City’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund (ACHF) Grant Program Soon Accepting Applications for Second Funding Round of 2026

The City of Windsor will soon be accepting applications for the second of two 2026 funding rounds for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund (ACHF) grant program. This funding stream awards project grants to deserving individuals and cultural organizations to help stimulate creative and economic growth in Windsor, contributing to a prosperous economy and to making Windsor an attractive and affordable place to live. Completion of funded projects often results in assets, products, programs and initiatives being available for public engagement. From films to photography collections, novels to performances, exhibitions to virtual programs, the ACHF makes a difference in the community by supporting local, innovative and creative works.

Since 2014, the ACHF program has awarded $1,252,500 in grant funding to 513 individual arts, culture and heritage projects in Windsor, including funding for 36 community arts-based programs and initiatives, 78 visual arts projects and initiatives, 66 literary arts projects and initiatives, 97 performing arts projects and initiatives, 134 musical arts projects and initiatives, 69 film arts projects and initiatives, and 33 heritage and culture projects and initiatives.

Current Funding Round:

This year, $133,000 will be awarded, with $66,500 available in each of two funding rounds. Applications for the second funding round will be accepted from Monday, June 22, to Friday, July 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The ACHF program is fully accessible through the online platform at www.ACHFWindsor.ca. The application link goes live when each application round opens. Applicants can complete the application, attach supporting documents and materials, and submit and receive confirmation of their application online.

Mandatory Consultation:

In order to be considered, applicants must be residents of Windsor and must consult with Culture staff prior to submitting a project for funding, and before the application deadline. Consultations are conducted via email, once the application round opens, and help to ensure applicants and projects meet program eligibility requirements. Interested applicants should email culturalaffairs@citywindsor.ca for an email consultation.

Virtual Public Information Session:

To assist first-time ACHF applicants, a virtual public information session will be offered Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. During this session, a program coordinator will review the guidelines, key priorities and objectives, and the application and adjudication process. Attendance is not mandatory, and this session is intended for first-time applicants only. Those wishing to attend will need to RSVP to receive a link and password to facilitate participation. Please RSVP to culturalaffairs@citywindsor.ca by email. 

Ongoing Opportunity for Sponsors, Donors and Community-Builders with the ACHF:

As the ACHF program continues to evolve, the City invites support from those individuals, organizations, businesses and corporations that have expressed an interest in supporting arts, culture, and heritage in Windsor in the past. There are two possible opportunities for partnership between sponsors, donors and community-builders in connection with the ACHF grant program. 

Those who wish to register as a Patron will be provided with information on funded ACHF projects that are seeking additional funding support to realize their project goals and increase community impact. City staff will facilitate a meeting between interested parties to see what possibilities exist. 

Those who wish to register to become an ACHF Partner will have the opportunity to donate a funding amount to the ACHF funding stream, which will increase available funding in a given round, thus increasing opportunities for additional creators and projects to receive funding. The ACHF Jury will adjudicate all funding requests, and City staff will work with ACHF Partners to determine the best fit for donations in any given round. 

Those wishing to take advantage of this unique opportunity to direct support to Windsor’s arts, culture and heritage creative community, are asked to reach out to culturalaffairs@citywindsor.ca to begin the conversation.

Further details on the ACHF program objectives, application process, eligibility requirements, consultations and current deadlines are available online at www.ACHFWindsor.ca. To learn more about culture and heritage services at the City of Windsor, visit www.CityWindsor.ca or contact 311.