Just Announced: the Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund returns!

Great funding news!...but you'll have to act FAST...deadline is March 3, 2023, and applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis.

Update (Feb 20): I have created application worksheets for this grant program, can be downloaded from my website here.

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The Province is providing $30 million to support B.C.-based events in response to calls from the sector for more help. The B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund (the BCFFE Fund) provides a one-time grant for up to 20% of your total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event. Depending on uptake, grant amounts may exceed 20% of the event budget.

“The past three years have been incredibly difficult for people in the tourism industry, including live events, and we know not every business has fully recovered,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our government is proud to provide funding to support fairs, festivals, and events throughout B.C. as they re-establish themselves. We know that these types of gatherings fill British Columbians’ hearts with joy. We also know that in many cases they support a greater economy right across the province.”

Through the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events (BCFFE) fund, the Government of B.C. is providing $30 million in one-time grants to eligible events in response to challenges the sector is facing, such as loss of staffing and volunteers, supply-chain issues, and a cautious return of audiences. Grant amounts will be as much as 20% of the total event budget, to a maximum of $250,000. Depending on the number of applications received, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport may provide grant amounts higher than 20% of the event budget. Single organizations holding multiple events will be capped at $500,000 per organization.

“The core of our work is to listen and respond to the priorities of people in B.C.,” said Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. “We know events are integral to the spirit of our communities and economy. Today’s announcement shows we are delivering for the sector by providing more support for the continued recovery and success of fairs, festivals and events across the province.”

This investment builds on the success of the BCFFE program launched in 2021, which provided one-time grants to support the safe return of events earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This timely investment will ensure events and festivals can continue, bringing tourism and economic benefits to the province,” said Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC. “Local events in communities large and small bring increased exposure to communities and provide employment opportunities for residents, while contributing to the vibrancy of the community. This is an exciting announcement for the industry.”

Key Things to Know:

• Applications will be accepted until March 3, 2023 (11:59pm). Events between April 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible for funding. Funds are limited and will be awarded through a competitive process. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Funding decisions will be communicated by April 2023.

• Eligible events include sporting events, arts and culture events (music, film, mural, multi-cultural festivals, performances, art walks, comic conventions), community celebrations (annual events, festivals, or celebrations, culinary events), agricultural fairs and rodeos.

• Eligible events must:

  • Be open to the general public

  • Be limited in duration

  • Earn revenue from ticket sales, entry donations, vendor fees or other sources

  • Take place in B.C. between April 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024

  • Have a minimum operating budget of $10,000

    • Your operating budget is the total amount of expenses it will take to run your event

    • In-kind donations (like volunteers' time) cannot be converted to a dollar amount and counted towards your operating budget

  • Align with government priorities for tourism, sport or the arts

  • Be financially viable and secured

    • Events in the bid phase are not eligible

• Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, health-and-safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.

• You may submit more than one application. Each eligible event requires a separate application package. You cannot submit applications for recurring instances of the same event.  If you submit more than one application, you may be asked to assign priority. You will not receive more than $500,000 in total funding.

• You may be able to complete a simplified application if you received funding under one of the following programs: Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund (2021) OR Tourism Events Program (2022).

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