How much funding can be received?

The grant program aims to position Quebec as a national and international destination by supporting responsible and sustainable tourism events, with maximum funding of $1 million per year for eligible festivals and events. Eligible activities include festivals and public events held in Quebec that attract significant tourist attendance and have a minimum of $90,000 in admissible costs.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant program outlines a funding structure for tourism-related festivals and events in Quebec, supporting initiatives across several categories. Eligible activities focus on aspects such as significant tourist attractions, unique or one-time events, and fostering sustainability.

Festivals and events that attract a substantial tourist audience, particularly those recognized as major under the program.
Development initiatives for events aiming to increase tourist performance and economic impact, particularly innovative projects contributing to growth.
Non-recurrent events like national or international manifestations that enhance Quebec's visibility on the global stage.
Efforts related to sustainable event management, obtaining certifications like "Gestion responsable d’événements."

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of organization and its compliance with past obligations.

The applicant must be one of the following entities: for-profit organization (OBL), non-profit organization (OBNL), cooperative, municipal entity, recognized Indigenous community or nation, or a consortium of the aforementioned entities.
The applicant must be legally constituted under the laws of the Government of Quebec or the Government of Canada and must conduct business in Quebec.
The applicant must not be a state corporation, ministry, or a governmental organization of Quebec or Canada.
The applicant must not be listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
The applicant must have honored its past commitments to the Ministry of Tourism regarding any previous grants.
The applicant must not have breached any financial grant obligations in the two years preceding the application, following a formal notice.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for this grant include various types of organizations and groups with operations in Quebec, all legally constituted under Canadian or Quebec law. The entities that can apply, given they meet the eligibility criteria, are: - Profit-oriented organizations (OBL) - Non-profit organizations (OBNL) - Cooperatives - Municipal entities - Indigenous communities or nations recognized by the National Assembly - Any consortium of the aforementioned eligible applicantsExcluded from applying are state corporations, ministries, and government agencies from Quebec or Canada, companies listed on the Registry of enterprises non-eligible for public contracts (RENA), and entities that have previously failed to meet financial aid obligations after receiving prior funding. Organizations must have complied with previous commitments to the Ministry of Tourism, if applicable.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain organizations and events based on their status and main activities, ensuring funds are used for promoting tourism and events in Quebec strategically.

State-owned corporations, ministries, and agencies of the governments of Quebec or Canada.
Companies listed on the Register of Companies Not Eligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Applicants who, in the two years prior to the financial aid request, failed to meet obligations after being duly placed in default in the context of a previous financial aid grant.
Regular programs of an attraction, fairs, tourist exchanges, conferences, congresses, shows, fairs, and marketplaces (not aimed at gourmet tourism), and exhibitions without a broader activity program.
Events that are supported by the Secrétariat à la région métropolitaine or the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale in the last three financial years.
Events supported by the Secrétariat à la région métropolitaine or the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale during the year in which this program is awarded.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the organization and execution of the festival or event.

Costs of preparation and management of the event (limited to 25% or 40% of the total eligible costs depending on the festival's budget size).
Costs of programming the event.
Costs of promotion, marketing, and communication.
Management costs for site and installations.
Costs of products intended for resale.
Salaries and employee benefits of the promoter's human resources related to the event.
Sponsorships in goods and services, when audited (limited to 50% of the total eligible costs).
Costs related to sustainable and responsible development obligations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located in Quebec, as specified by the program requirements. Eligible locations are clearly outlined to ensure support for regional development across Quebec.

Bas-Saint-Laurent
Cantons-de-l’Est
Centre-du-Québec
Chaudière-Appalaches
Charlevoix
Lanaudière
Laurentides
Laval
Mauricie
Montérégie
Outaouais
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Baie-James
Côte-Nord
Eeyou Istchee
Gaspésie
Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Nunavik

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant are based on specific criteria relevant to the objectives and intended outcomes of the program. Each criterion contributes to assessing the viability and alignment of the project with the grant’s goals.

The potential to support the growth or development of the event.
Integration of innovative elements within the project.
Elements that demonstrate the potential to increase revenue.
Excludes additional programming costs due to renowned or international artist appearances.
Does not consider costs associated with event relocation, programming renewal, or event anniversaries.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Subscribe for Updates
Subscribe to the Tourisme Québec newsletter for notification on the grant application period in the spring of 2025.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Gather detailed documentation of your event, including description, financial information, and its impact on tourism.
Ensure documentation includes a budget, anticipated economic impact study, and evidence of visitor attraction potential.
Prepare evidence of previous performance if applicable, such as visitor numbers from past events.
Step 3: Access Financial Assistance Portal
Visit the Ministry of Tourism Financial Assistance Portal to create an account and access the application form.
Ensure your organization is registered on the portal to begin the application process.
Step 4: Complete Application Form
Fill out the electronic application form available in the financial assistance portal with accurate event details.
Attach all necessary supporting documents, ensuring all fields and requirements are completed.
Step 5: Submit Application
Submit the completed application form and all required documents via the portal by the specified deadline.
Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of your application.
Keep the confirmation information for your records.
Step 7: Await Notification
Wait for communication from the Ministry regarding the status of your application and any further steps.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here is additional relevant detail for this grant:

The financial assistance, subject to budgetary availability, is paid in cash.
The maximum accumulation of government aid includes all financial assistance granted for eligible project costs by all federal, Quebec, and municipal entities.
Promoters with accumulated surpluses exceeding 20% of their annual eligible costs must submit a plan for using total accumulated surpluses.
The financial aid is established for a three-year period without any indexing or increase in aid during this period.
An evaluation of the program is to be completed by November 30, 2025, or before any request for renewal or extension of the normative framework.

grant_single_labels|contact

festivals@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca

418 643-5959

Apply to this program

Financial Support for Quebec's Festivals and Events

This grant provides financial assistance to various organizations aiming to organize festivals and events in Quebec. It focuses on fostering tourism and enhancing Quebec's profile as a premier destination both nationally and internationally.

In-Depth Overview of Quebec's Tourism Festivals and Events Grant

The Quebec government's financial assistance program is tailored to support festivals and events that significantly contribute to the province's tourism sector. This grant is structured to enhance the attractiveness and viability of Quebec’s rich cultural landscape, ensuring these events not only entertain but also draw vast numbers of tourists, thus bolstering the local economy. The program targets a variety of eligible entities, including for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, municipal entities, recognized Indigenous communities or nations, and any grouping of these entities. The overarching goal is to position Quebec prominently on both the national and international tourism scenes, leveraging the province's diverse cultural assets.

The grant program encompasses several components, each with unique objectives and eligibility criteria. For instance, Volet 1 focuses on major festivals and events that already attract substantial tourist numbers and provide high economic returns. This segment aims to reinforce Quebec's competitive position by supporting entities that offer a high-quality, internationally appealing experience. Key criteria for Volet 1 include evidence of significant tourist turnout and substantial proven economic benefits, determined through independent studies.

In comparison, Volet 2 targets smaller-scale events that still have a substantial touristic outreach. Events qualifying under this segment need to demonstrate a particular level of tourist participation and invest significantly in enhancing visitor experiences. The financial support is determined by the event’s ability to increase regional tourism and develop sustainable practices that contribute to the event's longevity and growth.

Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, applications under Volet 3, which supports the development and growth of events, are currently suspended. This decision reflects the need to prioritize funds towards sustaining Quebec’s major and significant tourism events amid the limited budget allocations.

The program also includes Volet 4 for non-recurrent, special events with national or international appeal. These events must showcase an exceptional potential to draw visitors from beyond Quebec, amplifying the province’s cultural prestige globally.

The process to apply for financial assistance involves adhering to specified deadlines and preparing a comprehensive application, with additional requirements tailored to each program segment. Successful applicants receive financial backing that adapts to considerations like seasonality and geographical location, promoting events even in off-peak tourist seasons and remote regions, ensuring a balanced distribution of tourist activity across Quebec.

This support underscores the Quebec government's commitment to fostering a vibrant, competitive, and sustainable event landscape, crucial for the economic development and cultural importance of the province. Organizations are encouraged to plan their applications early and align their events with the grant's criteria to maximize their chances of securing funding.

In conclusion, this grant not only provides necessary financial assistance but also plays a pivotal role in elevating Quebec’s standing as a leading cultural destination. It achieves this by empowering organizations to refine and expand their event offerings, ensuring a robust tourism ecosystem that benefits the entire province.