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RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program

Co-investment support for tourism development

Offered by
Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4)
Official source: rto4.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Tourism operators
See full eligibility

Overview

RTO4’s 2026–2027 Partnership Program is a co-investment initiative for tourism businesses and organizations in Huron, Perth, Wellington Counties and Waterloo Region. It supports destination development, visitor experience, and regional tourism growth through several partnership streams.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop a new program or service
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Develop workforce skills
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Reach a new target audience
  • Launch or market a product/service
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population
  • Ensure financial sustainability
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities
  • Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

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

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

RTO4 Partnership Program intake updated

The Partnership Program moved to a fall intake, added new funding streams, and now closes on September 25, 2026.

See more

The Partnership Program page now shows a fall intake instead of a spring intake, and applications close on September 25, 2026 rather than being reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are allocated. The list of available streams also expanded with new options for Influencer Marketing, Functional Art, Stories of Stewardship, and Welcoming Visitors, and the application form links and Application Guide link were updated.

Official source: rto4.ca
October 1, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Tourism operators
  • Attractions and accommodations
  • Festivals and events
  • DMOs, municipalities, BIAs, and chambers of commerce

Eligible expenses

  • Non-capital project costs
  • Photos and videos
  • Coaching and other project support costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Capital costs are not covered under the non-capital project support mentioned in the program guide.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Huron County
  • Perth County
  • Wellington County
  • Waterloo Region

Activities funded

  • Route and trail development
  • Destination-level signage and wayfinding
  • Accessible tourism initiatives
  • Indigenous signage and programming
  • New experience marketing and tourism research

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review the application guide
    • Read the program guide before submitting.
  • Step 2: Prepare the application
    • Complete the relevant application form for your chosen stream.
    • Fill in the budget template.
  • Step 3: Submit the application
    • Submit through the online application form for the selected stream.
  • Step 4: Await review
    • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.

Documents Needed

  • Application Form
  • Budget Template

Selection criteria

  • Eligibility and no conflict of interest
  • Strategic fit with regional tourism priorities
  • Quality and relevance of partnerships
  • Feasibility and organizational capacity
  • Long-term impact and legacy potential

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Projects are assessed against program criteria, including eligibility, strategic fit, collaboration, capacity, and long-term impact.
  • Funding is awarded only if the program still has available funds.

Additional information

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.
  • An application guide should be reviewed before submission.
  • A budget template is required as part of the application package.
  • No conflicts of interest must be present.

Official sources

Fall Intake - 2026-2027 Partnership Program

Program guide

RTO4 Business Plan (2026-2027)
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program Program

What is the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program?

RTO4’s 2026–2027 Partnership Program is a co-investment initiative for tourism businesses and organizations in Huron, Perth, Wellington Counties and Waterloo Region. It supports destination development, visitor experience, and regional tourism growth through several partnership streams.

Who is eligible for the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program program?

To be eligible for the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program program, you must: Tourism-related business or organization Attracts visitors from 40 km away No conflicts of interest

What expenses are eligible under RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program?

Non-capital project costs Photos and videos Coaching and other project support costs

Who can I contact for more information about the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program?

You can contact Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4).

Where is the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program available?

The RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program?

RTO4 2026-2027 Partnership Program is funded by Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4)