Closed
Tourism Development Fund (TDF)
Funding for innovative tourism projects in Ontario
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 14, 2023
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports non-capital tourism projects in Ontario that develop new tourism products, attract investment, or strengthen the industry. It offers up to 50% of eligible cash expenses, to a maximum of $25,000, for eligible project delivery costs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : September 14, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- 2SLGBTQI+
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Not Elsewhere Classified
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of innovative new tourism products and experiences
- Tourism investment attraction projects
- Projects that strengthen the tourism industry’s capacity to support new tourism investment
Documents Needed
- Completed Tourism Development Fund application form
- Certificate of incorporation or equivalent legal documents
- Recent financial statements or review engagement report
- Letters of support, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Municipalities and Destination Marketing Organizations
- Indigenous Organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations with a tourism focus
- For-profit tourism organizations
- For-profit tourism businesses
Who is not eligible
- Federal and provincial governments and their agencies
- Tourism industry associations
- Regional tourism organizations
- Sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and general partnerships
Eligible expenses
- Consulting and project management fees
- Temporary contract staff wages
- Research, strategic planning, and business plan support
- Economic impact studies and capacity-building costs
- Project-related translation costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital costs, including equipment and land
- Operating costs, permanent salaries, and ongoing maintenance
- Marketing costs, including advertising, branding, website, and mobile apps
- Festival and event programming, operations, and marketing costs
- Food, alcohol, and cannabis-related costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Organizational capacity (15%)
- Francophone, Indigenous, or 2SLGBTQIA+ impact (10%)
- Project description and alignment with program objectives (20% + 20%)
- Confirmed partnerships and support from stakeholders (10%)
- Project performance measures (20%)
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program guide and consult a Regional Development Advisor or the Investment and Development Office.
- Step 2: Create a My Ontario account and register for Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).
- Step 3: Complete the application form and attach the required documents in TPON.
- Step 4: Submit the application through TPON before the deadline.
- Step 5: Wait for the funding decision and follow any next steps if approved.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and assessed against eligibility and program criteria.
- Funding decisions are made by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
- Applicants are notified once a decision is rendered.
- Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement before funding is finalized.
Additional information
- Only one application is allowed per lead organization and project in the same fiscal year.
- No multi-year applications will be considered.
- Successful applicants must sign a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Province.
- Ontario acknowledgement is required in project communications and visibility materials.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Program
What is the Tourism Development Fund (TDF)?
This program supports non-capital tourism projects in Ontario that develop new tourism products, attract investment, or strengthen the industry. It offers up to 50% of eligible cash expenses, to a maximum of $25,000, for eligible project delivery costs.
How much funding can be received?
Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) program?
To be eligible for the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) program, you must:
Ontario-based and legally constituted
Minimum 3 years in existence
Minimum 10% cash contribution
What expenses are eligible under Tourism Development Fund (TDF)?
Development of innovative new tourism products and experiences
Tourism investment attraction projects
Projects that strengthen the tourism industry’s capacity to support new tourism investment
Who can I contact for more information about the Tourism Development Fund (TDF)?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at ido.ont@ontario.ca or by phone at 416-325-6691.
Where is the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) available?
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is a Grant and Funding