Open
Community Festivals and Events Program
Operating support for rural and northern festivals
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Closing date : November 1, 2026
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
Operating support for rural and northern community festivals that last at least two days. Funding supports signature annual events that celebrate local heritage, culture, identity, youth involvement, and community tourism.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Train or support volunteers
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 1, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Manitoba
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Organizing a community festival or celebration lasting at least two days.
- Hosting an annual signature event that highlights local heritage, culture, and identity.
- Events that promote youth participation, community pride, and local tourism.
Documents Needed
- Financial statements for the last two festivals
- Approved budget for the upcoming festival
- Municipal support confirmation letter
- Letters of reference from two community organizations
- Signed declaration and current board and staff list
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated non-profit organizations.
- Festivals operating under an incorporated non-profit organization.
- Community festival organizers in rural or northern communities.
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses.
- Events that are not organized as incorporated non-profit activities.
- Festivals outside rural or northern communities.
- Events that are already eligible for ongoing financial assistance through other provincial programs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital-purpose revenues such as construction, renovation, property acquisition, or equipment purchase.
Eligible geographic areas
- Rural communities.
- Northern communities.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the deadline and assessed against program objectives and eligibility criteria.
- Funding decisions are based on the grant formula, the proposal’s merits, and the applicant’s capacity to complete the project.
- Applicants are notified in writing after the deadline.
- Approved applicants receive funding in two instalments, with the second tied to a satisfactory final report.
- Incomplete or late reporting can affect the final payment and future funding eligibility.
Additional information
- Applications must be complete and received by the deadline.
- The program encourages applicants to contact the consultant or regional office before applying.
- Approved applicants must acknowledge Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism in promotional materials.
- Final reporting is required after the event.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Festivals and Events Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Festivals and Events Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Community Festivals and Events Program?
Operating support for rural and northern community festivals that last at least two days. Funding supports signature annual events that celebrate local heritage, culture, identity, youth involvement, and community tourism.
How much funding can be received?
Community Festivals and Events Program Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Community Festivals and Events Program program?
To be eligible for the Community Festivals and Events Program program, you must:
Rural or northern community.
Signature annual festival.
Incorporated non-profit involvement.
What expenses are eligible under Community Festivals and Events Program?
Organizing a community festival or celebration lasting at least two days.
Hosting an annual signature event that highlights local heritage, culture, and identity.
Events that promote youth participation, community pride, and local tourism.
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Festivals and Events Program?
You can contact Manitoba Ministry of Sport, Culture, and Heritage.
Where is the Community Festivals and Events Program available?
The Community Festivals and Events Program program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the Community Festivals and Events Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Festivals and Events Program is a Grant and Funding