Your project isn't in a school? Link here for information about how to apply for projects not in a school.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: October 15, January, 15 and May 15 of each year. We advise you to try to apply for the October deadline, even if your project is planned for the winter/spring.
CALL THE 4Cs OFFICE WITH YOUR PROJECT IDEA BEFORE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION. Read all the information on this page before downloading the application form. It will help you develop and complete a stronger application for funding.
The primary focus of your project must be to build of connections between children/youth and their communities by bringing people together to work side-by-side in art-based activities facilitated by a professional artist/s.
4Cs does not fund projects that are primarily art programs, artist-in-the-school, or school/playground improvement projects. The participation of community members is required.
4 Steps to apply for a School-based project:
1. Contact 4Cs office with your project idea. A staff person can come to your group or school to talk about your ideas and the types of projects 4Cs funds.
2. Build a project team including your artist (or artists). Talk to the school Principal - the Principal has a key role to play in this project and must be fully committed to the project.
3. Completing the application form is a planning process. It is best if it is completed as a team. You will need several hours to talk about and decide on the details of the application. Give yourself enough planning time before the application deadline to complete this process.
4. Submit your application as early in the year as possible. If you are mailing your application, it must reach the 4Cs office on or before the deadline date.
What Happens Next?
Funding decisions happen in two steps:
Step 1: 4Cs reviews all applications and determines a shortlist based on the potential of the proposed project to meet the 4Cs mandate. You will be contacted by telephone if your project as been selected for the shortlist.
Step 2: Shortlisted applicants are meet with the Board of Trustees and Executive Director to present their project proposal in person. Please ensure that everyone on your team and the Principal are aware that this meeting is required. These meetings take place at the 4Cs office in Halifax, usually during the week and between
After the meeting, you will be contacted with our funding decision by the 4Cs Executive Director. If your application has been successful, she will arrange a time with you to visit the school to sign the Funding Agreement. This meeting takes place with all Project Team members. The Principal is required for this meeting. The Funding Agreement is a legally binding document and we recommend you review the document before applying: 4Cs Funding Agreement
- 4Cs does not require information or evidence of how your project meets curriculum outcomes. The school principal may require this - but we do not. Please do not include this information in your proposal. (We can, however, direct you to information regarding art activities and learning outcomes that will build your case. Call us for more information.)
- The application review process can take six to eight weeks before a decision is reached. Please keep this in mind when developing your project timeline. Projects cannot start before you have received confirmation of funding from 4Cs.
- 4Cs acknowledges that arts-based community development occurs over time. We will consider funding projects within the same school and community over a period of years. Ask the Executive Director for more information about this.
- Get any necessary permissions in place before you apply. These may include installation requirements, fire marshal approval, and other conditions.
Remember: the primary goal of your project must be the building of connections between children/youth and their communities.