How much funding can be received?

The grant program is designed to position Quebec as a national and international tourist destination by supporting the development of festivals and tourist events with a focus on sustainability and responsible management. Maximum funding can reach up to $1 million per year for major tourist events under Volet 1, facilitating activities in diverse regions throughout Quebec.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant program is focused on supporting festivals and tourist events across Quebec, aiming to enhance their cultural and economic impact nationally and internationally. Eligible projects include major festivals, significant events with tourism potential, and one-time international events that highlight Quebec as a premier destination.

Large-scale festivals and tourist events that attract significant visitation and provide free activities on multiple sites.
Tourist events demonstrating economic impact based on independent studies.
One-time international and national events with a significant tourism draw.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status and operational location.

The applicant must be a legally constituted organization under the laws of the Government of Québec or the Government of Canada, conducting business in Québec.
Eligible entities include for-profit organizations (OBL), non-profit organizations (OBNL), cooperatives, municipal entities, recognized Indigenous communities or nations, and any combination of these groups.
Entities such as state-owned corporations, ministries, and governmental bodies of Québec or Canada are not eligible.
Organizations listed in the Register of Ineligible Businesses for Public Contracts (RENA) are excluded.
Applicants who have failed to meet their obligations from previous financial aid, despite formal notice, in the past two years are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for this grant include various organizations operating in Quebec, focused on strengthening Quebec's position as a national and international destination. The grant supports the development of festivals and tourism events, emphasizing responsible and sustainable tourism practices across Quebec.

Organizations with a focus on event planning and tourism in Quebec.
For-profit organizations (OBL) or non-profit organizations (OBNL) legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian laws.
Cooperatives engaged in tourism and event planning.
Municipal entities planning tourism events in Quebec.
Recognized Indigenous communities or nations participating in event planning.
Consortia composed of eligible participants in these categories.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain organizations and events based on their relation to public contracts and previous financial obligation breaches. Specific exclusions ensure the grant supports sectors and events aligned with its objectives for sustainable and responsible tourism development in Quebec.

State-owned companies and departments or agencies of the Quebec or Canadian governments.
Businesses registered on the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA).
Organizations that have failed to meet their obligations under previous grants within the past two years after being duly notified.
Regular programming of an attraction, trade shows, tourism exchanges, conferences, congresses, shows, fairs and markets (not aimed at gourmet tourism), and exhibitions without additional programming.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the preparation, execution, and management of festivals and events.

Costs of preparation and management of the event (limited to 25% of total eligible costs for components 1 and 4, and to 40% for component 2 for events with a budget of $500,000 or more).
Costs of programming.
Costs of promotion, marketing, and communication.
Costs of site management and installations.
Costs of products intended for resale.
Salaries and benefits of human resources related to the event.
Sponsorships in goods and services, where costs are eligible (limited to 50% of total eligible costs when audited).
Expenses related to development and responsible sustainability obligations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant is available to organizations operating within specific regions aimed at promoting tourism activities across Quebec. Eligible regions are designated to enhance regional diversity and accessibility.

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 for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives, particularly focusing on the performance of festivals and events.

The number of days of participation by tourists.
The proportion of days of participation by tourists from outside Quebec.
The attractiveness index of the festival or event to visitors.
The economic 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
Subscribe to the newsletter "Tourisme Québec en action" to receive official dates for application periods.
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Dates
Ensure the event takes place between November 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, for the next submission period in spring 2025.
Step 3: Portal Access
Visit the Ministry of Tourism's financial aid portal to access the application form.
Create a unique account (client account) if you don't already have one.
Step 4: Compile Application Materials
Prepare all required documents, such as detailed project description and financial breakdown, including contributions from all governmental levels.
Step 5: Complete and Submit Application Form
Fill out the electronic application form on the Ministry's portal.
Upload documents securely to the platform.
Submit the completed application within the specified timeframe.
Step 6: Application Review
The Ministry will review all complete submissions and determine eligibility based on the project's compliance with program objectives and financial needs.
Step 7: Receive Confirmation
Await confirmation from the Ministry regarding the status of your application and subsequent steps if applicable.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The current budgetary constraints of the program mean that Volet 3 is suspended and no new applications are being accepted at this time.
Existing beneficiaries under the program agreement do not need to submit a new financial aid application for their events planned between November 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
The maximum cumulative government aid percentages differ according to the type of organization, with the lowest applicable percentage used for groupings of eligible client bases.
Events must present cost estimates distinct from those in Volets 1 and 2 if applying for Volet 3, and any projects should reflect their potential to increase tourism performance or economic outcomes.
If cumulative surpluses exceed 20% of annual eligible costs, a detailed plan for surplus allocation tied to the event's organization in Québec must be submitted.
Applicants are advised that overall program funding is subject to availability and that meeting criteria does not guarantee financial support.
COVID-19 adjustments permit the use of the last valid attendance study instead of requiring new studies.

grant_single_labels|contact

festivals@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca

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Apply to this program

Funding Opportunities for Quebec's Festivals and Events

This grant program provides financial assistance to festivals and events held in Quebec, aiming to strengthen their impact on local and international tourism. It supports sustainable development and promotes Quebec as a prominent destination through various eligible activities.

In-Depth Guide to Quebec's Festival and Event Grant Program

Quebec's festival and event grant program is strategically designed to bolster the province's tourism sector by enhancing the visibility and appeal of its cultural events on national and international stages. The grant is structured to support various types of festivals and events that not only attract local attendance but also lure tourists, thereby boosting the region's economic activities. The overarching aim of the program is to promote Quebec as a vibrant and sustainable tourism destination, showcasing its diverse cultural offerings through well-orchestrated events.

The grant program is segmented into four specific streams: major festivals and tourism events, tourism-scale festivals and events, development and growth initiatives, and one-off events. This structure ensures a comprehensive approach to supporting the diverse array of events that contribute to Quebec's cultural landscape. However, it is crucial to note that the third stream related to development and growth is currently suspended, which reflects the dynamic nature of funding availability and program priorities.

For eligible events, the program offers financial support based on several prioritized criteria including their duration, thematic coherence, historical occurrence, and potential to attract significant tourist traffic. A core component of the application evaluation involves assessing the economic impact of the event, supported by rigorous study and methodology approved by the Ministry. These evaluations ensure that funded events maximize attendance and economic benefits while promoting sustainable and responsible practices across operations.

Applicants are required to demonstrate past financial and operational compliance, ensuring that their events meet both the established tourism potential and the responsible management standards. The program delights in offering a tiered financial aid system that adjusts its support according to the time of year and geographical spread throughout Quebec, favoring events that move beyond the bustling summer months and into underrepresented regions.

One of the sophisticated advantages of the program is its adaptability to external conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for flexible updates in criteria and expectations to accommodate unforeseen circumstances that could affect tourism and event management. This flexibility underscores the program's commitment to providing continued support in fluctuating economic and social landscapes.

Moreover, the program emphasizes the importance of responsible and sustainable event management. Grant recipients in higher funding streams are expected to implement a notable array of sustainable practices, aligning with recognized environmental and social responsibility standards. This requirement not only enhances the event's appeal but also ensures that activities proceed with a minimal ecological footprint while fostering inclusive community engagement.

Ultimately, this grant program offers a vital avenue for cultural events and festivals in Quebec to gain substantial financial backing. By doing so, it not only helps maintain and extend Quebec's cultural heritage and vibrancy but also significantly contributes to the economic vitality of the province's tourism sector—helping to place Quebec firmly on the international tourism map.