How much funding can be received?

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is an application-based, cost-sharing program designed to provide non-capital funding to innovative tourism projects that increase tourist visitation and spending in Ontario. Eligible activities include consulting fees, project management services, temporary wages, research, business plan support, and economic impact studies. The program will match up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum grant of $25,000.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant supports projects that encourage the development of innovative new tourism products, support tourism investment, or build the capacity of Ontario’s tourism industry.

Consulting fees and project management services
Wages for temporary contract staff to support the delivery of the project
Research and tourism sector strategic planning
Business plan support
Economic impact studies and assessments for the development of new tourism products and experiences
Organizational development and capacity building
Translation costs directly related to the project
Other costs deemed reasonable and directly attributable to the project, that have been approved in writing by the ministry.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$12,500

Creating a strategic tourism development plan for Niagara Falls

$7,000

Facilitating a business plan for a new eco-tourism venture

$10,000

Conducting an economic impact study of a new art festival

$12,500

Supporting the development of an indigenous cultural heritage center

$12,500

Developing an interactive mobile app to boost tourism

$10,000

Organizational development for a new music festival

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for the Tourism Development Fund, organizations must meet specific criteria related to the type of organization, location, and project timeline. The criteria ensure that applicants are capable of starting and completing the project within the designated timeframe.

Municipalities and Destination Marketing Organizations
Indigenous Organizations
Not-for-Profit Organizations (with a clearly defined tourism focus)
For-Profit Tourism Organizations
For-Profit Tourism Businesses
Have consulted with a Regional Development Advisor or the Investment and Development Office to confirm project and expense eligibility
Be Ontario based, incorporated or legislated entities, in existence for a minimum of three years or more as of the date of application deadline
Have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applying organization, at a Canadian financial institution conducting business in Ontario
Not in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario
Be able to begin the project within 60 days of notification to ensure performance metrics will be met

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. Eligible organizations include various entities based in Ontario that focus on tourism development and have been established for at least three years.

Municipalities and Destination Marketing Organizations
Indigenous Organizations
Not-for-Profit Organizations (with a clearly defined tourism focus)
For-Profit Tourism Organizations
For-Profit Tourism Businesses

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of organizations are not eligible for the Tourism Development Fund grant according to the guidelines. These include federal or provincial government bodies and their agencies, among others.

Federal or provincial governments and/or their agencies
Tourism industry associations
Regional tourism organizations
Sole proprietorships
Limited partnerships
Limited liability partnerships
General partnerships

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Expenses must be incurred after notification of funding approval and be fully spent before March 31, 2024.

Consulting fees and project management services
Wages for temporary contract staff to support the delivery of the project
Research and tourism sector strategic planning
Business plan support
Economic impact studies and assessments for the development of new tourism products and experiences
Organizational development and capacity building
Translation costs directly related to the project
Other costs deemed reasonable and directly attributable to the project, approved in writing by the ministry

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographic zones for this grant include various regions across Ontario, each supported by a designated Regional Development Advisor. These regions ensure targeted support for tourism projects within their locales.

RTO 1: Municipality of Chatham-Kent, City of Windsor, City of Sarnia, Counties of Essex, Lambton, and Haldimand, Municipality of Pelee Island
RTO 2 & 4: Regional Municipality of Niagara, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Counties of Dufferin, Wellington, and Haldimand
RTO 3: City of Hamilton, City of London, City of Stratford, Halton Region, Counties of Brant, Elgin, Huron, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford, and Perth
RTO 5 & 6: City of Toronto, Regional Municipality of Durham, Regional Municipality of York, Peel Region
RTO 7: Bruce County, Grey County, Simcoe County
RTO 8: City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Hastings County, Northumberland County, Prince Edward County, the County and City of Peterborough, Bay of Quinte and Quinte West
RTO 9 & 11: County of Lanark, geographic town of Mississippi Mills, Township of Addington Highlands, Kaladar, Township of Stonemills, Township of Loyalist, Town of Greater Nappanee, Counties of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (excluding Addington Highlands), United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, County of Renfrew
Ottawa: City of Ottawa, United Counties of Prescott-Russell, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
RTO 12: District Municipality of Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Parry Sound District

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Tourism Development Fund grant. Applications that meet the eligibility and mandatory requirements will be scored based on specific assessment criteria, which are outlined below.

Organizational capacity (15%)
Francophone, Indigenous, or 2SLGBTQIA+ impact (10%)
Project description (20%)
Alignment to program objectives (20%)
Confirmed partnerships and support from stakeholders (10%)
Project performance measures (20%)
Budget (5%)

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Read the Tourism Development Fund Application Guide.
Step 2: Consult with your Regional Development Advisor or email ido.ont@ontario.ca to discuss your proposal.
Step 3: Create a My Ontario Account and password and register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) access or migrate your profile if already an existing TPON user.
Step 4: Fill out the Tourism Development Fund Application Form, sign it electronically, date it, and upload it to the TPON system.
Step 5: Attach the incorporation documents (if applicable), financial statements (if applicable), and optional letters of support to your application in the TPON system.
Step 6: Submit your completed application by the deadline of September 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. ET, using the TPON system. Ensure you receive email confirmation of your submission within 24 hours.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant requires applicants to meet specific criteria and submission guidelines to be eligible for funding, which includes consulting with a Regional Development Advisor before submitting an application.

Applicants must have a My Ontario Account and register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) access.
The program offers a maximum grant of $25,000, covering up to 50% of eligible cash expenses.
Eligible projects must take place within Ontario between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
Ineligible expenses include capital costs, ongoing operation costs, and marketing costs, among others.
Applicants can only submit one application per project within the same fiscal year.
Successful applicants must carry at least $2 million in commercial general liability insurance coverage.
Reporting requirements include submitting a final report within 90 days after project completion.

grant_single_labels|contact

ido.ont@ontario.ca

(416) 325-6691

Apply to this program

Tourism Development Fund 2023

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) 2023 is a cost-sharing program by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport in Ontario, designed to encourage innovative tourism projects, support investment, and build the sector's capacity. Eligible organizations can receive up to 50% of total eligible expenses, to a maximum of $25,000, for projects that increase tourist visitation and spending within Ontario.

Comprehensive Guide to the Tourism Development Fund 2023

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) 2023, administered by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, is an initiative focused on fostering the development of new tourism products and experiences in Ontario. This grant aims to attract domestic and international tourists, drive private sector investments, and enhance the skills and resources within the tourism industry. Here's an in-depth look at the TDF, its objectives, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, to help you navigate the process successfully.

Program Overview

The TDF is a non-capital funding program seeking to boost Ontario's tourism sector by providing financial support for projects that exhibit innovation and demonstrate measurable positive impacts on tourism. The program matches eligible funds up to 50% of the total eligible cash expenses, with a funding cap at $25,000 per project. The core objective is to develop tourism products and experiences that can enhance visitor spending and increase tourist numbers within Ontario.

Program Objectives

The TDF aims to achieve the following objectives:

Develop innovative tourism products and experiences.
Increase private sector tourism investments, both domestic and foreign.
Strengthen the tourism industry’s capacity to attract or support new investments through skill enhancement and resource development.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for TDF funding, applicants must satisfy several eligibility criteria. These apply not only to the organizations themselves but also to the nature and scope of the proposed projects.

Eligible Applicant Organizations

Eligible organizations include:

Municipalities and Destination Marketing Organizations.
Indigenous organizations.
Not-for-Profit Organizations with a defined tourism focus.
For-Profit Tourism Organizations and Businesses.

These organizations must also meet the following criteria:

Consultation with a Regional Development Advisor or the Investment and Development Office.
Be based in Ontario and incorporated or legislated entities existing for at least three years as of the application deadline.
Have a Canadian bank account in their legal name at a Canadian financial institution operating in Ontario.
Not be in default of any grant or loan agreement terms with any Ontario government ministry or agency.
Ensure that the project can start within 60 days of funding notification.

Ineligible Organizations

Organizations that are not eligible include:

Federal or provincial governments and/or their agencies
Tourism industry associations.
Regional tourism organizations.
Sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and general partnerships.

Eligible Projects

Projects must meet the following criteria:

Take place between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
Occur within Ontario.
Include a minimum of 10% total cash expenses from the lead applicant organization.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses include:

Consulting fees and project management services.
Wages for temporary contract staff supporting project delivery.
Research and tourism sector strategic planning.
Business plan support and economic impact studies.
Organizational development and capacity building.
Translation costs directly related to the project.
Other costs deemed reasonable and directly attributable to the project (with ministry approval).

Ineligible Expenses

Expenses not covered include:

Capital costs such as motorized vehicles, land acquisition, or equipment purchases.
Operating costs like administration, salaries for permanent staff, and ongoing maintenance costs.
Travel, hospitality, or incidental expenses for staff or volunteers.
Legal, audit, or interest fees.
Insurance, restructuring costs, and refundable taxes (including HST).
Costs related to grant writers for preparing funding applications.
Marketing expenses including advertising, promotion, branding, website, and mobile applications.
Festival and event costs related to programming, operations, and marketing.
Costs related to food, alcohol, or cannabis.

Number of Applications Allowed

Each lead organization can submit only one application per fiscal year for the TDF. Multi-year projects are not considered.

Funding Criteria

The TDF operates as a matching fund. Applicants can receive up to 50% of the total eligible cash expenses, capped at $25,000. A minimum of 10% cash contribution from the lead applicant is a prerequisite. Note that in-kind contributions are not matched in the project cash budget.

Due to limited program funds, not all applicants are guaranteed funding. The decision to grant funding, either in part or in full, is based on the alignment with program objectives, criteria, and the total demand for funds. There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applications.

Evaluation Process and Assessment Criteria

Eligible applications are evaluated based on the following criteria, each with a designated scoring weight:

Organizational Capacity (15%): Includes the applicant’s ability to manage and deliver projects of similar scope and scale, and experience in tracking project metrics.
Francophone, Indigenous, or 2SLGBTQIA+ Impact (10%): Assessing the potential benefit to specified communities.
Project Description (20%): Detailed explanation of the proposed project.
Alignment to Program Objectives (20%): How well the project aligns with the TDF’s objectives.
Confirmed Partnerships and Support (10%): Shows the support from partners and stakeholders.
Project Performance Measures (20%): How success and impact will be measured and tracked.
Budget (5%): Detailed financial planning and budget outline.

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted via the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system. Here are the steps to apply:

Create a My Ontario Account and register for TPON access. Existing TPON users need to migrate their profiles to My Ontario Account.
Consult with a Regional Development Advisor or contact the Investment and Development Office to discuss your project.
Prepare and submit your application along with mandatory documents through TPON by the specified deadline.

Ensure your application is complete and submitted by September 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Late submissions will not be considered. The TPON system requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out the PDF application form.

Mandatory Documents Checklist

Your application must include the following:

Completed and electronically signed Tourism Development Fund Application Form.
Incorporation documents, if applicable.
Most recent audited annual financial statements or review engagement report, or equivalent financial statements endorsed by the Board of Directors or treasurer-certified (not required for municipalities or federally legislated Band Councils).
Optional: Letters of support from organizations and partners that show support for the project but are not making cash or in-kind contributions.

Recipient Obligations

Successful applicants will sign a Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) and must carry at least $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, naming "His Majesty the King in right of Ontario, His ministers, agents, appointees, and employees" as additional insureds.

Recipients must report on fund usage, service deliverables, and outcomes achieved within 90 days of project completion. Compliance with all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations is expected, and failure to meet these obligations may result in the recovery of funds or ineligibility for future grants.

Conclusion

The Tourism Development Fund 2023 provides a vital opportunity for organizations in Ontario to develop innovative tourism products and experiences, drive investment, and enhance the overall capacity of the tourism sector. By carefully reviewing eligibility criteria, preparing a robust application, and demonstrating alignment with program objectives, organizations can leverage this funding to make significant contributions to Ontario's tourism industry.