Closed
Source verified April 21, 2026
2026/27 Partnership Funding Program
Matched funding for tourism growth projects
Funding available
$ 1,500 - $ 14,000
Deadline
April 6, 2026
Opened February 23, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program offers matched funding of up to $14,000 for tourism-focused projects in the Kawarthas Northumberland region. It supports digital marketing, signage, strategic planning, and visual asset creation for tourism operators and partners.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 14,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,500 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Digital marketing campaigns promoting visitor experiences
- Permanent signage and wayfinding improvements
- Feasibility, gap analysis, and tourism planning studies
- Photo and video asset creation and website readiness support
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed application form
- Project budget with funding sources and line items
- Project description with timelines, roles, and performance measures
- Insurance certificate
- Partnership agreement, if approved
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Established for-profit tourism businesses
- First Nations tourism businesses
- Destination Marketing Organizations
- Chambers of Commerce and BIAs with tourism in their portfolio
- Municipalities managing tourism partners
Who is not eligible
- Festivals and events
- Businesses outside the RTO8 region
Eligible expenses
- Permanent signage and wayfinding installations
- Digital marketing and paid advertising
- Graphic design and production costs
- Photo and video asset creation
- Studies and strategic planning work
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Insurance
- Office expenses and supplies
- Staff wages and costs
- Rent, lease, and overhead costs
- Website maintenance and licensing fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Kawartha Lakes
- Northumberland County
- City of Peterborough
- County of Peterborough
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the RTO8 Business Plan.
- Direct benefit to tourism operators and visitor growth.
- Project clarity, timelines, and performance measures.
- Potential to attract visitors from 40+ km and encourage overnight stays.
- Strength of the budget and partner contributions.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program documents
- Read the Program Overview and application form carefully.
- Confirm that the project fits the program focus.
- Step 2: Discuss the project with RTO8
- Meet with RTO8 before submitting the application.
- Confirm eligibility and project alignment.
- Step 3: Complete the application
- Fill out the signed application form.
- Include project details, budget, and required supporting information.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Email the completed signed application to brendawood@rto8.com.
- Submit it before the intake deadline.
- Step 5: Follow up after review
- Wait for the approval notice beginning the week of April 27.
- If approved, review and return the partnership agreement with insurance.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and applicants are notified beginning the week of April 27.
- If approved, a partnership agreement is issued for review and signature.
- The applicant must return the signed agreement and required insurance within 30 days.
- Project invoices and the final report must be submitted within 30 days of project completion.
Additional information
- Only one application may be submitted, and it may include multiple projects.
- Applicants must consult with RTO8 before applying.
- Successful applicants must acknowledge RTO8 and the Province of Ontario in project communications.
- Applicants are required to track project-specific metrics and submit a final report.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program Program
What is the 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program?
This program offers matched funding of up to $14,000 for tourism-focused projects in the Kawarthas Northumberland region. It supports digital marketing, signage, strategic planning, and visual asset creation for tourism operators and partners.
How much funding can be received?
2026/27 Partnership Funding Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $14,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was April 6, 2026.
Who is eligible for the 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program program?
To be eligible for the 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program program, you must:
Tourism business or organization in RTO8.
Project must fit the program focus.
Applicant must be able to complete the project.
What expenses are eligible under 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program?
Digital marketing campaigns promoting visitor experiences
Permanent signage and wayfinding improvements
Feasibility, gap analysis, and tourism planning studies
Photo and video asset creation and website readiness support
Who can I contact for more information about the 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program?
You can contact Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) by email at brendawood@rto8.com.
Where is the 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program available?
The 2026/27 Partnership Funding Program program is available the province of Ontario.