Closed
Source verified September 24, 2026
Rural Development and Promotion Fund
Rural tourism development and promotion initiatives
Get notified when Rural Development and Promotion Fund reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 24, 2026Latest change: The Rural Development and Promotion Fund now shows a new project period and intake window, along with updated eligibility, ineligible-cost, and application-link details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 24, 2026
Latest change: The Rural Development and Promotion Fund now shows a new project period and intake window, along with updated eligibility, ineligible-cost, and application-link details.
Rural Development Fund dates and rules updated
The Rural Development and Promotion Fund now shows projects running from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028, with applications open September 15–October 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The eligible applicant wording was revised to require a registered Alberta-based rural organization and update the listed organization types, while a new ineligible-cost exclusion was added for the delivery of religious or spiritual ceremonies, rituals, or experiences. The page also now provides separate links to continue a draft application or start a new one, and says late submissions will not be considered.
Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 150,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
A registered Alberta-based organization in a rural area with a focus on tourism
See full eligibility
Overview
The Rural Development & Promotion Fund supports Alberta rural communities and tourism-focused organizations with development and promotion initiatives to grow visitor economies. Eligible work includes destination planning and research, regional promotional strategies, and tourism sustainability strategies.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Product or destination development-related plans and strategies
- Regional promotional strategies aimed at growing visitation and driving cash flow to tourism businesses
- Tourism sustainability strategies within Alberta
- Destination planning and research aimed at growing the visitor economy
- Attraction and securing of business and sporting events
Documents Needed
- Shot list for content development
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- A registered Alberta-based organization in a rural area with a focus on tourism
- An Alberta based municipality, chamber of commerce, or industry association, or organization with a focus on tourism
Who is not eligible
- Individual tourism businesses and partnered consortiums
- Business improvement areas and communities represented by a destination marketing organization
- Hotel consortiums and Destination Marketing Fund groups (DMFs)
- Retail businesses and restaurants
- Third-party consultants applying on an organization’s behalf
Eligible expenses
- Development of advertising creative and associated agency fees, plus radio, TV, print, and digital advertising for a unified tourism message
- Social strategy and implementation, including contracted community management, plus public relations and associated agency fees
- Content development including photography, video, and written content; shot list must be included with the application
- Destination planning and research aimed at growing the visitor economy, and research/consulting studies for a business or sport event attraction strategy
- Workforce development, destination programming for visitors, and attraction and securing of business and sporting events
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Salaries, wages, and management fees, except for content development and advertising-related costs
- GST/HST
- Website development unless tied to an integrated marketing campaign with a supporting media plan
- Swag, giveaways, and prizes
- Expenses not considered eligible by Travel Alberta
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- Rural areas in Alberta
Selection criteria
- Alignment with Travel Alberta’s strategic priorities
- Merit and potential to contribute to the growth of tourism in Alberta
- Business plan strength, where applicable
- Potential to positively impact visitor spend
- Economic impact and job creation
How to apply
- When intake is open, the application link will be available on the website under Rural Development & Promotion Fund
- Click the application link to be redirected to the Grant Management Tool (GMT)
- Log in and complete the application
- Fill out the application form completely
- Save your progress if you need more time or extra information before submitting
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a competitive evaluation process.
- Travel Alberta assesses the application, required documents, and business plan where applicable.
- Applicants are notified of the decision by email.
- Approved applicants receive a Travel Alberta funding agreement.
- Funds are released only after the agreement is signed by both parties.
Additional information
- Non-municipal partners must have been in operation for at least three years.
- Applications are limited to one per organization per funding year.
- Travel Alberta may deny projects even if they meet some criteria.
- Expenses must be invoiced by a qualified third party and documented in financial reconciliation.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rural Development and Promotion Fund Program
What is the Rural Development and Promotion Fund?
The Rural Development & Promotion Fund supports Alberta rural communities and tourism-focused organizations with development and promotion initiatives to grow visitor economies. Eligible work includes destination planning and research, regional promotional strategies, and tourism sustainability strategies.
How much funding can be received?
Rural Development and Promotion Fund Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Rural Development and Promotion Fund program?
To be eligible for the Rural Development and Promotion Fund program, you must:
Alberta-based organization in a rural area with a tourism focus
Alberta-based municipality, chamber of commerce, industry association, or not-for-profit organization with a tourism focus
Non-municipal partners must have been in operation for a minimum of three years
What expenses are eligible under Rural Development and Promotion Fund?
Product or destination development-related plans and strategies
Regional promotional strategies aimed at growing visitation and driving cash flow to tourism businesses
Tourism sustainability strategies within Alberta
Destination planning and research aimed at growing the visitor economy
Attraction and securing of business and sporting events
Who can I contact for more information about the Rural Development and Promotion Fund?
You can contact Travel Alberta by email at tourisminvestment@travelalberta.com.
Where is the Rural Development and Promotion Fund available?
The Rural Development and Promotion Fund program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Rural Development and Promotion Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rural Development and Promotion Fund is a Grant and Funding