FACTOR Sponsorship

FACTOR's catch-all: support for music projects and events that do not fit its other programmes. Past examples include new and genre-specific music festivals, broadcaster conferences, workshops, artist development programmes, industry association events and international showcases. Extra consideration goes to work serving underserved communities, audiences and genres — Northern, remote and rural communities, Indigenous peoples and artists, Black artists and artists of colour, and artists identifying as LGBTQ2S.

Any Canadian person, company or organisation with a suitable project can apply, and the maximum is $30,000 per project. You can be funded twice towards the same project and no more, and you cannot draw on both Sponsorship and Collective Initiatives for the same project in one fiscal year.

The step that catches people is the front door. You must email a letter of intent to FACTOR six weeks before the application deadline and have your eligibility confirmed. Miss that window and the deadline itself is academic. Once the letter is approved you need an approved applicant profile before you can file.

The ineligible list is long and specific: award shows, BIA festivals, charities and fundraisers, children's music programming, food and drink festivals, instrument purchases, music schools, parades, sports events, student projects, talent contests, anything that benefits only one artist or one company, and anything involving making or releasing a sound recording. Applicants already funded through the Promoter Program or Company Envelope are also out.

Successful applicants report on the outcome within two months of the event.