Event and culture grants in Georgina
What are the grants for?
The grants provide funds to support events, programs or initiatives that will assist with enhancing the identity of the Town, contribute to an increased awareness of opportunities within Georgina, promote community betterment and create an economic impact on the community. They are intended to support the development of local culture and community spirit through community-led events, celebrations, and initiatives and will build on the local history, traditions, culture, and diversity of our community.
Submit grant application online
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organizations that reside or provide services within the Town of Georgina and wish to inquire and submit a request for eligibility criteria may apply. Registered charities and businesses or business organizations (informal or formal) that promote overnight stays and have a significant impact on the local economy may also apply. However, the grant program is not intended to provide organizations with the ability to provide or increase charitable donations.
Applicants may apply to one (1) of the following three types of grants under the program.
- Community Betterment Grant: This grant provides assistance to efforts being undertaken to build capacity within a community or neighbourhood. A maximum grant amount of 50 per cent of the eligible cost of the program/event, up to a maximum of $2,000, may be considered.
- Community Culture Grant: This grant provides assistance up to a maximum of 25 per cent of the eligible cost, up to a maximum of $5,000 towards the events/programs or public art installations intended to celebrate the Culture of Georgina.
- Economic Development Grant: This grant provides assistance to organizations that are able to demonstrate that their program/event will have a direct economic impact on the surrounding business community. A grant up to a maximum of 50 per cent of total eligible expenses will be considered up to a maximum of $5,000. Evaluation of these applications will consider the potential for this event to result in overnight stays and the marketing undertaken to attract an out of Town audience.
Note: Volunteer honorariums and any salaries within the budget are not included in the total cost of the event/program for the purpose of calculating the maximum grant amount.
What is the process for applying for the grant?
Applicants must submit a completed online application, along with relevant supporting documentation. In order to take full advantage of collaborative marketing efforts, applications should be submitted four (4) months prior to the event date. The applications will be evaluated by the Economic Development Committee (EDC) at four (4) intake periods. Connect with our Economic Development and Tourism office at
ed@georgina.ca to discuss upcoming deadlines.
When can I submit an application?
Applications should be submitted 120 days prior to the event date. All grant applications must be reviewed and deemed complete by the Economic Development and Tourism Division before they are accepted for evaluation by the Economic Development Committee.
What are eligible expenses?
Eligible expenses include items or services directly required to provide the program or project to the public: equipment fees, entertainment fees, facility rentals, marketing costs, promotional products, permit fees.
Ineligible expenses include staff salaries, volunteer honorariums, consultant fees, sub-contractor fees, training expenses and donations expenses associated with the provision of selling alcohol.
Is there a limit to the number of grants an applicant can receive?
Although community groups may apply more than one time, the purpose of the grant is to assist in starting up an event, program or initiative or assist with its development. It is expected that if it is viable, it will have other sources of financing and is actively pursuing partnerships in order to become less reliant on the Town’s funding. Priority will be given to those applicants working collaboratively with other community groups toward self-sustainability.
What is required to apply?
The applicant should include business or marketing plans directly relevant to the program/event. The application shall include a detailed account of the proposed revenue and expenses or a formal budget. For any expenses that exceed $500 and for which funding is being requested, a quote must be provided with the grant application.
What is required to receive the grant if the application is approved?
In order to receive the approved grant, the applicant must sign a waiver agreeing to comply with the terms of the grant, including the submission of financial and other requested information within 90 days of the event. If the terms of the grant are not complied with, the applicant becomes ineligible for future funding. Applicants will endeavour to submit detailed information on their event, program or initiative. (i.e. economic impact, attendee place of residence, etc.).
Use of the Town's Wordmark
To recognize the Town's support, applicants must place the Town's wordmark in its entirety on all major promotional and marketing material.
Code of Conduct
Applicants are to act with integrity and conduct business in an ethical manner. The Town believes that the principles of respect and fairness extend to our relationships with our business partners and community organizations. As a result, compliance with the Town's Code of Conduct is expected of all our applicants who receive funding from the Town. The Town may refuse to do business with any applicant that fails to acknowledge and adhere to the Town's Code of Conduct (Refer to the attached Code of Conduct document).
Note: Additional conditions or terms may be imposed on an individual grant application.
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