TOSketchFestBlog
The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is proud to continue our partnership with the Pat & Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts to deliver project funding to sketch comedy projects. The 2026 deadline to apply is June 30, 2026.
Get all the details and fill out the application right here:
The Sketch Comedy Project Fund
What is the Sketch Comedy Project Fund?
Every sketch troupe has that idea.
The project you’ve been talking about after rehearsals. The thing you’ve been saying you’ll do “once we have the money.” The festival run you’d love to take on tour. The director you’ve wanted to bring into the room. The promo video you’ve been meaning to shoot. The digital sketch that you want to film for festival submissions. The showcase you’ve been dreaming of producing.
If that sounds familiar, the Sketch Comedy Project Fund might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The fund awards up to $2,000 to support sketch comedy projects that represent the next meaningful step in an artist’s development.
Who Is Eligible?
The Sketch Comedy Project Fund is open to existing sketch comedy troupes, as well as groups of comedians coming together to collaborate on a sketch comedy project – live on stage or digital.
Applicants must be actively creating and performing sketch comedy in Toronto, and the majority of project participants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply.
The fund is intended to support ensemble-based sketch comedy projects that represent a meaningful next step in an artist’s career. Stand-up comedy projects, improv projects, one-person shows, and tuition-based training programs are not eligible.
Not sure if your project qualifies? Reach out to virginia@torontosketchfest.com before the deadline. We’re happy to answer questions and help determine whether your project is a good fit for the fund.
What Does a Strong Application Look Like?
The strongest applications aren’t necessarily the biggest or most ambitious.
They’re the clearest.
A strong application explains:
- What you’re doing.
- Why it matters to your artistic development.
- How the project will help you reach the next stage of your career.
- How you’ll realistically complete the project within the next 12–18 months.
Think less about impressing the adjudicators and more about helping them understand your vision.
If someone unfamiliar with your troupe read your application, would they understand why this opportunity is important right now?
Tell Us About Your Career, Not Just Your Project
One of the most important parts of the application is explaining why this project matters in the context of your artistic journey.
Remember: we’re not just funding a project. We’re funding artists.
That means we want to understand where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re hoping to go next.
You don’t need an extensive résumé or a list of major accomplishments.
Instead, focus on your trajectory. Ask yourself:
- What have you already accomplished as a sketch comedy artist or troupe?
- What have you learned from your recent performances or projects
- What opportunity are you trying to unlock?
- What barrier is currently standing in your way?
- How will this project help you move closer to your goals?
For example, perhaps you’ve built a loyal audience in Toronto and are ready to introduce your work to audiences in other cities. Perhaps you’ve created several successful shows and now want to invest in a director who can help elevate your work artistically. Perhaps you’ve identified festival opportunities that could significantly expand your network and profile.
The strongest applications create a clear connection between the project and the artist’s future development.
Be Specific
“We want to get in front of programmers” is a good goal.
“We want to create a professional trailer that can be used in festival applications and presenter pitches” is even better.
Specific goals help adjudicators understand the project’s impact.
Focus on Impact, Not Just Activities
Don’t just tell us what you’ll do. Tell us what will change because you did it.
Think about the outcomes.
How will your troupe be different after this project? What new opportunities might become possible?
Create a Realistic Budget
Budgets that are clear, realistic, and proportional to the project tend to be stronger than budgets that feel inflated or incomplete.
Be detailed about any additional sources of revenue supporting the project. This could include ticket sales, other grants, sponsorships, fundraising, or in-kind contributions such as donated space, equipment, or professional services. Demonstrating that you’ve thought through how the project will be financed helps build confidence in its feasibility.
And don’t forget to pay yourselves. Artist fees are eligible expenses and should be included whenever appropriate.
Demonstrate That You’re Ready
The fund is designed to help projects move forward.
Applications are strongest when they demonstrate that the groundwork has already been laid. If you’re planning a tour, have you identified potential venues? If you’re creating a promotional video, do you have a concept and production plan? If you’re producing a showcase, do you know who will be involved?
You don’t need every detail finalized, but showing that you’ve thought through the logistics helps demonstrate feasibility.
Previous Recipients Started Somewhere Too
Last year’s recipients included a wide range of projects.
Two2Mango received support to professionally capture Colonial Circus and promote their work for festival and touring opportunities.
Potato Potato received funding to support the development and presentation of an original musical sketch comedy production at the Toronto Fringe Festival: Potato Potato Saves The World (?)
Tita Collective (and collaborators!) received support for The Boodle Gang, an annual Filipino Heritage Month sketch variety show.
DEBIT-CASH-or-CREDIT received funding to present a showcase of their strongest material.
Different artists. Different goals. Different career stages.
What they all had in common was a clear vision for what came next.
Click here for a full history of the Sketch Comedy Project Fund!
Questions? We’re Happy to Help.
If you’re unsure whether your project is eligible, want feedback on whether an idea is a good fit, or have questions about any part of the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
TOsketchfest Producer Virginia Woodall (virginia@torontosketchfest.com) is happy to answer questions and help applicants determine whether their project aligns with the goals of the Sketch Comedy Project Fund.
We want to see great projects succeed, and we’d much rather answer your questions before the deadline than have you talk yourself out of applying.
Apply Today
The Sketch Comedy Project Fund exists to help remove some of the barriers to the next step in an artistic career. Whether you’re an emerging troupe looking to level up or an established ensemble pursuing a new opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
You don’t need to know exactly where your comedy career will lead.
You just need to know what the next step is.
Applications for the 2026 Sketch Comedy Project Fund close on June 30, 2026.
If you’ve been talking about a project for months, this might be the moment to make it happen.
We’re excited to see what you’re working on!
