Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)
grant_single|update February 28, 2025
ON, Canada
Supports major events boosting tourism and economic impact in Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster grant provides funding up to 20% of eligible event expenses for large-scale, high-impact events that draw significant tourism to Ontario. Eligible activities include programming, production costs, media buys targeting tourist markets, and event security services.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Eligible to apply for up to a maximum of 20% of eligible Blockbuster event cash operating expenses.
- The value of in-kind expenses is not included in the determination of Blockbuster event cash operating expenses.
- Funding will only cover eligible expenses directly related to the delivery of the Blockbuster event.
- There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applications.
- All funding decisions are made by the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
- If funds are not used for the intended purpose, the province has the right to recover parts or all of the funds transferred.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Hosting of large-scale, high-impact events defined as Blockbuster events by the ministry.
- Organizing major one-time national or international events taking place in Ontario.
- Arranging major events that recur infrequently in Ontario and travel nationally or internationally.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 20,000
Upgrade the IT infrastructure in the public library
$ 8,000
Launch a sustainable urban gardening initiative
$ 40,000
Implement a renewable energy system for community center
$ 14,000
Develop a local business mentorship program
$ 95,000
Start a craft beer brewery with local ingredients
$ 12,000
Implement an online booking system for art classes
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- Eligible applicant organizations must be legal entities and have existed for one year or longer as of the date of submission of the application.
- The applicant must have a Canadian bank account at a Canadian financial institution conducting business in Ontario.
- The applicant must not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario.
- Eligible applicants include Ontario municipalities with a tourism strategy that includes hosting major events, and for-profit or non-profit organizations that have event management and/or hosting as part of their mandate.
- The applicant must demonstrate proven organizational ability, technical capacity, and fiscal prudence to successfully host a Blockbuster event.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Ontario municipalities that have identified hosting major events as part of their tourism strategy
- For-profit or non-profit organizations (or groups of organizations) that have event management and/or hosting as part of their mandate
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Events that are still in the bidding process.
- Amateur sporting events that are receiving funding under the Ontario Sport Hosting Program.
- Events that recur in Ontario on an annual or biennial basis.
- Events that seek to attract only a special interest audience or recruit new members, such as religious or political gatherings and workshops.
- Trade fairs, events of a primarily commercial nature, including consumer shows, symposia, conventions, meetings and conferences, seminars and clinics.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Performance and appearance fees paid to artists, musicians, and other entertainers and presenters, including travel, accommodation, and booking costs.
- Programming costs, including interactive, experiential and/or accessible programming.
- Production costs, including audio and visual support such as rental of sound and lighting equipment and rental of event venue.
- Insurance for artworks specific to a blockbuster exhibit as an eligible production cost.
- Media buys targeting Ontario audiences residing 40 kilometres or more from the event location.
- Media buys targeting out-of-province tourists, including broadcast, digital, print, social, and out-of-home advertising space.
- Event security costs.
- Accessibility services and improvements to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, specifically related to programming for the Blockbuster event.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Ontario, Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Organizational Capacity and Financial Statements: 20%
- Event Information and Alignment with Program Objectives & Priorities: 30% (Includes Event Cash Budget, Marketing Plan, Economic Impact Report)
- Full Marketing Plan, including Tourism Marketing Plan: 10%
- Partnerships: 10%
- Impact: Performance Measures and Tracking of Results: 25%
- Event Budget: 5%
- Additional points for rural or northern events, or events that take place over the non-peak season: 5 points are allocated.
grant_single_labels|apply
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grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- PDF forms must be accessed and filled using the latest version of Adobe Reader to ensure functionality.
- The application process involves creating or accessing a "ONe-key" account for secure access within the Government of Ontario system.
- Applications must be submitted at least four months prior to the proposed event start date.
- All successful applicants are required to have $2 million in commercial general liability insurance during the validity period of the grant agreement.
- The Ministry expects grant recipients to comply with all applicable laws, including the Ontario Human Rights Code.
- Acknowledge Ontario's support in event-related media as per ministry directives.
- Grant recipients may be subject to audits by the province to ensure accuracy of information and proper use of funds.
- No appeal process is available for unsuccessful applicants.
Apply to this program
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