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|terms_and_conditions

This grant is structured to support the development of tourism initiatives through clearly defined funding modalities. The financing options aim to promote innovative tourism projects in Ontario.

Funding is provided on a cost-sharing basis, covering up to 50% of total eligible cash expenses.
The maximum funding available per project is capped at $25,000.
Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the total eligible cash expenses from their own funds.
In-kind contributions are excluded from the project cash budget and do not qualify for matching funds.
Payments are contingent upon the completion of specified project deliverables and compliance with the terms outlined in the Transfer Payment Agreement.
All project expenses must be incurred within the fiscal year of the grant period, concluding by March 31, 2024.
Recipients must maintain accountability through detailed financial reporting and may be subject to audits by the ministry.

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

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Tourism Development Fund:

Step 1: Preliminary Preparation
Read the Tourism Development Fund Application Guide thoroughly.
Consult with your Regional Development Advisor or contact the Investment and Development Office via email at ido.ont@ontario.ca to discuss your proposal.
Step 2: Registration and Account Setup
Create a My Ontario Account and register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) access.
If you are an existing TPON user, migrate your profile to a My Ontario account using your associated email.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
Prepare and electronically sign the completed Tourism Development Fund Application Form.
Gather incorporation documents and financial statements as required.
Collect any optional letters of support from organizations and partners.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Application
Fill out the application form in the TPON system using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Upload all mandatory documents to the TPON system before the deadline of September 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Submit the application and ensure you receive an email confirmation within 24 hours.
Step 5: Follow Up
Ensure that your application status is updated in the TPON system.
If confirmation of submission is not received, contact TPON Client Care at TPONCC@ontario.ca or call 416-325-6691.

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.