Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF)
- Open Date : May 22, 2019
- Closing date : March 31, 2021
Overview
The Canadian Experiences Fund provides $58.5 million to support communities in offering and enhancing tourism products and experiences, focusing on winter and shoulder seasons, rural and remote tourism growth, Indigenous tourism, LGBTQ2 inclusion, and culinary tourism. Eligible projects can include planning and development of tourism products and services, market readiness training, and the creation or enhancement of tourism facilities, with funding covering up to 100% for non-profits and up to 75% for commercial enterprises.
At a glance
Funding available
- Launch or market a product/service
- Up to 100% of project cost
- Open Date : May 22, 2019
- Closing date : March 31, 2021
Eligible candidates
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Culture and Arts
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Indigenous peoples
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- All structures
- Local
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
Activities funded
This fund supports endeavors that promote the growth and diversification of Canada's tourism sector. The eligible projects focus on developing new or enhancing existing tourist products and services.
- Planning and development of new or improved tourism-related products and services, such as tours, special events, and festivals.
- Market readiness training to equip businesses with skills for product marketing, international payment systems, and cultural differences management.
- Creation or improvement of tourism infrastructure, such as trails, campgrounds, and shelters.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) is open to a wide range of organizations, including non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, industry associations, and local or Indigenous governments. Provincial or federal government organizations are not eligible to apply.Non-profit organizations may be eligible for funding that covers up to 100% of eligible costs. For-profit businesses can receive repayable funding covering up to 75% of eligible costs, depending on the type of costs involved.Eligible projects are those that support the growth and diversification of the tourism sector through activities such as developing and improving tourism-related products and services, offering training for market readiness, and creating or enhancing tourism facilities.
Who is not eligible
This grant is not available to certain organizations, mainly due to their governmental status. Only eligible entities retaining the capability to contribute to tourism sector growth and diversification are considered.
- Provincial or federal government organizations.
Eligible expenses
The grant covers expenses directly associated with the development and implementation of tourism-related projects.
- Expenses for planning and developing tourism products and services, including designing new offerings or enhancing existing ones.
- Costs associated with market-readiness training, such as collaborating with tourism associations to provide marketing training.
- Expenses related to the creation or improvement of tourism facilities, including renovation or construction of infrastructure for tourists.
Eligible geographic areas
This Canadian Experiences Fund is designed to support tourism-related projects across various communities in Canada. Organizations from both urban and rural areas are encouraged to apply.
- Businesses and organizations located in Canada.
- Communities across all provinces and territories in Canada.
Additional information
Here is an additional relevant detail for this grant:
- For best practices and optimal proposal crafting, contacting a program officer to discuss specific project needs and alignment with fund priorities is recommended.