Arts Sector Donation Program

This program is designed to foster and contribute to the growth and development of the arts in Alberta by accepting cash donations from donors that wish to support AFA programs and services.

The AFA oversees the Arts Sector Donation Program that provides assistance to AFA programs and services that support art organizations and opportunities for individual artists across arts disciplines in Alberta.

How to donate

*The donation form will need to be completed digitally, printed and signed. Please note that the form can also be saved and printed at a later time.

The AFA can only accept cash* donations by mail at this time. An online payment option is being further explored.

  • please only mail cheques, not cash

Cheques must be made payable to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Mail your completed form and donation to:

Alberta Foundation for the Arts
Arts Sector Donation Program
10708-105 Ave
Edmonton, AB
T5H 0A1

Will I receive an official donation receipt? 

Qualifying cash donations of $50 or more are eligible to receive an official donation receipt. 

The AFA can accept cash donations from individuals, nonprofit organizations, public and private foundations registered as charities, and private sector organizations. The AFA will not accept cash donations from public sector organizations (e.g., municipalities).

To determine if your donation qualifies for an official donation receipt, please refer to what qualifies as a gift on the Canada Revenue Agency's website

Contributions from any donor who does not require an official tax receipt will also be accepted.

What will my cash donation support?

Understanding the unconditional nature of the cash donation, donors cannot designate their donation for a specific beneficiary but may ask that their donation be considered or indicate a preference towards supporting specific AFA programs, including programs that support:

  • art acquisition for the AFA Art Collection
  • artists in schools
  • individual artist project grants
  • professional touring artists
  • project support for art organizations

Eligible AFA programs are listed in the program guidelines. Ultimately, to qualify as a gift, the AFA does retain the right to direct donated funds to support AFA programs where needed or as it sees fit.

The full amount of each donation goes directly to support AFA programs without any administrative fees deducted from the donated amounts. 

  • all donations will be disbursed in the same fiscal year they are received
  • no donation funds accepted through this program will be applied to any AFA operations or special initiatives

Please note:

The AFA cannot direct donated funding to support a specific individual artists or a designated arts organizations in Alberta.

Many arts organizations accept donations and other support - and can issue tax receipts. If you wish to support a specific art organization in your community, please contact them directly.

Unsure if an arts organization in your community is a registered charity? Visit CanadaHelps.org to find out. 

How will my donation be acknowledged?

All donations will be documented and names of donors (should they wish) will be shared with the AFA Board, on the AFA website or in its Annual Report. Only names of donors will be shared as all other content included on the donation form will remain private.

Can I give anonymously?

Yes. The contents of your form remain private, and there is an option for you to remain anonymous.

How much can I give?

There is no donation limit; however, we request that donors that wish to give more than $1,000 contact us in advance of donating.

Can I donate art to the AFA?

Yes! Donations to the AFA Art Collection will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about donating art to the AFA.

Thank you for supporting the arts in Alberta!