Waterloo Region & Guelph

GrantLocal program

The Woolwich Way tourism funding streams

Two Township of Woolwich funds that help local businesses and organizations build tourism products and marketing aimed at visitors. Projects must be finished within the calendar year of the application. The 2026 round is closed.

Amount
Destination Development Fund up to $4,000 (15% applicant share); Marketing Material Fund up to $1,500 (50% match)
Status
Closed for nowThe 2026 round ran April 27 to May 25, 2026 and is closed. The page doesn't say when or whether there will be another round.
Type
Matching grants
Run by
Township of Woolwich
Where
Woolwich
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026

Who it's for

  • Businesses and organizations located in the Township of Woolwich, for-profit or not-for-profit
  • Projects that create or improve tourism products
  • Projects that reach at least 30% visitors (Destination Development)
  • Marketing aimed mainly at visitors from outside the region (Marketing Material)

Not for

  • Projects that can't be finished within the calendar year of applying
  • Individuals and unincorporated entities
  • Businesses and organizations that receive other Township of Woolwich grants
  • Applicants funded the year before. The guides say successful applicants can't apply the following year.

What it covers

  • Destination Development Fund: walking and culinary tours, art and culture experiences, festivals and events, shoulder-season experiences, tourism packages
  • Marketing Material Fund: visitor maps, event materials, passport programs, visitor banners and signs

How to apply

  1. Read the application guide for the fund
  2. Prepare a budget using the township's sample budget sheet
  3. Apply through the online form during an intake (written applications on request)
  4. If funded, send proof of your matching share, receipts and a tourism impact summary

Good to know

  • The 2026 timeline: applications April 27 to May 25, 2026, decisions within 2 months, projects done by December 31, 2026, final report within 30 days.
  • The page also has older text saying applications are taken from August 5 to August 19, 2025, which conflicts with the 2026 dates.
  • The application guides say applicants must be located within the Township of Woolwich and be in good standing with the township, for example no property tax or utility arrears.
  • The township says incomplete reporting may mean losing the funds.
  • The 2026 application guides give a May 18, 2026 deadline, while the web page says May 25, 2026.
  • Destination Development Fund: marketing, advertising, operating, staffing and website costs aren't covered. Half is paid within 30 days of the award and half after the final report.
  • Marketing Material Fund: only design and printing services are covered. Invoices dated before the launch, or already paid, aren't covered.

Questions

Can I apply now?

No. The 2026 round closed May 25, 2026. The page doesn't give a date for another round.

How much do I have to put in?

For the Destination Development Fund, the applicant puts in 15%. For the Marketing Material Fund, the applicant matches 50%.

What kind of projects are funded?

Projects that create or improve tourism experiences or visitor marketing, such as tours, events, visitor maps and signs. They must be done within the calendar year you apply.