Attention all Arts Organizations!
Since 2004 The Musagetes Fund has been providing grants to arts organizations in
Guelph and Wellington County. This granting stream comes from a donor advised fund
held at the Guelph Community Foundation to support registered charities. This fund is
intended to act as a catalyst for the ongoing production and enjoyment of performing,
visual, and literary arts excellence in Guelph and area. Organizations that are not
registered charities, such as non-profit art organizations, art collectives, or other eligible
entities can apply for project funding if they partner with a registered charity. The Guelph
Community Foundation can help establish these partnerships upon request.
Applications for The Musagetes Fund will be accepted March 3 – April 7, 2025 through
the Guelph Community Foundation’s online granting portal. The grant is particularly
interested in funding new approaches to building community and culture. Preference will
be given to organizations that engage a community-based partner who satisfies a
connection(s) to social justice, environmental resilience, and intercultural relationships
through the arts. Those seeking funding for art or music therapy projects are
encouraged to apply for our Community Grants stream for more appropriate
consideration.
Organizations can apply for two different funding options:
Project Funding – with the option of dedicating up to 30% of the budget to
operating costs.
Operational Funding – using 100% of granted dollars for operating funds to be
used where they are needed most. Organizations applying for Operational
Funding must have a reputation for excellence in the arts and at least 2 years of
previous history with Musagetes funding to be eligible.
In Classical Greek mythology, Musagetes (pronounced ‘Mews-a-get-ees’) is the name
given to the god Apollo in his role as protector and promoter of the Muses. Apollo is
often depicted with plectrum (pick) and lyre (harp). This is why this fund shares its
name, as it similarly champions the arts. The Musagetes Fund promotes the arts and
artistic creativity as tools for social transformation.
If you have questions about the fund or eligibility requirements, please reach out to
[email protected] to discuss.
The Waterloo Region Community Foundation is also accepting applications for The
Musagetes Fund for their area. If you know of an arts organization in Waterloo Region
that might be interested in applying, direct them to WRCF’s page for more details:
https://www.wrcf.ca/musagetes
GCF Grants Portal: https://www.grantinterface.ca/Home/Logon?urlkey=guelphcf
For more information about this opportunity visit: https://guelphcf.ca/musagetes-fund-
2025/ or email [email protected]
Media Contacts:
Carly O’Brien, Chair of the Board of Directors
The Guelph Community Foundation
PO Box 1311, Guelph, ON N1H 6N6
519.821.9216 | [email protected]
About The Guelph Community Foundation
The Guelph Community Foundation is a charitable public foundation whose purpose is
to provide leadership in community philanthropy and enhance the quality of life for the
citizens of Guelph and surrounding areas through endowments, stewardship, and
granting programs. To learn more visit guelphcf.ca.
