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Gather Here Sponsorship Fund

Funding for visitor-focused events in Guelph

Offered by
City of Guelph
Official source: guelph.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 25,000
Up to 15% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
See full eligibility

Overview

The Gather Here Sponsorship Fund supports events in Guelph that attract visitors and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination. It is available to incorporated not-for-profit and for-profit organizations for conferences, sporting events, festivals, and other visitor-focused events.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$25,000
Maximum share of project costs
15%
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Reach a new target audience
  • Launch or market a product/service
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Renovate or expand facilities
  • Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Guelph
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Gather Here Fund: 2027 Events and Reporting

The Gather Here Sponsorship Fund now welcomes applications for events taking place in 2027, and recipients must submit a post-event report by the end of 2027.

See more

The Gather Here Sponsorship Fund now welcomes applications for events taking place in 2027, replacing the previous reference to events in 2026 and beyond. Guelph Tourism funding recipients must submit a post-event report by the end of 2027, and the Gather Here application link in the application steps now points to an online application form.

Official source: guelph.ca
November 12, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
  • For-profit organizations
  • Local organizations bidding on regional, national, or international events
  • Conference and meeting organizations or associations

Who is not eligible

  • Individuals
  • Unincorporated entities
  • Applicants seeking support for the same project through the City’s Community Grant Program

Eligible expenses

  • Event-related costs supported by the sponsorship funding

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Legal, audit, or interest expenses
  • Lottery licenses
  • Donations
  • Political contributions
  • Pre-existing deficit funding
  • Alcohol purchase, distribution, or licensing

Eligible geographic areas

  • Guelph, Ontario

Activities funded

  • Professional conferences hosted in Guelph
  • Sporting events hosted in Guelph
  • Travelling events and festivals hosted in Guelph
  • Professional industry events hosted in Guelph

How to apply

  • Step 1:
    • Review the grant guidelines and the Municipal Accommodation Tax Administration Policy.
  • Step 2:
    • Create a Decision Hub account and select the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund application.
    • Complete the online application.
  • Step 3:
    • Attach the attestation cover letter and budget form when prompted.
  • Step 4:
    • Submit the completed application through the online applicant portal.

Documents Needed

  • Attestation cover letter
  • Budget form
  • Application form

Selection criteria

  • Alignment with program objectives and expected outcomes
  • Visitor attraction and overnight stay potential
  • Collaboration with local and regional partners
  • Contribution to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Ability to increase Guelph’s brand awareness and visitor reputation

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by a staff committee using a pre-established rubric.
  • Funding awards are announced on an ongoing basis as applications are received.
  • Successful applicants receive direct notification.
  • Approved applicants must sign a legal funding agreement.
  • Reporting requirements must be met after the event.

Additional information

  • Applicants must be in good standing with the City of Guelph.
  • Successful applicants must enter into a legal funding agreement.
  • Funding decisions are made on an ongoing basis as applications are received.
  • Applicants may be required to collect visitor information and report on event impact.

Contacts

victoria.filippelli@guelph.ca
519-822-1260

Official sources

Tourism Funding Programs

Program guide

Gather Here Sponsorship Fund

Application form

Tourism Funding Program Budget Template 1
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund Program

What is the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund?

The Gather Here Sponsorship Fund supports events in Guelph that attract visitors and strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination. It is available to incorporated not-for-profit and for-profit organizations for conferences, sporting events, festivals, and other visitor-focused events.

How much funding can be received?

Gather Here Sponsorship Fund Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund program?

To be eligible for the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund program, you must: Incorporated not-for-profit or for-profit organization Good standing with the City of Guelph New, visitor-focused event in Guelph

What expenses are eligible under Gather Here Sponsorship Fund?

Event-related costs supported by the sponsorship funding

Who can I contact for more information about the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund?

You can contact City of Guelph by email at victoria.filippelli@guelph.ca or by phone at 519-822-1260.

Where is the Gather Here Sponsorship Fund available?

The Gather Here Sponsorship Fund program is available the province of Ontario.