Major Event Grants

Applications for the Major Events Grant have Closed

The Town of Canmore Major Event Grant Program provides funding to Canmore-based not-for-profit societies. Funding will support the planning and delivery of national and international events that elevate Canmore as a world-class destination, create awareness and promote regenerative tourism, and align with the Town’s livability, environment, relationship, and economic development goals.

Applications for the Major Event Grant are now Closed.

Eligible applications will be reviewed and ranked by the internal administration Major Event Grant Selection Committee based on the evaluation criteria.

Applications that elevate Canmore as a world-class destination, support environment & sustainability, promote livability, build Right Relations and support the Town of Canmore and Economic Development objectives will receive higher scoring.

Not-for-profit societies responsible for the organization and execution of major events in sport, recreation, arts, and culture that are recognized by the respective governing bodies as national and international level events.

Applications will be considered eligible if: 

  • The application adheres to relevant Town of Canmore Policies
  • The application is complete, and is for one single event per application
  • Application documentation is submitted before the posted deadline
  • The Organization must be a legal, registered not-for-profit society
  • The Organization has met the responsibilities of any previously provided Town of Canmore grant
  • The Organization must demonstrate good financial standing

Local major events in sport, recreation, arts, and culture are eligible for funding. 

Criteria

  • Elevates Canmore as a world-class destination
  • Draws national and international participants, visitors, and media attention
  • Showcases the best of what Canmore has to offer
  • Offers an experience-based, authentic celebration of Canmore’s Mountain lifestyle
  • Creates awareness and promotes regenerative tourism
  • Aligns with the Town’s livability, environment, relationship, and economic development goals
  • Multi-year events for a maximum of three years may be accepted

Livability

  • Is accessible, inclusive, and affordable
  • Promotes an inclusive and safe event, and
  • Is relevant to the culture and identity of the community of Canmore

Environment and Sustainability

  • Initiatives taken to reduce the environmental impact of the event, and
  • Educates participants and spectators on ways that they can reduce their environmental impact
  • Indicates how the event works to create a thriving destination that regenerates and heals resources

Relationships

  • Demonstrates a meaningful approach to living in Right Relations and inclusion of First Nations and Metis, and
  • Works in partnership with the municipality, business community, and not-for-profit organizations to build mutually beneficial outcomes

Economic Development

  • Has identified positive impacts on the local economy
  • Economic criteria are considered more heavily outside of the high season (June-September, holidays)

Eligible applications will be reviewed and ranked by the internal administration Major Event Grant Selection Committee based on the criteria outlined.

Applications that meet all criteria of eligibility will be ranked higher.

Maximum funding available: $15,000 per year for a limit of three years for a maximum grant of $45,000.  This is subject to ongoing budget approval. 

Major events typically require federal, provincial, and municipal investment, have a limited duration and generate national and/or international participation and audience. They increase local tourism, have the strong possibility of impacting municipal operations, and generate national or international media coverage.

 

For the Major Event Grant, events must be within the following industries: sports, arts, recreation, and culture.

Successful applicants will be required to complete and submit a final report on or before 90 days after the execution of the event, which includes:

  • Description of grant allocation
  • A copy of the Board-approved financial statement related to the event
  • An Economic Impact Assessment of the event on the Canmore community, and
  • High-resolution photo(s) of the event with consent to be shared publicly.

For multi-year funding agreements, the submission of an interim report one year after funding is approved which includes:

  • An overview of monies spent to date
  • A brief progress report, and
  • If applicable, proof of successful big ad assignment to Canmore

For multi-year event agreements, the final report for each event will be due within X TIME of the completion of the event.  Each final report must include:

  • Description of grant allocation
  • A copy of Board-approved financial statement related
  • An Economic Impact Assessment on the Canmore community, and
  • High-resolution photo(s) of the event with consent to be shared publicly

View Major Event Grant Policy ED-002.  

The total funding amount must be returned to the Town of Canmore if:
  • Funding has not been spent within the approved granted timeline,
  • The applicant no longer meets the eligibility requirements set out in the Major Event Grant Policy ED-002, or
  • Funding has not been spent on eligible expenses as outlined in the grant agreement

For further inquiries, email economicdevelopment@canmore.ca and include Major Event Grant in subject header. 

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