Acadian Heritage Month Fund

Non-profit organizations holding an event as part of Acadian Heritage Month may be eligible for a grant of up to $3,500 to support their event.

The Acadian Heritage Month Fund offers grants for events that promote PEI’s Acadian heritage during Acadian Heritage Month (the month of August).

The Fund is open for applications from April 22, 2026, at noon to May 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. This call for projects has a total budget of $20,000.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible, an application must:

• Come from a registered non-profit organization or a national charitable organization that
  • has been operating for at least the past 12 months; and
  • carries $2 million in liability insurance;
• Propose an event that promotes Acadian heritage (training session, arts workshop, show, panel discussion, film screening, exhibition, guided tour, etc.) and that takes place during Acadian Heritage Month but is not part of National Acadian Day celebrations.

The following projects are not eligible:

• Projects organized as part of National Acadian Day celebrations;
• Private-sector projects;
• Projects whose primary purpose is fundraising.

Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria allows you to submit an application but does not guarantee that the application will be approved and that you will receive funding for your project.

What are the grant conditions?

• Grants cannot be used to cover the following:
  • Salaries or fees for project coordination
  • Capital costs (computers, printers, technological equipment, office equipment and furniture, facilities, technical equipment*, land, buildings, renovations to rented spaces, vehicles, etc.)
  • Food costs (except for projects whose primary objective is to showcase Acadian culinary culture)
  • In kind contributions
  • Administrative fees exceeding 5% of the project amount
• Grants will cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $3,500.
• Total funding from all provincial government sources must not exceed 60% of the project’s total cost.
• No new funding will be provided to an organization that has not met the requirements of a previous grant.
• Funding will not be provided for projects already underway at the time the application is submitted.
• Organizations may submit a maximum of two applications per fiscal year.

*The purchase of technical equipment may be eligible if the equipment is essential to carrying out the project and represents a lasting legacy that promotes Acadian heritage.

Please note that this call for proposals has a total budget of $20,000.

What criteria will be used to select the projects?

A selection committee will evaluate each application based on the following elements:

• Supporting documentation provided
• Alignment with the overall objective of the Fund (promoting Acadian heritage in Prince Edward Island)
• Impact of the project on the community
• Overall quality of the project
• Fully completed application form
• Organization’s capacity to carry out the project
• Eligibility of expenses and revenues
• Financial contributions from other sources (anticipated and confirmed)

When will I be informed of the decision regarding my application?

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email six to eight weeks after the application deadline. Applicants may request written feedback from the Fund’s program officer after receiving the results of their grant application.

How is funding allocated?

Once your application is approved and the funding agreement is signed, 80% of funds from the grant will be issued.

The other 20% will be released upon receipt of a final invoice and the approval of the final reporting documents, due before March 31.

The Acadian and Francophone Affairs Secretariat reserves the right to deny a grant application or request for payment if it suspects or detects fraudulent intent.

When are reporting documents required?

Upon completion of your project, please submit the following reporting documents before March 31: 

• A written evaluation of your project;
• A copy of your anticipated budget spreadsheet versus actual costs that includes all sources of revenues and expenses; and
• Project photos as well as samples of marketing materials, i.e. press releases, social media content, copy of posters, flyers, etc.

You can find the final report template here.

Please note: Successful organizations approved for a grant through this funding program must use the Province of PEI logo on all promotional materials involving the project. Please contact the Program Officer responsible for this program to obtain the most recent version of the logo.

What do I need to complete the application?

You will need the following to complete your online application:

• General information about your non‑profit organization;
• A clear description of your project, including the objectives;
• A detailed project budget (you can use the template);
• Supporting documents, such as letters of support, confirmation letters, marketing materials, artist biographies, quotes, etc. (Attach any supporting documentation that could help your project stand out.)

How long does it take to complete the application form?

If you have all the required documents on hand, it will take less than one hour. Please allow enough time to complete the budget template if you choose to use the provided model for your project budget.

Please note that each application must be completed in a single session, as your progress cannot be saved.

How do I apply to the Acadian Heritage Month Fund?

Click the Apply Here button below to get started on your application.

Applicants who have limited internet access or accessibility needs may contact the Program Officer responsible for this program for assistance.

Who should I contact if I have questions or need support?

Michelle Blanchard (she/her)
Program Officer 
Telephone: 902-288-1677
michelleblanchard@gov.pe.ca
Acadian and Francophone Secretariat 
PO Box 2000, 500 Queen Street
Charlottetown, PE  C1A 7N8