Event and culture grants in Georgina
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.
The grant program has three streams:
- Community Betterment Grant: This grant assists in efforts to build capacity within a community or neighbourhood.
- Community Culture Grant: This grant will provide funds for the events/programs or public art installations intended to celebrate the culture of Georgina.
- Economic Development Grant: This grant assists organizations that can demonstrate that their program/event will have a direct economic impact on the surrounding business community. A preference will go to supporting those events that can demonstrate an increase in overnight stays.
Applications open
There will be two intake periods in 2025:
- Intake 1 Deadline: Intake 1 closed on Feb. 28, 2025
- Intake 2 Deadline: June 30, 2025 - Closed (Opening May 26, 2025)
To access the application form, book a pre-application meeting by emailing ed@georgina.ca or calling (905) 476-4301.
New for 2025
- Mandatory Pre-Application Meeting: Applicants must have a mandatory meeting with the Economic Development and Tourism staff before accessing the grant application to ensure an understanding of program criteria.
- Expense Category Clarifications: To continue to streamline processes, clear categorization of eligible and ineligible event expenses has been included to help applicants prepare accurate budgets.
Who can apply?
Applicants may apply to one (1) of the following three types of grants under the program
- Community Betterment Grant: This grant assists in efforts being undertaken to build capacity within a community or neighbourhood. A maximum grant amount of 50 percent of the eligible cost of the program/event, up to a maximum of $2,000, may be considered.
- Community Culture Grant: This grant assists up to a maximum of 50 percent 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.
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Economic Development Grant: This grant assists organizations that can demonstrate that their program/event will have a direct economic impact on the surrounding business community. A grant up to a maximum of 50 percent 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.
How do I apply for the grant?
Applicants must book a pre-application meeting to gain access to the grant form. Once an applicant has access, submit a completed online application, along with relevant supporting documentation. The applications will be evaluated by an internal review team through intake periods until funds are gone.
To access the application form, book a pre-application meeting by emailing ed@georgina.ca or calling (905) 476-4301 ext. 2312
When can I submit an application?
Applications should be submitted two months before 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 Internal Review Team.
There will be two intake periods in 2025:
- Intake 1 Deadline: Feb. 28 Open
- Intake 2 Deadline: June 30 Closed
To access the application form, book a pre-application meeting by emailing ed@georgina.ca or calling (905) 476-4301 ext. 2312
What are the eligible and ineligible expenses?
Eligible Expenses:
- equipment fees,
- entertainment fees,
- facility rentals,
- marketing costs,
- promotional products
- permit fees.
Ineligible expenses:
- staff salaries
- volunteer honorariums
- consultant fees
- sub-contractor fees,
- training expenses
- 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 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?
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The applicant should include business or marketing plans directly relevant to the program/event.
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The application shall include a detailed account of the proposed revenue and expenses or a formal budget.
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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?
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. Marketing materials may be subject to review by Town staff to ensure compliance.
Public Statement Acknowledgment
Applicants are to act with integrity and ethically conduct business. 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 Public Statement Acknowledgment is expected of all our applicants who receive funding from the Town. The Town may refuse to do business with an applicant who fails to acknowledge and adhere to the Town's Public Statement Acknowledgment.