Open
Source verified July 23, 2026
Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)
Funding for major Ontario tourism events
Funding available
Up to 20% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Funding supports large-scale Ontario events that attract tourists and generate strong media exposure. It provides up to 20% of eligible cash operating expenses for programming, production, media buys to tourist markets, security, and accessibility services.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 20% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
Target groups
- General public
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hosting large-scale blockbuster events in Ontario
- Programming and production for public events
- Media outreach to tourists and out-of-province visitors
- Event security and accessibility improvements for attendees
Documents Needed
- Completed, electronically signed application form
- Incorporation documents
- Most recent audited financial statements
- Economic impact assessment report
- Marketing plan
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario municipalities
- For-profit organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Groups of organizations with event hosting mandates
Who is not eligible
- Events still in the bidding stage
- Annual or biennial recurring events in Ontario
- Amateur sporting events funded through Ontario Sport Hosting Program
- Trade fairs and primarily commercial events
- Special-interest or recruitment-focused gatherings
Eligible expenses
- Artist, performer, presenter, travel, accommodation, and booking fees
- Programming and production costs, including sound, lighting, and venue rental
- Targeted media buys for tourist markets, including digital, print, broadcast, social, and outdoor advertising
- Distribution of printed marketing materials
- Event security and accessibility services or temporary accessibility improvements
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Administrative and overhead costs
- Salaries, travel, hospitality, consultant fees, and bid or licensing fees
- Marketing creative, production, website upgrades, and media buys targeting local audiences under 40 km away
- Capital costs, prizes, gifts, alcohol or cannabis-related products
- Costs for events outside Ontario or paid through in-kind support
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
- Northern Ontario districts: Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timiskaming
Selection criteria
- Organizational capacity and financial health
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities
- Quality of marketing plan and tourism outreach
- Partnerships and expected economic impact
- Performance measures and event budget quality
How to apply
- Step 1
- Review the guide and confirm eligibility and requirements.
- Consult the program lead or regional tourism advisor.
- Step 2
- Create or access your ONe-key account.
- Prepare the application and mandatory documents.
- Step 3
- Submit the complete application in Transfer Payment Ontario.
- Ensure submission at least four months before the event start date.
- Step 4
- Watch for confirmation and provide any additional information if requested.
- If approved, sign the Transfer Payment Agreement.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission through Transfer Payment Ontario
- Eligible and complete applications are scored against program criteria
- The Minister makes the funding decision
- Applicants are notified after the decision is rendered
- Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement before funding is issued
Additional information
- Applications are assessed through Transfer Payment Ontario.
- No appeal process is available for unsuccessful applicants.
- Non-mandatory websites and attachments are not reviewed.
- The ministry may request additional information before making a decision.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) Program
What is the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)?
Funding supports large-scale Ontario events that attract tourists and generate strong media exposure. It provides up to 20% of eligible cash operating expenses for programming, production, media buys to tourist markets, security, and accessibility services.
How much funding can be received?
Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) program?
To be eligible for the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) program, you must:
Legal entity in operation for 1+ year
Event in Ontario and open to the public
Must meet Blockbuster event definition
What expenses are eligible under Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)?
Hosting large-scale blockbuster events in Ontario
Programming and production for public events
Media outreach to tourists and out-of-province visitors
Event security and accessibility improvements for attendees
Who can I contact for more information about the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)?
You can contact Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport by email at TPONCC@ontario.ca or by phone at 416-325-6691 / 1-855-216-3090.
Where is the Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) available?
The Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB) program is available the province of Ontario.