Marketing Grant

• Please note that the budget templates in our Grant Management System are updated every year. Do not re-use templates from a previous application. If you are unsure, please contact a Program Advisor.
• Wording change from “Interactive Digital” to “Digital Game Development”
• Activities previously eligible for the Research Grant have been divided between and absorbed by the Business Improvement Grant and the Marketing Grant.
• Marketing – Major Stream funds were removed for the Film sector: Based on industry consultation with our clients and industry stakeholders, it was determined that these funds would provide more benefit to the industry if they were shifted to support film & TV development programming instead. As funding becomes available throughout our fiscal year we may reconsider offering an intake of this grant.

Under Eligible Applicants in the Guidelines:

• It was clarified that applicants may apply for a maximum of $5,000 per applicant per fiscal year (whichever is the lesser).
• The following bullet was removed: Unsuccessful applicants are eligible to reapply at the next program deadline.

Additional examples of Eligible Projects and Expenses have been added to the guidelines, specifically:

• Market research and intelligence activities identifying commercial opportunities.
• In-house fees related to marketing activity at industry standard rates. Applicants must include:
  • A breakdown of hours and expenses.
  • Rationale for how they selected their rate.
  • Why in-house marketing is a better choice for the project than hiring a third-party marketing professional.
• Live Performing Arts applicants: It may be more cost-effective to host out-of-province Artistic Directors in Saskatchewan to view your showcased production rather than take your production out of province to showcase events. Live Performing Arts applicants may include travel expenses in their Marketing Grant application for these out-of-province Artistic Directors (of venues they will showcase their production to in Saskatchewan) with the intent of securing out-of-province bookings for that show. Please review Creative Saskatchewan’s Travel Policy for more details.

The following was removed from Ineligible Projects and Expenses in the Guidelines:

• In-house fees related to social media are not eligible for support as they are considered operational expenses.

The following was added to Financial Participation in the Guidelines:

• Applicants may receive no more than $25,000 per fiscal year. This includes any single purpose companies, parent companies, or other companies where they are owner or majority stakeholder.
• In addition to the acknowledgement requirements for all grant recipients listed in the General Guidelines, successful recipients of a Marketing Grant must include Creative Saskatchewan’s logo on the bottom of the homepage of any websites developed.
• Please note that the General Guidelines have been updated for 2025-26.

Marketing Grant – Micro Stream Changes

The following were removed from the Assessment Criteria from last year: 

• Budget Backup for more than 50% of line items over $500. 

• One bonus point being awarded if a key team member identifies as one of the specified equity-seeking groups. 

The following section was added to the Assessment Criteria for this year: 

• The resumes, bios or CVs should align with the work they are being hired to do on the project.     

• Budget line support documentation should be provided for all line items $500 and over. If support documentation has not been provided for more than 50% of line items $500 or more, the application will be deemed ineligible.  

• Examples of budget line support documentation include: 

• Estimates or invoices from vendors and service providers 

• A calculated breakdown of applicant or staff labour (#of hours x $rate = total)  

• An email, text message, price list, or website screenshot from the vendor or service provider confirming their rate. The applicant has included budget backup for more than 50% of line items over $500.        

Please note that the Quality of the Project Plan section has been updated significantly.  

Marketing Grant – Major Stream Changes: 

 The following were removed from the Assessment Criteria from last year: 

• Budget Backup for more than 50% of line items over $500. 

• Phase 2: The Plan “A description of the team you’ve put together to implement the marketing strategy and why you’ve selected them.” 

The following section was added to the Assessment Criteria for this year: 

• The resumes, bios or CVs should align with the work they are being hired to do on the project.      

• Budget line support documentation should be provided for all line items $500 and over. If support documentation has not been provided for more than 50% of line items $500 or more, the application will be deemed ineligible.  

• Examples of budget line support documentation include: 

• Estimates or invoices from vendors and service providers 

• A calculated breakdown of applicant or staff labour (#of hours x $rate = total)  

• An email, text message, price list, or website screenshot from the vendor or service provider confirming their rate. The applicant has included budget backup for more than 50% of line items over $500.        

Please note that the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility bonus points are now worth four points instead of six. 

• Reward points may be used towards travel expenses such as flights and accommodations. If reward points are to count towards the applicant’s contribution to the project financial structure, the applicant must include the following at the time of application:
  • Proof of redemption with airfare or accommodation booking confirmation; and
  • Evidence of the original price (the lowest price) of the expense before reward points were redeemed (projects cannot be overfinanced.)
• Expenses for travel within the province are eligible for rural and northern Saskatchewan residents (with the exception of the Showcase or Sell Travel Grant, which does not support in-province events/showcases.)
  • Funding for in-province travel is intended to support rural and northern residents outside of the two major centres (Regina and Saskatoon).
  • Eligible applicants can apply to attend market events 300 km or more from their primary residence within Saskatchewan.
    • Exception: Applicants travelling from Prince Albert (and north of Prince Albert) to Saskatoon do not need to meet the 300 km threshold.

• 80% of your grant is paid when the application is approved. The remaining 20% of your grant is paid after the project is complete and your final report has been approved.
• Don’t forget to acknowledge the support you’ve received from Creative Saskatchewan by following our guide here.

There are three stages to our payment process. The stage in which your application is in will determine the approximate date of your payment:

Step 1: Invoice Submission & Coding

• Estimated timeframe: within 1 week of receipt

Step 2: Approval Process

• Estimated timeframe: 1-5 business days (varies based on approvers’ availability)

Step 3: Payment Processing

• Estimated timeframe: 3-5 business days after approval

Please note that this is simply a summary. We follow a strict multi-step process to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standard financial best practices.

If you have questions regarding your payment status, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Accountant via our Staff Directory.

Anytime! Applicants do not need to wait until one grant is completed before starting another application. 

Yes! Applicants do not need to wait until one grant is completed before starting another application. 

The time it takes to fill out a strong application varies from person to person and often depends on project complexity or the amount of detail included.

For this reason, we strongly encourage applicants to apply well in advance of the program deadline. Allow yourself time to:

• Read the General Guidelines and the Guidelines specific to the program that you’re applying for.
• Book a consultation with a Program Advisor if you need any support or have a draft ready for review
• Make any necessary edits and conduct a final proof
• Submit your final application

We just need to know your key milestones and deliverables here – details can be fleshed out in the project plan section of your application! 

For information on per diem, mileage, exchange rates, accommodations, and currency conversion requirements, please click here.