Closed
Source verified July 9, 2026
Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund
Funding for tourism projects in Owen Sound
Latest source updateLast Update: July 9, 2026Latest change: The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund updated its application timeline, replacing the spring 2026 cycle with Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 cycle dates.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 9, 2026
Latest change: The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund updated its application timeline, replacing the spring 2026 cycle with Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 cycle dates.
OSTDF application dates updated
The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund now shows Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 cycle dates instead of the previous spring 2026 timing. The visible deadlines and award-notification dates have shifted, including a September 1, 2026 opening, an October 1, 2026 close at 1:00 pm, a November 1, 2026 award notification, and Spring 2027 dates beginning February 1, 2027 and closing March 1, 2027 at 1:00 pm with April 1, 2027 notification. The Apply page also now says the Spring 2026 application process has ended and that the next cycle begins in September 2026, replacing the earlier statement that the next cycle would begin early in 2027. No funding amounts, eligibility rules, or contact details changed in the visible updates.
Funding available
$ 30,000
Deadline
October 1, 2026
Opened September 1, 2026
Location
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund supports not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, tourism-related businesses, and municipalities in Owen Sound, with funding of up to $30,000 depending on the stream. It backs visitor centre upgrades, new tourism experiences, and festivals and events.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Owen Sound
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Visitor centre upgrades or expansions; trail development or restoration with visitor services; farm-based visitor experiences with tourism infrastructure; accessible docks, lookouts, platforms, or scenic installations.
- Guided forest therapy, foraging, or eco-tours; nature or wellness-based retreats; new guided experiences or themed tours; start-up of niche businesses such as glamping, culinary, or adventure; artist residencies with visitor access.
- Multi-partner destination marketing campaigns; shared branding or cross-promotion initiatives; joint influencer or media projects; co-hosted experience launches or itineraries.
- Cultural or music festivals or experiences; outdoor events such as bike races, paddling festivals, or foraging fairs; public art launches tied to events.
- Trail restoration with signage; washroom or accessibility upgrades; outdoor seating, picnic areas, and gathering spaces; wayfinding signage or digital kiosks; seasonal or thematic campaigns; video or content series; social and digital advertising; campaigns targeting high-impact audiences.
Documents Needed
- Completed Application Form.
- Project Proposal (max 5 pages).
- Detailed Budget with itemized expenses, total amount requested, and any matching funds.
- Timeline; Marketing Plan, if applicable; Letters of Support, as relevant.
- Documents verifying Canadian legal entity status; most recent year-end financial statements; and a total event budget outlining all anticipated revenues and expenses, with the funding requested listed as revenue.
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous communities
- Tourism-related businesses
- Municipalities
Eligible expenses
- Capital expenses and capital costs.
- Product and experience development.
- Marketing and promotion.
- Collaborative promotion and materials.
- Programming.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with Strategic Goals (25%) and Contribution to Key Focus Areas (20%).
- Project Feasibility & Impact (20%).
- Partnerships & Community Support (15%).
- Budget Clarity & Value (10%).
- Performance Indicators & Monitoring Plan (10%).
Processing and Agreement
- Applications will be reviewed by the Review Committee appointed by the MAT Stakeholder Committee.
- Evaluation will use a standardized scoring rubric.
- Award notifications will be issued after the review process.
- Funding for projects over $10,000 is released in milestones: 50% upfront and 50% at proof of investment.
- Larger projects may be eligible for multi-year funding, subject to annual review.
Additional information
- The Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce administers the funds on behalf of the MAT Stakeholder Committee.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund Program
What is the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund?
The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund supports not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, tourism-related businesses, and municipalities in Owen Sound, with funding of up to $30,000 depending on the stream. It backs visitor centre upgrades, new tourism experiences, and festivals and events.
How much funding can be received?
Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
Applications will open on September 1, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund program?
To be eligible for the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund program, you must:
The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization, Indigenous community, tourism-related business, or municipality.
The proposed project must be viable and have measurable outcomes.
The proposal must contribute to at least one strategic objective.
What expenses are eligible under Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund?
Visitor centre upgrades or expansions; trail development or restoration with visitor services; farm-based visitor experiences with tourism infrastructure; accessible docks, lookouts, platforms, or scenic installations.
Guided forest therapy, foraging, or eco-tours; nature or wellness-based retreats; new guided experiences or themed tours; start-up of niche businesses such as glamping, culinary, or adventure; artist residencies with visitor access.
Multi-partner destination marketing campaigns; shared branding or cross-promotion initiatives; joint influencer or media projects; co-hosted experience launches or itineraries.
Cultural or music festivals or experiences; outdoor events such as bike races, paddling festivals, or foraging fairs; public art launches tied to events.
Trail restoration with signage; washroom or accessibility upgrades; outdoor seating, picnic areas, and gathering spaces; wayfinding signage or digital kiosks; seasonal or thematic campaigns; video or content series; social and digital advertising; campaigns targeting high-impact audiences.
Who can I contact for more information about the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund?
You can contact Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund (OSTDF) by email at info@ostdf.ca or by phone at 519-376-6261.
Where is the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund available?
The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund program is available the province of Ontario.