Closed
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : October 20, 2025
Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides funding support for event development in Thunder Bay. It helps local not-for-profit organizers cover eligible costs for championships, inaugural festivals, and sport events.
/100
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
Timeline
- Closing date : October 20, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Thunder Bay
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- General public
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hosting championships, tournaments, festivals, and sporting events.
- Launching new or inaugural events for the community.
- Events that attract out-of-town visitors and generate local economic impact.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Detailed event budget
- Recent financial statement
- Proof of incorporation
- Letters of support, board resolution, and any sanctioning body endorsement
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations.
- Local organizations bidding to host or having won the right to host major events.
- Organizations staging new or inaugural events, tournaments, or festivals.
Who is not eligible
- Conferences, conventions, workshops, concerts/shows, and fundraising events are typically not eligible.
Eligible expenses
- Start-up costs for planning and organizing the event, including sponsorship campaigns, volunteer recruitment and training, and marketing.
- Equipment or other items that create a lasting benefit for future local events.
- Professional services and office equipment rental, such as graphic design.
- Event staging costs such as facility rental and advertising.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Fixed capital expenditures.
- Banquet meals, alcohol, and athlete awards.
- Travel and accommodation for participants.
- Costs incurred before the application is made.
- Fundraising, resale items, and deficit coverage.
Eligible geographic areas
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- The application is reviewed by Recreation & Culture Division staff and the Grant Review Committee.
- Review is completed about 3 to 4 weeks after the deadline.
- If approved, the applicant must follow the letter of approval and grant terms.
- Post-project reporting and receipts are required within 60 days of project completion.
Additional information
- Applicants must consult Recreation & Culture Division staff before applying.
- The grant recipient must acknowledge City of Thunder Bay support in event materials.
- Unused grant funds remain the property of the City of Thunder Bay.
- Supporting records and receipts must be kept for three years.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Event Development Grant Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Event Development Grant. 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 Event Development Grant?
This program provides funding support for event development in Thunder Bay. It helps local not-for-profit organizers cover eligible costs for championships, inaugural festivals, and sport events.
How much funding can be received?
Event Development Grant Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Event Development Grant program?
To be eligible for the Event Development Grant program, you must:
Incorporated not-for-profit organization
Locally based in Thunder Bay
Special or inaugural event
What expenses are eligible under Event Development Grant?
Hosting championships, tournaments, festivals, and sporting events.
Launching new or inaugural events for the community.
Events that attract out-of-town visitors and generate local economic impact.
Who can I contact for more information about the Event Development Grant?
You can contact City of Thunder Bay by email at paul.burke@thunderbay.ca or by phone at (807) 625-2305.
Where is the Event Development Grant available?
The Event Development Grant program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Event Development Grant a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Event Development Grant is a Grant and Funding