Cultural Supports Program — Community Events Stream

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the location and type of organization applying.

• The applicant must be a Municipality, Indigenous community, not-for-profit organization, or Local Services Board.
• The organization must be located in Northern Ontario.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and events from eligibility based on their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to focus the funding on community-relevant and economically beneficial projects.

• Private sector events are not eligible for funding.
• Projects led by the federal or provincial governments are excluded.
• Organizations applying for ongoing operational costs not directly related to the event.
• Events that have already occurred prior to funding application.
• Any event or project that does not generate economic benefits to Northern Ontario.

Eligible expenses

Eligible projects under the Community Events Stream are those that enhance Northern Ontario's community profile, promote economic development, and attract tourism. These initiatives should introduce new programming or improvements to increase participation and sustainability.

• New and recurring in-person or virtual community and tourism events that attract tourists.
• Annual and/or recurring events that incorporate new programming or activities aimed at improving attendance.
• Projects that increase tourism expenditure such as additional overnight stays or more local spending.
• Events that raise their profile or quality to ensure sustainability for future iterations.
• Enhancements deemed eligible by NOHFC, contributing to the event's long-term impact.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is intended for organizations located in Northern Ontario as defined by the NOHFC boundaries. The eligible geographical areas are determined to promote economic development specific to Northern Ontario.

• Organizations within Northern Ontario as verified by the Regional Eligibility Checker using postal code prefixes.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria set to ensure the events contribute to increasing community profile and economic development in Northern Ontario.

• Level of investment from other sources.
• Anticipated attendance numbers.
• Level of tourism expenditures.
• Likelihood of NOHFC funding improving the quality of the event.
• Likelihood of NOHFC funding contributing to the sustainability of the event.
• Economic impact at a municipal, regional or provincial level.
• The impact of possible NOHFC funding on the viability and scope of a proposed event.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Conditional contributions are limited to 30% of total eligible costs, with a maximum of $15,000, unless a project demonstrates significant economic benefit, in which case exceptions may be made.
• If the funded assets are sold within three years, repayment to NOHFC may be required.
• 50% of funding can be released upon agreement execution, with the balance paid upon submission of the final event report, subject to NOHFC discretion.
• A detailed proposal is not initially required, though additional information may be requested for evaluation purposes.