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Festival and Events Microgrant Program

Calgarians are looking for ways to safely participate in public events like they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. This Microgrant program is meant to support the additional costs for events to meet changing public health guidelines. Keeping arts, culture, sports and/or recreation events safe will improve the wellbeing of citizens and our communities.

There is $75,000 available to support arts, culture, sports and recreation events.

Applications will be accepted from July 20 to November 13, 2020. Apply early - the program closes November 13 or as soon as all funding is allocated.

Apply for Microgrant

  1. Complete the Festivals and Events Microgrant Application Form
  2. Email the completed application to eventservices@calgary.ca

Who can apply

The host organization must be a registered legal entity in good standing; as a not-for-profit, charitable organization or Calgary Business Improvement Area. Events can be in-person or virtual/online. Event date must be between July 20, 2020 through December 31, 2020 (this program cannot fund projects that are before July 20, 2020).

Other requirements include:

  • Event must be open to the public
  • All provincial and City guidelines and regulations must be followed
  • All required permissions and permits must be secured
  • A budget with estimated revenues and expenses must be provided
  • Microgrant must be spent according to approved eligible costs
  • All funds must be used in 2020
  • A Report Back form must be submitted within 60 days of the completion of your event

How will applications be evaluated

Evaluations take place every two weeks starting August 3 until November 13, 2020, or sooner if all funding is allocated.

Event applications will be rated a score out of 15, based on:

  1. How well they achieve one of three themes (5 points). Please review Directives of Council for more details.

A Prosperous City

Calgary continues to grow as a magnet for talent, a place where there is opportunity for all, and strives to be the best place in Canada to start and grow a business.

A City of Safe and Inspiring Neighbourhoods

Every Calgarian lives in a safe, mixed and inclusive neighbourhood, and has the right and opportunity to participate in civic life. All neighbourhoods are desirable and have equitable public investments.

A Healthy and Green City

Calgary is a leader in caring about the health of the environment and promotes resilient neighbourhoods where residents connect with one another and can live active, healthy lifestyles.
  1. How the event will benefit the community (5 points)
  2. How safe the event will be for participants and organizers (5 points)

Who will evaluate applications

An Event Advisory Committee will meet every two weeks starting from August 3, 2020 to evaluate and award funding. The Event AdvisoryThe Committee consists of:

  • City of Calgary - Arts and Culture Division
  • Calgary Economic Development
  • Tourism Calgary
  • Calgary Arts Development
  • Sport Calgary
  • Calgary Sports and Major Events
  • Business Improvement Areas
  • Two members of the public 

Background

Calgary’s festival and event community has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person events have been cancelled from April until August 31, 2020. We worked hard to find ways to support the normally active and vibrant festival and event industry. We are looking forward to citizens and visitors being able to enjoy Calgary’s community spirit safely.