How much funding can be received?

The grant program aims to position Quebec as a destination on both national and international levels by supporting the development of responsible and sustainable tourism festivals and events across the province. Eligible activities include festivals and events with a minimum duration of three days, and the maximum funding amount available is $1 million per year.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Financial Assistance for Tourism Festivals and Events program offers structured funding support to enhance the visibility and sustainability of events across Quebec. The financing modalities are aimed at maximizing impact while ensuring economic viability and accountability.

The financial assistance is offered for a triennial period without any indexing or increase during this period.
The maximum financial assistance that can be granted per annum for performance tourism is capped at 1 million dollars.
Financial assistance is determined based on an event's tourism performance index established through an analysis of relevant criteria.
The assistance is adjusted to account for seasonal efforts, with specific percentages increase for events held outside the summer season (October to May) and in peripheral or remote regions.
A financial aid cap for festivals and events in Category 1 is set at a yearly maximum of 750,000 dollars.
The maximum cumulative total of government assistance, including repayable assistance, encompasses all programmatically approved financial aids by Quebec and Canadian governments, as well as municipal entities, and varies according to the type of eligible organizations, such as OBNL or cooperatives.
Surplus financials exceeding 20% of annual eligible costs require a submitted allocation plan, while deficits over 10% require a reduction strategy within 5 years.
Eligible costs, such as event preparation and management, programming, and promotional activities, have specified percentage caps tied to their total eligible expenses category.
Expenditure for infrastructural projects, working capital, debt service, capital losses, and activities outside the realization of the event are classified as non-eligible expenses.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant offers financial support for festivals and events that significantly drive tourism and contribute to the economic vibrancy of Quebec. The eligible projects focus on large-scale events that enhance the cultural and international standing of the region.

Major festivals and events attracting substantial local and international visitors.
Events encouraging public engagement with free activities across multiple sites.
Events held within Quebec for at least three consecutive days.
Festivals with a theme and a planned program of activities.
Recurrence in the same municipality as prior editions, fostering consistency in location (not applicable to non-recurring events).
Events that demonstrate significant economic benefits based on independent impact studies.
Projects requiring a minimum of $6 million in eligible expenses from previous editions, excluding infrastructure costs.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for companies applying for this grant are outlined as follows:

The organization must be legally constituted under the laws of the government of Quebec or the government of Canada and must be conducting business in Quebec.
The organization can be a non-profit organization (OBNL), a for-profit organization (OBL), a cooperative, a municipal entity, or a recognized Indigenous community or nation.
The organization must not be a state-owned enterprise or a ministry/agency of the Quebec or Canadian government.
The organization must not be listed on the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA).
Applicants who have defaulted on their obligations after being duly warned within the last two years are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is intended for entities looking to position Quebec as a national and international tourist destination through responsible and sustainable festival and event development. Eligible participants are:

For-profit organizations (OBL).
Non-profit organizations (ONBL).
Cooperatives.
Municipal entities.
Recognized Indigenous communities or nations.
Groups comprising any of the above entities.

The following are excluded:

Crown corporations, ministries, and agencies of the Quebec or Canadian governments.
Companies listed on the Register of Enterprises Not Eligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Organizations that have failed to meet their obligations after formal notice in the past two years.

Participants must be legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada and operate in Quebec. Moreover, supported festivals and events must meet criteria concerning program duration, thematic consistency, location stability, and minimum cost thresholds.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant outlines specific entities and conditions that render certain applicants ineligible. These restrictions help ensure that the funding supports appropriate categories of organizations and maintains compliance with program expectations.

Crown corporations, ministries, and entities of the governments of Quebec or Canada.
Companies listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Organizations that have failed to meet their obligations in the preceding two years after formal notification in the context of previous funding.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers various expenses related to the preparation, execution, and promotion of the event.

Costs of preparation and management of the event (limited to 25% of total eligible costs for certain streams, and to 40% for others based on festival budget).
Costs of programming activities and events.
Costs of promotion, marketing, and communication to boost event visibility.
Site management and installation costs necessary for the event.
Costs of products intended for resale at the event.
Salaries and benefits for human resources directly linked to the event.
Sponsorships in goods and services, with costs being eligible when audited (limited to 50% of total eligible costs).
Costs related to sustainable and responsible development obligations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically designed to support tourism festivals and events occurring throughout the province of Quebec. Applications are open to entities conducting business within this geographical location.

Events must be held in the province of Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on an analysis of specified data points to determine a performance index for festivals and events.

The number of days of participation by tourists, which forms part of the overall tourist attendance.
The proportion of days of participation by tourists from outside Quebec, providing insight into visitor diversity.
The attractiveness index of the festival or event, gauging its unique drawing power for visitors relative to local attractions.
The economic impact, measured as the added value at current prices, indicating the financial benefits generated by the event.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Subscribe to Newsletter for Updates
Subscribe to the "Tourisme Québec en action" newsletter to stay informed about official application periods and any updates regarding funding opportunities.
Step 2: Verify Eligibility
Ensure your organization and event meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the ministry.
Verify your event falls within the specified dates and other requirements.
Step 3: Register on Financial Assistance Portal
Visit the new Financial Assistance portal of the Ministry of Tourism.
Create a client account to access the application forms.
Step 4: Prepare the Application
Collect and prepare all required documentation, including detailed project descriptions and financial statements.
Ensure all supporting documents meet the criteria and completeness requirements.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form
Log into your account on the Financial Assistance portal.
Fill out the online application form with accurate information about your event.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Upload all necessary documents through the Financial Assistance portal.
Submit your application before the specified deadline.
Step 7: Confirmation of Submission
Receive an email confirmation of your submission which includes your application number.
Keep this confirmation for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant program is subject to budgetary availability, and the funds are disbursed accordingly.
Financial assistance for festivals and events planned outside the main summer tourist season may receive a seasonality premium.
Maximum cumulative financial aid from government sources must be adhered to, based on the applicant type.
Grant recipients must submit a financial plan to distribute any cumulative surpluses exceeding 20% of annual eligible costs within the province.
For all grant streams, financial assistance is typically established for a three-year term without indexing or increase during this period.
Beneficiaries of the grant must comply with sustainable development obligations by obtaining specific eco-responsibility certifications or implementing sustainability indicators.
Previous studies of tourist origin and attendance due to COVID-19 can be used, with no new study required unless the promoter decides otherwise.
A lower rate of funding assistance is applied to projects qualifying for a different program stream than applied for if they meet only some of the eligibility criteria.
Specific requirements for demonstrating economic impact apply, including the involvement of independent firms for performance analysis.
Each application must include a full financial breakdown, specifying both anticipated expenditures and revenues, and must highlight all public funding contributions.

grant_single_labels|contact

festivals@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca

418 643-5959

Apply to this program

A Strategic Boost for Quebec's Festivals and Events

This grant offers an opportunity for festivals and events hosted in Quebec to receive financial support aimed at fostering tourism and cultural innovation. The program is tailored to enhance the province’s cultural footprint both nationally and internationally by supporting major and noteworthy events.

Detailed Insights into the Festival and Event Financial Aid Program

The Festival and Event Financial Aid Program designed by the Ministry of Tourism in Quebec is a strategic initiative to elevate the province's standing as a prime cultural and tourism destination on both national and international fronts. The program targets a variety of organizers, including non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and indigenous communities, among others, facilitating the growth and sustainability of major cultural events. Its key objective is to support events that significantly draw both local and international visitors, thereby boosting the local economy through increased tourist activity and spending.

The application process for the upcoming event cycles involves meticulous planning, with deadlines specified for different periods to ensure adequate resource allocation and planning. Notably, those organizers who are currently under a financial aid agreement are exempt from reapplying, streamlining the support process for trusted participants.

A crucial aspect of this program is its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism development. Events supported under the program are encouraged to adopt practices that align with eco-responsibility and sustainable development goals. This aligns with the broader provincial objectives of promoting environmentally friendly economic growth, ensuring that cultural expressions do not come at the expense of environmental integrity.

Funding levels and amounts are meticulously calculated based on several performance metrics, which include tourist attendance and overall economic impact. For instance, events categorized under major tourist interest must not only demonstrate a robust visitor draw but also substantiate their economic contributions through thorough independent analyses. Additionally, support is scaled seasonally, promoting events outside the typical tourist seasons to distribute tourist activity more evenly throughout the year.

Moreover, the program delineates specific guidelines concerning the responsible use of funds. Eligible costs cover areas such as event programming, promotion, and site management, with a firm structure ensuring funds are directly tied to the event execution. However, funds for infrastructural developments are excluded, focusing the financial support strictly on operational and programming expenses.

Finally, for events seeking to innovate or expand under the Development and Growth segment, the initiative offers delineated support tailored to foster new projects or significantly enhance existing festivals. However, given budgetary constraints, applications for this segment are currently suspended, illustrating the need for strategic financial allocation amidst fiscal limitations.

The overarching impact of this program extends beyond mere financial support. It contributes profoundly to the cultivation of a vibrant cultural landscape in Quebec, providing the foundations for long-term economic stimulation and the development of a globally recognized cultural economy. Through this initiative, Quebec continues to champion its cultural prowess, attracting both visitors and creatives to its festivals and events, thereby fortifying its cultural and economic future.