Resources for Societies

Interested Societies are asked to complete an application form detailing:

• the requested amount;
  
• statement of need;
  
• project goals;
  
• action plan;
  
• expected impact;
  
• budget (for requests above $5,000); and
  
• (optional) supplementary materials for consideration.

The Committee will consider a variety of projects that align with the OAA’s values and demonstrate the potential to advance Society engagement with both public and professional communities.

Funds can be used toward upcoming projects and initiatives such as (but not limited to):

• community events;
  
• lectures;
  
• workshops;
  
• exhibitions;
  
• day camps;
  
• architecture tours;
• select administrative resources for Societies;
  
• innovative learning tools; and/or
  
• local scholarships.

Funds can not be used for:

• projects that have already happened;
  
• projects outside Ontario;
  
• projects that are primarily commercial or for-profit in nature;
  
• projects that can be funded by existing unused Society assets;
• projects contrary to the OAA’s vision, mandate, and values;
• projects contrary to the OAA’s Conflict of Interest Policy;
  
• illegal activities, harmful activities, or activities contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code; or
  
• projects motivated primarily by a personal or political agenda.
  

Society’s must submit their Annual Report at the beginning of the award year in order to be eligible. 

The OAA’s Communications and Public Education Committee (CPEC) will evaluate submissions using these four key criteria:

• The project clearly furthers the OAA’s objective to establish classes, schools, exhibitions, or lectures in—and promote public appreciation of—architecture and the allied arts and sciences;
  
• There is demonstrated need and relevance;
  
• The project’s feasibility and likelihood of success; and
• The project’s potential impact.
  

Please Note:

• Priority will be given to projects that address the OAA’s key strategic themes of climate action and equity, diversity, inclusion, and Reconciliation
  
• If a Society is requesting funding for an initiative that involves an agreement or contract with a third party, that agreement must also be provided to the OAA in advance.

Submissions Due Mid-March Annually

• Next deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026
  
• Total Available = $38,000 (one-time) + $25,000 (recurring)
  
• APRIL: CPEC reviews and approves funding requests
  
• APRIL-MAY: decisions are communicated to applicants
  
• MAY: funding issued to successful applicants
  

Submissions due Mid-September Annually

• Next deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026
  
• Total Available = $38,000 (one-time) + remaining funding from March (one-time and recurring)
  
• OCTOBER: CPEC reviews and approves funding requests
  
• OCTOBER-NOVEMBER: decisions are communicated to applicants
  
• NOVEMBER: funding issued to successful applicants

NOTE: Any Society Project Funding must be used within one year of the request being received and must be accounted for the following year’s Society Annual Report.

Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns to the OAA Public Outreach Specialist at CynthiaM@oaa.on.ca. If you would like to submit a proposal for consideration, please use the designated form (linked below) or forward your answers to the questions therein in PDF format directly to CynthiaM@oaa.on.ca by the deadlines outlined above.