessitated a more inclusive, transparent and equitable approach to grant distribution.

> By promoting a more inclusive and equitable approach to grant distribution, the program has had a positive impact on advancing cultural equity within the arts and culture sector

![](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/11.jpg)

**The Solution**
The solution was the introduction of the Cultural Equity Grants program, characterized by an innovative approach to grant distribution. The program eliminated competition, instead opting for an invitation-based system, and encouraged close collaboration between City staff and grant recipients. Organisations were encouraged to share their knowledge, identify potential future grant recipients, and work with staff to ensure equitable funding practices. This novel approach sought to address the challenge of cultural equity in the arts and culture sector by transforming the grant application process into a more inclusive and cooperative endeavour.

**The Impact**
Past grantees, including organisations such as the Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Afro Van Connect, Open Access Foundation for Arts and Culture, and Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective Society, have experienced the program’s benefits. By promoting a more inclusive and equitable approach to grant distribution, the program has had a positive impact on advancing cultural equity within the arts and culture sector. It signifies a shift toward greater collaboration and transparency in grant processes, leading to a more diverse and representative cultural landscape.

_Source:_ [_World Cities Culture Report 2022_](https://worldcitiescultureforum.com/publication/world-cities-culture-forum-report-2022/)

Images Courtesy © Getty/Canva