Community Festivals Support Program

The Community Festivals Support Program provides financial assistance to rural and northern community festivals in Manitoba which are recognized as being signature annual events to support the efforts of volunteers in organizing their community’s signature annual festival or celebration.

What is the deadline?

Applications will be received on an ongoing basis until:

1. April 1 for festivals taking place between April 1 and December 31.

2. November 1 for festivals taking place between January 1and March 31.
   
   

Who can apply?

Festivals that are signature events in there communities are eligible to apply based on the following criteria:

General Criteria

• The festival must take place in a rural or northern community and must be the community’s signature annual celebration – reflecting, celebrating and profiling the unique character of the local community…its heritage, culture and identity.  (A community may be defined geographically, demographically, or both.)

• The festival must have taken place for a minimum of two years prior and must not be eligible for ongoing financial assistance through other provincial government programs.

• Applicants must provide a report and financial statement for each of the last two years.

• All events and activities must be open and accessible to the general public

• The festival must provide opportunities for all citizens, including youth, to participate as spectators, volunteers, or as part of the event’s programming.  Provision of opportunities for youth leadership should be a particular feature.

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

• The festival must operate as an incorporated, non‑profit corporation or under the jurisdiction of an incorporated, non‑profit corporation.

• Provincial funding assistance under this program is not to replace existing financial and/or in-kind support from the local government or community (i.e., from prior years).

Eligible Criteria

• The festival must occur in the application year and must take place over a minimum 2-day time period.

• Only one annual event per geographic or demographic community will normally be considered.

• The festival must demonstrate tangible financial and/or in-kind support from local government.
  
  

What is the funding formula?

The grant calculation will be to a maximum of 10% of eligible revenues, based on the event’s most recent financial statement. Actual grants may be less than this amount, subject to availability of funds.

What other services are available?

Consultation services are available to assist community organizations in the planning, development and submission of their proposals

How do you apply for a grant?

Contact the Regional Offices of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport for guidelines, applications and information.