Apply for Tourism Advisory Panel Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 14-Sep-2026

The Tourism Advisory Panel Grant Program provides cost-sharing funding for tourism projects and events that increase visitor numbers and tourism spending in Gananoque, Ontario. Eligible Indigenous organizations, tourism-focused not-for-profits, and for-profit tourism organizations can receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, with support focused on attracting visitors from 40 kilometres or more and developing new tourism products, festivals, and experiences. What Is the Tourism Advisory Panel Grant Program? The Tourism Advisory Panel Grant Program is a cost-sharing funding initiative established by the Town of Gananoque to encourage tourism development, visitor attraction, and investment in the local tourism industry. The program supports projects and events that can: - Increase tourism visitation - Increase visitor spending - Attract visitors from outside the local area - Develop new tourism products and experiences - Strengthen Gananoque’s tourism industry - Encourage private-sector tourism investment - Improve the competitiveness of local tourism businesses The program places particular emphasis on culinary, cultural, and outdoor tourism experiences. Why Does the Program Matter? Tourism contributes to local economic development by bringing visitors, spending, investment, and business activity into the community. The Tourism Advisory Panel Grant Program is designed to support initiatives that make Gananoque a more attractive destination for visitors while strengthening the local tourism ecosystem.

Funded projects can help:

- Increase overnight and day-trip visitation - Encourage visitors to spend more locally - Create new tourism experiences - Strengthen tourism partnerships - Support festivals and events - Encourage investment in tourism businesses - Improve destination competitiveness - Expand Gananoque’s tourism offering What Types of Projects Are Supported? The program focuses on projects and events that demonstrate a clear tourism benefit. New Tourism Products Funding can support the development of new products, experiences, or attractions that encourage people to visit Gananoque. Projects should demonstrate how the new tourism offering will help attract visitors from outside the local area. Festivals and Events Tourism-focused festivals and events may qualify for funding when they contribute to increased visitation and visitor spending. Eligible events should take place within the Town of Gananoque. Culinary Tourism Projects that enhance Gananoque’s culinary tourism appeal may be considered. These could involve initiatives that create or promote distinctive visitor experiences connected to food and local tourism. Cultural Tourism Cultural experiences that attract visitors and strengthen Gananoque’s identity as a tourism destination may also be eligible. Outdoor Tourism Outdoor tourism initiatives can be supported where they contribute to visitor attraction and strengthen the local tourism experience. Who Is Eligible? The program is open to several types of tourism organizations and community entities.

Eligible applicants include:

- Indigenous organizations - Not-for-profit organizations with a tourism focus - For-profit tourism organizations Applicants must meet all applicable program requirements and should demonstrate their ability to successfully deliver the proposed project or event. Geographic Eligibility All funded events must take place within the Town of Gananoque. Projects should have a clear connection to tourism development in Gananoque and demonstrate their potential to attract visitors from outside the local area. The program specifically targets projects capable of attracting visitors from 40 kilometres or more. How Much Funding Is Available? The Tourism Advisory Panel Grant Program provides cost-sharing funding of up to 50% of eligible project costs. The exact level of support is determined by the Tourism Advisory Panel.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate:

- Total project costs - Eligible expenses - Amount requested - Applicant contribution - Other sources of funding, where applicable Applicants should not assume that the full 50% will automatically be awarded. Are Multi-Year Projects Eligible? Yes. Multi-year events of up to two years can be eligible for support. However, continued funding is conditional on the applicant submitting an interim report after the first year. This allows the Town and Tourism Advisory Panel to assess progress before considering continued support. What Makes a Strong Project? A strong application should demonstrate both tourism and economic value.

Applicants are expected to show:

Strong Organizational Capacity Applicants should demonstrate the leadership, management, and organizational capacity needed to successfully deliver the project or event. A Clear Tourism Rationale The proposal should explain why the project is important from a tourism perspective.

Applicants should clearly identify:

- Target visitors - Visitor attraction strategy - Tourism experience being offered - Expected visitation - Potential visitor spending - Benefits to Gananoque’s tourism sector Strong Partnerships Applicants are encouraged to build partnerships across the local tourism ecosystem.

Potential partners may include:

- Tourism organizations - Hospitality businesses - Local businesses - Community organizations - Event partners - Tourism operators Partnerships can strengthen the project’s reach and demonstrate broad community and industry support. Alignment With Tourism Plans Projects should align with relevant regional or provincial tourism strategies and plans. Applicants should explain how the proposed initiative supports broader tourism development priorities. Private-Sector Investment Projects should demonstrate potential to increase private-sector tourism investment. This can strengthen the project’s long-term economic impact and contribute to the competitiveness of Gananoque’s tourism industry. Required Insurance and Permit