Open, closes Feb 1, 2027Grant
Heritage grants
No per-grant maximum stated; about $50,000 to $60,000 is shared among successful applicants this window
Waterloo Regional Heritage FoundationAll of Waterloo Region
GrantLocal program
Tourism Funding Programs
The City of Guelph runs three tourism funding programs paid for by the Municipal Accommodation Tax. They support new tourism products, marketing photos and video with training, and events that bring visitors to Guelph. Incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit organizations can apply.
- Amount
- Destination Animation Fund up to $5,000 (10% match). Gather Here sponsorship up to $25,000, and no more than 15% of the event budget. The Marketing Assets program gives photos, video and training, not money.
- Status
- Open, closes Nov 27, 202613 days leftThe intro and the fund guidelines say 2027 applications run November 2 to 27, 2026 (5 p.m.), although the Destination Animation Fund section on the page still says applications are closed. Gather Here is rolling until its budget runs out.
- Type
- Grants and event sponsorship
- Run by
- City of Guelph (with Destination Marketing Guelph for for-profit applications)
- Where
- Guelph
- Checked on
- Nov 13, 2026
Who it's for
- Incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit organizations
- Must be in good standing with the City
- Destination Animation Fund: tourism operators partnering with others in the industry
- Marketing Assets: Guelph festivals, events, attractions, tours and tourism businesses
- Gather Here: conferences, sporting events and festivals in Guelph
Not for
- Individuals
- Unincorporated businesses and groups
What it covers
- Destination Animation Fund: up to $5,000 for new or improved tourism products, with a 10% match
- Tourism Marketing Assets & Education Program: professional photos and video at no cost, plus a 3-hour marketing session. No money is paid out.
- Gather Here Sponsorship Fund: event sponsorship up to $25,000, limited to 15% of the total event budget
How to apply
- Read the guidelines for the program you want
- Gather Here: book an appointment with Tourism and Destination Development first
- Create a Decision Hub account and complete the online application
- Attach the attestation cover letter and budget form, then submit
Good to know
- The page contradicts itself: the intro and the fund's guidelines say applications run November 2 to 27, 2026, while the Destination Animation Fund section says applications are closed.
- Step 4 on the page names a "Tourism Assets Development and Education Fund", which doesn't match the program's name elsewhere.
- The page gives two different application links for Gather Here.
- Destination Marketing Guelph awards for-profit applications; the City awards not-for-profit ones. Notices are due by March 1, 2027.
- Every recipient must send in a report after the event.
- The Marketing Assets guidelines give a November 29, 2026 closing date, two days later than the main page. Use the earlier date unless the city confirms otherwise.
Questions
Can a sole proprietor apply?
The city says individuals and unincorporated entities are not eligible. Applicants must be incorporated for-profit or not-for-profit organizations.
Is the November 27 deadline real?
The page gives November 27, 2026 at 5 p.m. for the Destination Animation Fund and the Marketing Assets program, but also says the Destination Animation Fund is closed. Confirm with the city before relying on it.
Is there a deadline for Gather Here?
No fixed deadline. The city says applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the funding runs out, and events in 2027 are welcome.