Festival and Special Event Grant

You must fill out the application in one single session, please allow yourself enough time to do so.

Background – The City of Whitehorse has established a Festival and Special Event Policy which offers grants and in-kind support to community groups and organizations for festivals and special community events.

Purpose – The City of Whitehorse is committed to the development and support of special community events and festival celebrations that provide vibrant and diverse community experiences for residents and visitors.

Eligibility – Whitehorse non-profit registered societies in good standing and community organizations with a not-for-profit mandate hosting an event taking place within the City of Whitehorse.

Not Eligible:

• Capital costs or staff wages
• Fees for City facilities or City parks
• Retroactive funding of events that have already taken place
• Conferences and/or meetings
• Events that are billed as fundraising events where fundraising is the intent (events offering the opportunity to purchase food, t-shirts or souvenirs are not considered fundraising events)
• Festivals or events that seek to attract only a special interest audience
• Festivals or events that are organized or promoted as a for-profit commercial venture
• Festivals or events that are organized by an individual or private enterprise

Intake Deadline

The annual deadline for Festival and Special Event Grant applications for all events scheduled between January and December for the following year is August 31 at 4:30 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted, no exceptions.

Who is eligible to apply for the grant?
Registered non-profit societies in good standing under the Societies Act or eligible community organizations hosting an event within Whitehorse city limits.

What types of events are eligible?
Events must meet the definition of a Festival or Special Event, or Signature Event as outlined in the Festival and Special Event Grant Policy. Events must offer unique experiences, demonstrate broad participation, and take place in Whitehorse.

Can we receive 100% of our event funding from the City?
No. The City may provide a maximum of 50% of the total event budget. The remaining funding must come from non-City of Whitehorse sources, such as sponsorships, donations, or other grants.

Can we use other City of Whitehorse grants to meet the 50% funding requirement?
No. According to the Festival and Special Event Grant Policy, applicants cannot apply for or receive other City of Whitehorse grant funding for the same event.

How much money can an organization receive from this grant? Is it limited to $5,000 per year?
Your group can apply for up to $5,000 per event or project. The policy doesn’t set a yearly limit on how much an applicant can receive, but each grant awarded cannot be more than $5,000. This grant is meant to support special festivals and community events that bring people together.

Can this grant be used for its regular weekly expenses?
No. The Festival and Special Event Grant does not cover ongoing or regular operating costs. Funding is for special one-time events or unique activities within a limited time frame.

Are individuals or private businesses eligible to apply?
No. The Festival and Special Event Grant is not available to individuals, private businesses, or for-profit ventures.

Are fundraising events eligible?
No. Events that are primarily intended as fundraisers are not eligible. Food, t-shirts, or souvenirs can be sold, but the main purpose of the event cannot be to raise funds.

Can conferences or meetings apply?
No. Conferences and meetings are not eligible for Festival and Special Event Grant funding.

Can we apply for funding for an event that has already happened?
No. The grant only supports future events.

Are capital costs or staff wages eligible for funding?
No. Capital expenses, staff wages or honouraria, and City facility/park fees are not eligible for reimbursement.

When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on August 31 each year. If August 31 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

What time period does the grant cover?
Applications received by August 31 are for events scheduled between January 1 and December 31 of the following calendar year.

Can we apply for multi-year funding?
Yes, if your event qualifies as a Signature Event and meets specific criteria, you may be eligible for multi-year funding for up to 3 years. A maximum of $5,000 per year may be confirmed.

What defines a Signature Event?
Signature Events must have a substantial economic impact, attract many out-of-town visitors, receive media attention, and show potential to grow Whitehorse’s reputation as a destination.

Can our event be free, or is admission required?
Events can be free or charge admission. However, free events and those with broad accessibility are prioritized. Ticketed events are eligible, but price and accessibility are considered.

What is considered a “special interest audience” and is it eligible?
Events targeting a narrow, special-interest group (e.g., only members of a club or a niche hobby) are not eligible. Events must appeal to and involve a broad segment of the community.

Do we need a final report?
Yes. A final report must be submitted within 90 days after the event. This report includes a project summary, sattendance and volunteer statistics, budget details, and media coverage.

What happens if we don’t submit a final report?
If your group has an outstanding final report, you will not be eligible for future funding until it’s submitted and accepted.

What happens if we don’t use all the grant funds or change the event?
If funds are unused, or the event is not delivered as described, the City may require all or part of the grant to be repaid. Misrepresentation may also disqualify your group from future funding.

Can we get help planning the event or completing the application?
Yes! Contact the Parks and Community Development Department at 867-668-8325 or [email protected] for guidance on application requirements, event planning, and use of City spaces.

Do we need permission to use City parks or green spaces?
Yes. If your event is held in a public space such as a neighbourhood park or on a City trail, you must obtain written permission from the City, and submit that letter with your application.

How do we get authorization to use City parks and green spaces?
Please submit a Booking Request Form.

Who approves applications?
A City review team, including staff from Parks, Transit, Bylaw, and Finance, evaluates applications. Recommendations are sent to City Council for final approval.

How do we recognize the City’s support?
The City of Whitehorse logo must be included on all printed materials and advertisements, and verbal recognition given at the event, where applicable.