Application Intake Open
The City is currently accepting applications for 2024 winter events. The application will remain open until the remaining funding has been distributed.
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Local winter festivals and events encourage Edmontonians to carry their passion for their city year round.
The City is currently accepting applications for 2024 winter events. The application will remain open until the remaining funding has been distributed.
WinterCity Festival and Event Organizers create experiences that share the magic of an Edmonton winter with both local community members and international visitors.
However, operating outdoor festivals and events in winter can be challenging because there are higher operational costs due to the cold season. Winter festivals and events can see it all, and for this reason, winter-specific festival and event funding is being provided.
The WinterCity Festivals and Events Grant allocations will vary based on the size, scope and scale of each event and will range from $500 for smaller community events to up to $60,000 for larger festivals and events. Grant funding may not exceed 25% of the total cost to produce the event.
The City reserves the right to audit applications and projects that receive funding. You may need to provide additional information to verify the funding was used for the intended purpose outlined in your application.
We have a limited budget and are not able to support every application. To improve your chances of success, please ensure that you complete all sections of the form and add sufficient detail about how you intend to use the funds.
Funding decisions made by the City are final and cannot be appealed.
The WinterCity Festivals and Events grant priorities in 2024 are aligned with the City Plan and will focus on:
Grant funding awards will be based on the following criteria:
The City may change or clarify the grant criteria at any time to be responsive to the needs of organizations.
Grant funds can only be used for the purpose outlined in the grant application.
Eligible events must:
Note: Events being hosted in multiple locations on multiple dates with similar program content will be counted as 1 event. Organizers wishing to host different events may apply for multiple grants for each event produced from January-March 31 and/or November 15-December 31. A separate application for each event will be required.
The program will be assessed at the end of each year to confirm or modify eligibility and criteria.
Grant funding awards will be considered for eligible events only.
Eligible events include but are not limited to:
Funding may be used towards winter operations including, but not limited to:
Winter Programming elements may be considered, however, they are not the primary intent of this grant which is intended to cover additional operational expenses due to extremes in winter weather conditions.
Ineligible festivals/events and organizations include, but are not limited to:
Before you start your application:
If you have questions or need help completing the application, please contact the Winter City Events Grant Team.
Before you submit your application:
Thank you for your interest in the 2024 WinterCity Festival and Events Grant Program.
The City is currently accepting applications for 2024 winter events. The application will remain open until all funds have been distributed.
Note: Funding decisions made by the City are final and cannot be appealed.
Some of the most common reasons why an application is unsuccessful are:
Unsuccessful applications can reapply the following year. If you would like feedback on your application in order to prepare for a future submission, please contact wintercityeventsgrant@edmonton.ca.
Please remember to clearly identify how the funding will be used as well as the circumstances of need.
Note: The City’s decision is final, however you can reapply if a second intake is advertised.
Yes. Please identify the expenses that you intend to use the funding towards in your application.
Yes. This funding is available to new event opportunities as well as to those event producers who have organized public events previously.
If your festival or event is located on City of Edmonton property it must be insured with a minimum of $2 million in general liability coverage with the City of Edmonton listed as an “Additional Insured”. Depending on the size and scope of your event, additional coverage may be required.
Yes. If your organization has received other City of Edmonton funding, in most cases you can still apply for this grant. Please note that grant funding awards will be considered based on established criteria including receipt of funding from other City of Edmonton sources.