Experience Ontario 2024
ON, Canada
The Experience Ontario 2024 grant, offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, provides financial support for in-person festivals and events in Ontario to boost tourism and economic impact.
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Grant and Funding
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- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
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- Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS)
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The Experience Ontario 2024 program, administered by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, provides support for in-person festivals and events in Ontario that have a tourism economic impact. The program aims to motivate visitors to discover Ontario, connect people with local experiences, and increase tourism spending by funding event programming, marketing, and production costs incurred between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Eligible applicants include legal entities such as federally or provincially incorporated organizations and Indigenous communities, with events needing to take place over a minimum of two consecutive days.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several eligible projects and activities for this grant.
- Performance and appearance fees paid to artists, performers, and presenters, including travel, accommodation, and hospitality costs.
- Interactive, experiential, and accessible programming costs.
- Ontario-based production costs, including rental of sound, lighting equipment, and event venues.
- Wages for temporary/contract event staff directly related to programming and production.
- Programming costs related to engaging spectators for eligible sporting events.
- SOCAN or other licensing fees.
- Honorarium for Elders/Knowledge Holders.
- Targeted paid media or advertising buys, such as broadcast, digital, social, print, out-of-home.
- Distribution/shipping costs for printed materials.
- Mobile application and website development and upgrades supporting the festival or event.
- Wages for temporary/contract event staff related to marketing.
- Translation costs related to programming or marketing.
- Volunteer training costs.
- Accessibility services and improvements for event programming compliance with AODA.
- Sanitation services such as handwashing stations and hand sanitizer dispensers.
- Economic impact studies.
- Other reasonable costs directly attributable to the project as approved by the ministry.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$45,000
Toronto
Hosting a Summer Music Festival with local artists and interactive activities in Toronto.
$40,000
Ottawa
Organizing a two-day Indigenous cultural festival in Ottawa with dances and traditional food.
$50,000
Hamilton
Creating a week-long art festival with local exhibitions and workshops in Hamilton.
$45,000
Kingston
Producing a historical reenactment event featuring live actors and interactive exhibits in Kingston.
$50,000
Mississauga
Organizing a food and cultural festival with international cuisine and performances in Mississauga.
$40,000
Thunder Bay
Organizing a winter sports festival with accessible programming in Thunder Bay.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
This grant supports in-person festivals and events in Ontario that enhance tourism, create jobs, and increase visitor spending. Eligible applicants must meet specific organizational, event, and expense criteria as outlined below.
- A legal entity, established by or under legislation; federally or provincially incorporated; First Nation in Ontario.
- An Indigenous community in Ontario, a regional or provincial organization, representing First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or urban Indigenous peoples or an Indigenous service provider.
- In existence since January 1, 2023, or before.
- Operating business in Ontario.
- Not in default of any grant or loan agreement with a ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario.
- Conducting business in Ontario and have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applicant at a Canadian financial institution.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants must be legal entities established by or under legislation, including federally or provincially incorporated bodies and First Nations in Ontario. The organization must be an operating business in Ontario, in existence since January 1, 2023, and must not be in default of any terms or conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario.
- Legally established entities under legislation
- Federally or provincially incorporated entities
- First Nations in Ontario
- Operating business in Ontario
- In existence since January 1, 2023
- Not in default of any grant or loan agreement with any Ontario government ministry or agency
- Conducting business in Ontario
- Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applicant at a Canadian financial institution
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant, which must be incurred between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, and linked to programming activities and other services accessible to the public.
- Performance and appearance fees for artists, performers, and presenters, including travel, accommodation, and hospitality (excluding alcohol or cannabis-related products).
- Programming costs such as interactive, experiential, and accessible programming.
- Ontario-based production costs, including audio and visual support.
- Wages for temporary/contract event staff directly related to programming and production for the festival or event.
- SOCAN or other licensing fees.
- Honorarium for Elder/Knowledge Holder.
- Targeted paid media or advertising buys (e.g., broadcast, digital, social, print, out-of-home).
- Distribution/shipping costs for printed materials.
- Mobile application and website development and upgrades, if promoting or supporting the festival or event.
- Wages for temporary/contract event staff directly related to marketing for the festival or event.
- Translation costs directly related to the programming or marketing of the festival or event.
- Costs related to volunteer training for the event, site/visitor services, or event security.
- Accessibility services and improvements to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) directly associated with the event programming.
- Non-capital costs related to strengthening health and safety measures at the event (e.g., technology for digital contactless payment and admission).
- Sanitation services (handwashing stations, hand sanitizer dispensers).
- Economic impact studies.
- Other costs deemed reasonable and directly attributable to the project that have been approved in writing by the ministry.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are locations within Ontario, with specific references to northern Ontario districts and rural areas meeting certain criteria.
- Ontario
- Northern Ontario districts: Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming
- Rural areas with a population of fewer than 100,000 people
- Rural areas with a population density of 100 people or fewer per square kilometre
- Ontario's urban municipalities: Ajax, Barrie, Brampton, Brantford, Burlington, Cambridge, Chatham-Kent, Clarington, Guelph, Greater Sudbury, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Oakville, Oshawa, Ottawa, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Vaughan, Waterloo, Whitby, Windsor
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation process involves a fair and consistent review of submissions against the stated eligibility and mandatory requirements to ensure alignment with the program's priorities. Applications meeting these requirements will be scored based on pre-determined technical criteria, considering the applicant's ability to meet program objectives, total eligible expenses, and overall demand for funds.
- Organizational capacity: 20%
- Event description, alignment with program objectives, risk management, and contingency plans: 20%
- Marketing plan: 15%
- Partnerships: 10%
- Impact: performance measures and tracking of results: 20%
- Impact: Government support: 10%
- Event budget: 5%
- Priority event: 5%
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1
- Read the Experience Ontario 2024 Application Guide.
- Watch the Experience Ontario 2024 Program and Application Video.
- Consult with your Tourism Regional Advisor or Northern Regional Development Advisor to discuss your festival or event plan and its alignment with Experience Ontario or email ExperienceOntario@ontario.ca with questions.
- Confirm you are registered with Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON):
- Ensure the TPON Administrator is current.
- Verify the organization's email address is correct.
- Ensure External Approvers are linked to the organization.
- Step 2
- Ensure your application is complete and has all mandatory documents:
- Completed and signed application form.
- Incorporation documents (if applicable).
- Previous year's financial statements (audited, review engagement, board-endorsed, or treasurer-certified).
- Complete all sections of the application form including:
- Organization capacity.
- Event description, alignment with program objectives, risk management, and contingency plans.
- Marketing plan.
- Partnerships.
- Performance measures and tracking of results.
- Government support.
- Event budget.
- Step 3
- Submit the application through the Transfer Payment Ontario system by the deadline: January 11, 2024, 5 p.m. EST.
- Ensure you receive a confirmation notice by email within 24 hours of submitting your application.
- If experiencing technical difficulties, contact Transfer Payment Ontario Client Care.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional recipient obligations for those who receive funding include executing a TPA with the ministry and carrying a specific amount of liability insurance. Post-event reporting is required to confirm the use of funds and the success of the event.
- Execute and approve a Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) with the ministry.
- Carry at least $2 million commercial general liability insurance coverage for the duration of the TPA.
- Report back to the ministry within 90 days following the event on the use of funds and outcomes.
- Permit the ministry to verify or audit information submitted.
- Obtain prior written consent from the ministry for any changes to the event once funding is approved.
- Acknowledge Ontario's support in electronic, print, or social media.
- Comply with all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations.
grant_single_labels|contact
ExperienceOntario@ontario.ca
416-325-6691
Apply to this program
Experience Ontario 2024 Grant Program: Unlocking Tourism Potential
The Experience Ontario 2024 Grant Program, led by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is designed to financially support festivals and events that stimulate tourism and economic growth in Ontario. Eligible events can receive funding to bolster programming, marketing, and production efforts, enhancing the province's tourism appeal.
Understanding the Experience Ontario 2024 Grant Program
The Experience Ontario 2024 Grant Program is an initiative by Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport aimed at invigorating the province’s tourism sector through targeted support to festivals and events that drive economic impact. The program is structured to attract visitors to Ontario, enhance local experiences, and boost tourism spending. Navigating the complexities of this grant can enhance your event's potential for success, and this guide will provide detailed insights into the application process, eligibility requirements, and benefits of the program.
Program Objectives
The primary objectives of the Experience Ontario 2024 program are:
- Encouraging in-person visits and travel within Ontario by offering engaging programming.
- Attracting tourists and increasing visitor spending through innovative and collaborative partnerships with businesses and community organizations.
- Creating job opportunities within the tourism, culture, and entertainment sectors.
- Elevating Ontario’s profile through diverse media channels.
Funding Structure and Priorities
The program uses a three-tier funding model based on the previous year’s actual festival or event cash expenses:
- Tier 1 - Signature: Events with cash expenses of $1 million or greater are eligible for up to 50% of cash expenses, with a maximum of $125,000.
- Tier 2 - Emerging: Events with cash expenses between $250,000 and $999,999 are eligible for up to 50% of cash expenses, with a maximum of $55,000.
- Tier 3 - Community: Events with cash expenses less than $250,000 are eligible for up to 50% of cash expenses, with a maximum of $20,000.
Program priorities focus on events that foster collaboration, support diverse and inclusive programming, and deliver significant economic benefits to local communities.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Organizations
Applicants must be:
- A legal entity established by legislation, federally or provincially incorporated, or a First Nation in Ontario.
- Indigenous communities or organizations representing First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or urban Indigenous peoples.
- Operating businesses with a physical presence in Ontario.
- Non-defaulting on any agreements with Ontario government ministries or agencies.
Ineligible Organizations
The following are not eligible:
- Sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and general partnerships.
- Federal or provincial governments and their agencies.
Eligible Tourism Festivals or Events
To qualify, an event must:
- Take place in Ontario between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, over a minimum of two consecutive days.
- Be open to the general public.
- Have tourist participation accounting for at least 30% of total attendance or at least 5,000 tourists.
- Maintain compliance with all municipal and provincial guidelines, including health and safety.
Single-day events on Canada Day are also eligible.
Ineligible Tourism Festivals or Events
Ineligible events include:
- One-day events (except those on Canada Day).
- Virtual or broadcast events.
- Events funded by the Ontario Sport Hosting Program or Ontario Music Investment Fund.
- Commercially driven trade fairs, consumer shows, and charity fundraisers.
- Symposia, conventions, private awards shows, and meetings.
Eligible and Ineligible Expenses
Eligible Expenses
Expenses incurred between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, related to event programming and marketing are considered eligible. Examples include:
- Performance fees, including travel and accommodation for artists.
- Costs for interactive and experiential programming.
- Ontario-based production costs, such as sound and lighting equipment rentals.
- Temporary staffing directly related to event programming and marketing.
- Targeted paid media advertising.
- Volunteer training, site services, and non-capital health and safety measures.
Ineligible Expenses
Expenses not directly related to event programming or those incurred outside the eligibility period are ineligible, including but not limited to:
- Out-of-province production costs.
- Costs for permanent creative assets or competition prizes.
- Permanent staff salaries and hiring costs.
- Alcohol or cannabis-related products.
- Administrative overheads, capital costs, or budget deficits.
How to Apply
The application process is managed through the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:
- Create a My Ontario Account for accessing the TPON system. This process may take several days, so begin early.
- Ensure your organization's details and contacts are up-to-date in TPON.
- Submit the completed application form along with mandatory documents before the deadline: January 11, 2024, 5 p.m. EST.
Mandatory documents include a completed application form, incorporation documents (if applicable), and financial statements. New applicants should allow up to five business days to create a My Ontario Account and prepare accordingly.
Evaluation Process and Assessment Criteria
The evaluation will be based on the merit of submissions against eligibility and mandatory requirements. Applications will be scored against specific criteria:
- Organizational capacity (20 points) including financial health.
- Event description, alignment with objectives, and risk management (20 points).
- Marketing plan (15 points).
- Partnerships (10 points).
- Performance measures and tracking results (20 points).
- Funding impact (10 points).
- Event budget (5 points).
- Priority events (5 points).
To be eligible for funding, applications must achieve a minimum score of 50. Approval is discretionary, and there is no appeal process for unsuccessful applicants.
Recipient Obligations
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Sign a Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) outlining the terms and conditions of the funding.
- Maintain $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, naming His Majesty the King in right of Ontario as an additional insured.
- Submit a final report within 90 days post-event, detailing the use of funds and outcomes achieved.
- Permit audits to verify the accuracy of submitted information.
- Gain prior written consent for any changes to the funded event.
- Acknowledge Ontario's support in all promotional activities.
Reporting Requirements
Recipients must submit detailed financial and performance reports post-event, including:
- Confirmation of actual event expenses.
- Summaries of all invoices related to eligible costs.
- Financial statements: board-endorsed for grants under $100,000 or audited statements for grants of $100,000 or more.
Failure to provide complete reports may result in withheld funds or requests for repayment, impacting future funding eligibility.
For further assistance, applicants can contact Transfer Payment Ontario Client Care for technical support and ensure their compliance with all application requirements for a successful submission.
