City Sets Dates for 2026 Funding Rounds of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund (ACHF) Grant Program
The City of Windsor will soon begin accepting applications for the first 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 and initiatives.
Once again this year, $118,000 will be awarded, with $59,000 available in each of two funding rounds. To date, the ACHF program has awarded $1,186,000 in grant funding to 496 individual arts, culture and heritage projects in Windsor. This has included funding for:
- 35 community arts-based programs and initiatives
- 78 visual arts projects and initiatives
- 66 literary arts projects and initiatives
- 92 performing arts projects and initiatives
- 127 musical arts projects and initiatives
- 66 film arts projects and initiatives
- 32 heritage and culture projects and initiatives.
2026 Funding Rounds Set
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 submission online.
- ACHF 2026 Round 1: Applications accepted from Monday, January 12, 2026, to Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
- ACHF 2026 Round 2: Applications accepted from Monday, June 22, 2026, to Friday, July 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Mandatory Consultation
To be considered, applicants must be residents of Windsor and consult with Culture staff prior to submitting a project for funding, and before the application deadline. Consultations are conducted via email, once application rounds open, and help ensure applicants and projects meet program eligibility requirements in advance of applicants taking time to complete an application. Interested applicants should email culturalaffairs@citywindsor.ca for a consultation.
Virtual Public Information Session
To assist first-time ACHF applicants, a virtual public information session will be offered Wednesday, January 14, 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. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m., and will last approximately one hour. 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 Sponsor, Donor, 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.
Quote:
“With $118,000 available to be awarded to individuals and organizations through the City’s ACHF program in 2026, this funding stream continues to help build on Windsor’s proud history of investment in our creative community. The results of the program continue to speak for themselves, with over $1 million in funding awarded to nearly five hundred innovative projects since we launched the program. This has significant spin-off impacts for many artists and arts organizations across the community. We are Building Windsor’s Future with a continued focus on investment, growth, and sustainability. The ACHF program is one of many components of Council’s overall significant investment in arts, culture and heritage in Windsor.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens