Community Tourism Destination Development Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
YT, Canada
Funding for sustainable tourism development in Yukon
Community Tourism Destination Development Fund at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $375,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : January 15, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Grant Providers
- Government of Yukon
Program status
Closed
Overview of the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund program
Receive financing to cover eligible expenditures for capital projects and non-capital projects that focus on sustainable tourism development in your community or region.
Financing terms and conditions
This fund provides structured financial support aimed at enhancing community tourism through both capital and non-capital projects. The financing modalities are specifically designed to maximize the impact of the funds across diverse project categories.
- The fund covers up to 75% of total project costs.
- A cap of 50% is applied to eligible capital expenditures, with a maximum funding limit of $375,000.
- Funding is tiered according to the project budget, with Tier 1 catering to projects up to $100,000 and Tier 2 accommodating those from $100,001 to $500,000.
- Funding distribution is dependent on the applicant’s access to other sources of government funding.
Eligible projects & activities
The Community Tourism Destination Development Fund supports initiatives designed to enhance tourism services and infrastructure within communities or regions. Eligible projects range from collaborative efforts to capital upgrades for improving visitor experiences and market readiness.
- Development of umbrella projects in partnership with other eligible applicants for greater community impact.
- Projects that facilitate destination development to boost local tourism.
- Capital projects focused on bringing visitor experiences or services to market readiness.
- Initiatives aimed at increasing an organization’s capacity to offer visitor experiences or services.
- Projects aiming at enhancing visitor experiences or services within a community or region.
- Leasehold improvements with a minimum 5-year lease to achieve market readiness or increase available visitor services.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 200,000
Renovating an old building into a cultural heritage museum
$ 375,000
Constructing a new visitor center at Jasper National Park
$ 180,000
Developing a new eco-friendly hiking trail
$ 75,000
Creating a community-based art installation tour
$ 75,000
Upgrading a visitor information center
$ 225,000
Launching a local food and wine festival
Eligibility criteria of the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund program
Eligibility for this fund requires the applicant to be based in Yukon and fit one of the specified organizational categories.
- The applicant must be a Yukon-based business.
- The applicant can be a First Nations government.
- The applicant may be a First Nations development entity.
- The applicant can be a municipality.
- The applicant may be a not-for-profit organization.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund include Yukon-based businesses, First Nations governments, First Nations development entities, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations.
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies that are not eligible for the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund include:
- Companies based outside of Yukon
- For-profit organizations not meeting the eligibility criteria
Eligible expenses
This fund supports projects in Yukon that contribute to sustainable tourism development by enhancing services and infrastructure. Eligible activities focus on collaborative approaches and improvements that can bring long-lasting benefits to the tourism sector.
- Partnership umbrella projects that enhance community-wide tourism impact.
- Projects facilitating destination development initiatives.
- Capital projects for making visitor experiences or services market-ready.
- Projects increasing an organization's capacity to deliver visitor services or experiences.
- Initiatives aimed at expanding visitor experiences or services in a community or region.
- Leasehold improvements under long-term agreements to boost market readiness and service offerings of visitor-dependent businesses.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is limited to companies and organizations that are based in a specific geographical area. The eligible area has been specified to target regional tourism development.
- Yukon-based businesses and entities.
Eligibility criteria of the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund program
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on their alignment with the program's objectives, focusing on community impact, readiness, sustainability, and innovation.
- Relative community impact.
- Immediate readiness or ability to begin contributing to destination development.
- Projects that provide long-term sustainable benefits.
- Innovation in the approach to partnership and community building.
How to apply to the Community Tourism Destination Development Fund program
1
Contact Program Administrators
- Email destinationmanagement@yukon.ca or call 867-667-8723 to discuss your project idea.
- Seek guidance and assistance for preparing your application.
2
Download Application
- Download the application form from the relevant Yukon website.
- Ensure you have the latest application guidelines and forms.
3
Application Preparation
- Prepare a detailed proposal highlighting project objectives, community impact, and sustainability.
- Include a comprehensive budget plan and any other supporting documents required.
- Ensure the project aligns with eligibility criteria such as improving tourism services or infrastructure.
4
Filling Out the Application
- Complete all sections of the application form thoroughly.
- Verify the accuracy of all information provided in the form.
5
Application Submission
- Send the completed application via mail, ensuring it is postmarked on or before the deadline date.
- If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, submit by the next business day.
6
Await Funding Decision
- Wait for the decision which will be communicated within 30 business days for Tier 1, and 45 business days for Tier 2.
- Prepare for potential follow-up or additional requests for information from the reviewers.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The application process opens on September 1 at 4:30 pm for both funding tiers.
- The deadline for Tier 2 projects is 4:30 pm on November 15, and for Tier 1 projects, it is 4:30 pm on January 15.
- If application deadlines fall on a weekend or holiday, they are moved to the next business day.
- A second round of intake may occur if funds remain after the first round.
- Applicants are encouraged to contact the program administrator for guidance and application preparation before submitting their forms.
Contact Government of Yukon
destinationmanagement@yukon.ca
867-667-8723
Apply to this program
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