Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply?

The program is now closed and all funding has been allocated. There are no additional funds available.

How do you decide who gets assistance?

All applicants who qualify receive financial support on a first-come-first-served basis, as long as funds are available. All applications are reviewed in the order received.

Is this assistance taxable?

Yes, financial support is taxable.

Is this confidential?

Yes. 

Was my application approved? 

All applicants receive an email with the subject line: Results of your application to The AFC’s Reactivation Program. This email clearly indicates whether the application was approved or denied.

Check your junk and spam folders if you have applied to the program and not seen your email by April 11.

If my application is approved, how long will it take to receive the funds?

Payments are being processed. If approved, you should have received your cheque in the mail by April 30. 

All cheques are processed and mailed through Canada Post by our external payment partner, EP (Entertainment Partners) Canada. To learn more about Canada Post’s Delivery Standards, visit their website here. As Canada Post’s website indicates: “Delivery standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered. They’re not guaranteed. Please note: These delivery times exclude the day of mailing.”

My application was approved, but for less than $2,500. Why didn’t I get $2500?

The program received thousands more applicants than funds available to support each one at the maximum amount of $2,500 per individual. The program has provided funding to as many performing arts professionals as possible.

Why was my application denied? 

Applications may be denied based on documentation provided by the applicant, insufficient documentation of a professional career in the live performance sector between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020, or did not meet other requirements of the program.

The program received thousands of applications in the final week. All applications were reviewed in the order they were received.

Can I appeal the decision?

Appeals are no longer possible. The deadline for appeals was March 20, 2023. The program is now closed.

 Why didn’t I get an answer sooner?

The program received an overwhelming number of applications, especially in the final week.

In addition, applications with missing information or technical issues may have required more time to research, review, and determine a decision.

Will the Reactivation Program be open to new applications again next year?

No. This was a one-time-only program funded directly by the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Performing Arts Workers Resilience Fund (CPAWRF), in response to the effects the pandemic had on the live performance industry.

Is other financial support available from The AFC?

The AFC offers other ongoing programs and support for people working in the arts. Visit afchelps.ca to explore other funding programs.

For those in need, the AFC’s Emergency Financial Aid program can provide short-term assistance to those who consistently earn the majority of their income through work in Canada’s entertainment industry; who have suffered an unexpected emergency; and who are unable to meet their immediate basic needs.