The Experience Ontario 2023 Festival and Events funding program sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is now open.
Applications can be submitted until 5 pm on April 28th.
In order to qualify, your event must be at least two days long, except events on Canada Day, take place between April 2023 and March 31st of 2024, be in Ontario, and open to everyone.
Description
The Experience Ontario 2023 program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact to motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, reconnect people with local experiences and increase tourism spending.
The program aims to support festivals or events in Ontario that will:
- Offer programming that encourages people to travel, experience events in person and celebrate Ontario.
- Draw tourists and increase visitor spending through innovative programming in partnership with businesses and community partners.
- Provide job opportunities for Ontarians in the tourism, culture and entertainment sectors.
- Increase Ontario’s profile through media, social media, or broadcast exposure.
Eligibility
Eligible organizations must:
- be Ontario-based entities in existence since January 1, 2022, or before, including those that are established by or under legislation; are federally or provincially incorporated; or are band councils as defined under the Indian Act
- not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario
- have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applicant at a Canadian financial institution conducting business in Ontario
In addition, your festival or event must meet all the following requirements:
- take place between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, over a minimum of two days (one day festivals or events held on Canada day are eligible for funding)
- occur in the province of Ontario
- be open to the public at large without membership in a club or group
- be promoted to tourists (see Definition)
- follow all municipal and provincial guidelines, including health and safety guidelines.
Funding formula and maximum funding amount
Applicants are eligible to apply for a grant of up to 50% of total eligible costs to a maximum of $125,000.
A maximum of one application per organization
The ministry will only consider one application per organization to the Experience Ontario 2023 program or the Marquee Event Fund 2023. Organizations approved for funding must enter into a transfer payment agreement with the province.
Program Guidelines
Access information on the Program Guidelines by clicking the link below:
Experience Ontario 2023 – Forms – Central Forms Repository (CFR) (gov.on.ca)
Contacts
You may consult with your Regional Advisor if you wish to discuss your festival or event proposal before applying, or email ExperienceOntario@ontario.ca with questions.
Written by Joseph Goden
