City of Lethbridge: Community Event Support Grant (Canada)

Deadline: 31-Jan-25

The Community Event Support Grant provides funding support for not-for-profit organizations to initiate and develop new events or help with the maintenance of existing events.

The City of Lethbridge recognizes the value of special events and the contribution they make to the vitality of their community. The purpose of the program is to provide funding support, investing in non-profit community organizations that organize and deliver events which enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Lethbridge, contribute to the culture of the community, and create affordable entertainment and provide economic benefit to the City. Initiatives, events, and programs should align with the vision and direction of the outcomes.

Funding Information

• Total funding available for 2025 is $97,500.00.
• There will be 3 application intakes for 2025. 1st Intake will see up to $60,000 of the funds awarded, and the 2nd/3rd will see $18,750 each.
• The maximum grant awarded would be matching cash financial contributions to a maximum of$7,500 and not exceed 50% of the event expenditures budget and actuals.
• Expenditures may not exceed 30% of the total CESG funding provided (i.e if $5,000 CESG funding is awarded, the maximum to minor capital expenditures is $1,500).
• All approved grant applications exceeding $1,000 require the organization to provide 50% matching contribution.

Eligible Expenses

• Funding may be applied to the following items for Community Event Support Grant:
  • City services.
  • Event Infrastructure such as facility, venue, stage, lighting, and other equipment rentals.
  • Event marketing and communication.
  • Event supplies (organization to list the supplies).
  • Volunteer expenses.
  • Services offered by a 3rd party business or not-for-profit, security wages (through a professional security company), and 3rd party entertainment expenses are eligible expenses.
  • Safety.
  • It may also be used for minor capital expenditures or for the operation of the event:
    • Minor Capital Costs: capital costs that are essential to the delivery of the event and, when completed, must be owned and/or managed by the organization.

Ineligible Expenses

• Salaries & wages of organization’s staff.
• Prizes.
• Awards that are of cash or material value (trophies and medals are an eligible exepense).
• Alcohol.
• Merchandise for resale.
• Costs invoiced/billed by your own organization (e.g. Charging for your own rental space).
• Specific In-Kind expenses (see description below). Any services or charges from own organization including rental of space are ineligible to be considered in-kind.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following eligibility requirements apply to the Community Event Support Grant:
  • Events qualifying for assistance must be held within the City of Lethbridge, be organized for the purpose of building and celebrating a sense of community and be held primarily for the benefit of Lethbridge residents. Eligible events are:
    • Sport Competitions (i.e, single event or tournament competition comprised of a combination of local and external competitors, coordinated by a local organizing community and volunteer base).
    • Community Festivals (i.e, annual events actively programmed around a theme, with a focus on community organization and participation, requiring a significant commitment of facilities or impact on the community. Entertainment-based, where the festival celebration is the primary goal.)
    • Conferences (i.e, events providing an education or networking opportunity that benefit citizens of Lethbridge, while attracting delegates or participants from outside the community are eligible. Events cannot be exclusive in manner and should include at least a minimal opportunity for the general public or special interest groups).
    • Advocacy (i.e, An apolitical or non-religion based gathering that benefits the community at large. Cannot be controversial or divisive in nature).
  • Applicant must be incorporated as a not for profit entity and in good standing, or be affiliated with a not for profit entity. They may not be a public institution or related foundation.
  • Demonstrate a high degree of community support based on attendance, participation, organization, member, volunteers, financial contributions, and in kind donations.
  • Not duplicate or be similar in nature to existing celebrations or events currently being offered.
  • Not receive financial assistance through other City of Lethbridge funding policies or decisions of council.
  • Events must occur at least 30 days after the application deadline to allow time for the scoring committee to review application, notification of scoring results and successful applicants to provide City of Lethbridge logo on all promotional material.
  • Organizations may submit two events per intake period.
  • Funding may not be received if there are outstanding (past due) reports for previously granted projects.
  • Fundraising events are still considered eligible. Final reporting requirements will differ if the event has direct financial barriers (ie. tickets, registration fees, etc.). For additional information on fundraising events, please refer to page 6 under “Funding”.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Commercial and/or for-profit organizations;
• Political party, political action group, or lobby group;
• Educational institution, school, or school authority;
• Religious institution;
• Any other organization who’s primary purpose is not to operate for community benefit;
• Commercial business;
• Private organizations;
• Municipal departments.

For more information, visit City of Lethbridge.