Shaping equitable funding through continuous learning : Increasing impact and sustainability of funding

Creating a more equitable system is essential to shaping a funding model that is both inclusive and sustainable. Over the past year, research and consultations from SaskCulture’s Funding Program Renewal Project have guided ongoing efforts to reflect, reassess, and implement small but meaningful changes along the way.

“This work is grounded in ongoing learning and engagement, ensuring that the evolving funding model better responds to the diverse needs of communities across Saskatchewan,” says Dean Kush, chief executive officer, SaskCulture.

Several recent reports, such as the Leading Funding Practices to Support People with Disabilities by Left Turn Right Turn, Funding the Rainbow: Informing Queer and Trans Inclusive Funding Practices at SaskCulture by Ivy + Dean Consulting, and Leading Equity Funding Practices in Support of IDEA by Praxis Consulting, have played a key role in helping SaskCulture better understand gaps in funding, particularly those affecting people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and other equity-denied groups. These reports have already helped in shaping small but impactful changes.

“We are making the connection between the research that we’ve done and some initial consultations, and making small improvements,” says Catherine Folstad, supervisor, granting and technology, SaskCulture. “With each of the reports, we are learning and finding ways to connect with previously unreached groups and better serve communities.”

One example is the adjustments to existing SaskCulture grants, including the Multicultural Initiatives Fund – Project (MIF-P) grant and the Community Cultural Engagement and Planning(CCEP) grant, to improve accessibility.

For the MIF–P grant, the program was expanded to include two levels of funding — Small and Major projects. This allows groups with different capacities and project types, especially those that did not previously meet the original criteria, to apply for the stream that best suits their needs. Another key change includes more trauma-informed language in the application form, which helps applicants recognize and avoid potentially triggering content in their projects or events while also encouraging thoughtful and respectful ways to describe their work.

The change for the CCEP grant focused on improving access by expanding eligibility to include non-profit organizations applying for the grant. Previously, only municipalities, First Nations, Tribal Councils, Métis Locals and Métis Regions could apply. This change allows more grassroots and community-driven initiatives to receive support and engage in meaningful cultural planning.

While changes were made to existing programs, some focused on creating entirely new ones. An example is the Accessibility Fund, designed to support organizations led by individuals who experience barriers.

“This work is not only about rethinking access, but about creating conditions for people to lead, shape, and grow spaces within their own communities,” says Kush.

Currently, the Funding Program Renewal Project is in the consultation phase. To support the consultation process, SaskCulture enlisted the expertise of Ivy + Dean Consulting and Common Ground Consulting to engage with cultural communities through surveys, one-on-one conversations, and focus groups. These consultants are connecting directly with cultural leaders, grant applicants, and community organizations to better understand how funding programs can be more inclusive and accessible.

“We’re not rushing to conclusions. We can’t do this work without listening to the people we serve,” Kush explains. “We know we don’t have all the answers, and that’s why we want people to participate in these consultations and share their thoughts.”

SaskCulture encourages individuals and groups in the cultural community to share their thoughts. Visit the SaskCulture website to learn more about the Funding Program Renewal Project.