City of Toronto is currently accepting applications for its Creative Industries Skills Development Grant 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About City of Toronto Creative Industries Skills Development Grant
The Creative Industries Skills Development Grant is a dedicated funding stream administered by the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture (EDC) division. It focuses on workforce development by matching practical training with existing labor gaps in the creative sector. By funding organizations to lead these initiatives, the City aims to ensure Toronto remains a global leader in film, digital media, and game development.
Benefits of City of Toronto Creative Industries Skills Development Grant
The program supports a “holistic” approach to employment readiness, often combining three core elements:
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Technical Skills Training: Hands-on instruction in film production trades, creative software (e.g., Unreal Engine, Maya), or post-production workflows.
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Professional Development: Workplace etiquette, freelance business management, and industry networking.
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Life Skills & Support: Mentorship, career coaching, and “wraparound” supports to ensure long-term retention in the workforce.
City of Toronto Creative Industries Skills Development Grant Requirements
- Initiatives must support employment readiness for individuals, matching skills to high-demand roles in creative sectors.
- These grants often, but not exclusively, support the work of not-for-profit community groups led by and/or serving historically underrepresented groups and the programs they offer to build bridges to employment in creative industries.
Training offered may include segments related to professional/life skills. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Trades and other crew positions in film and television production
- Training in foundational software competency for game development and other creative technologies
- Basic skills used in post-production or VFX processes.
Eligible Organizations
Organizations must:
- Be located in Toronto or the proposed project or services to be funded will be delivered to Toronto-based entities or individuals.
- Not be indebted to the City or in default of any agreements with the City.
- Be a legal not-for-profit or charitable organization, an urban off-reserve Indigenous-led organization or community centre that is part of the Association of Community Centres.
Application Date and Process
- Submit an application online below. Applications are considered several times throughout the year. All applications must be submitted through the online portal.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply well in advance of their proposed event or program start date; however, priority may be given to projects with more immediate start dates. Depending on application volume and project timelines, complete applications may be deferred to a subsequent intake for consideration.
- Only one application per program or event will be considered for each calendar year.
- Available funding is limited and most grants are small. If your project or event is larger in scope and requires more significant funding, please contact the relevant sector office to discuss the project and possible support from these or other funds.
Application Deadline
01 February, 2026
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City of Toronto Creative Industries Skills Development Grant
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