Applications are open for the Ontario government’s 2024 Experience Ontario, a program with $19.5 million in funding for eligible in-person festivals scheduled between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
Applications must be submitted by Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 5 p.m. Applications will be measured against established program criteria and there is no guarantee of funding, including to past recipients. The program is highly competitive and applicants are encouraged to explore all prospective support and partnership opportunities when planning their festivals and events.
Description
The Experience Ontario 2024 program supports in-person festivals and events that will:
- offer programming encouraging 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 various media channels
When completing the application form, it is important to consider how your festival/event plans meet the program objectives.
Funding priorities and maximum funding amount
The maximum funding amount for the Experience Ontario 2024 program is determined through a three-tier model based on your festival or event expense total from the previous year.
- Tier 1 – Signature: Tourism festivals or events with total expenses of $1 million or greater will be eligible for 50 per cent of expenses up to a maximum of $125,000 in funding.
- Tier 2 – Emerging: Tourism festivals or events with total expenses between $250,000 and $999,999 will be eligible for up to 50 per cent of expenses up to a maximum $55,000 in funding.
- Tier 3 – Community: Tourism festivals or events with total expenses of less than $250,000 will be eligible for up to 50 per cent of eligible cash expenses up to a maximum of $20,000 in funding.
Organizations that are approved for funding must enter into a transfer payment agreement with the province.
Visit the Ontario government’s Available Funding Opportunities webpage for more information about the program, eligibility criteria and the application process.
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