The Downtown Event Revitalization Funding Program (Downtown Event Grant) supports events and initiatives which attract residents and visitors to downtown, support vibrancy, stimulate business activity and align with other objectives of the City's Corporate Strategic Plan. View the 2023 Summary of Grants Awarded.
Funds can be used to assist with the costs of organizing and presenting public events and initiatives in downtown Nanaimo. The intention of the grant is to recognize the value that initiatives have in building vitality downtown and in enhancing Nanaimo's profile as a destination of choice. The grant serves as an incentive to event organizers to enhance, expand and improve their events. Applications are received once per year.
2023 City of Nanaimo Downtown Event Revitalization Fund Grant intake has NOW CLOSED
Deadline: October 19, 2022
Grant applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the day of deadline to be eligible for consideration in this funding stream.
Applicants who have received funding in previous years must provide a Final Report within 90 days of completion of the event or before a new funding request is submitted for consideration. Failure to provide a Final Report will render new applications ineligible. If content of section exceeds space allocated in field, please provide supplemental pages to your report for legibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
My organization is located outside the City of Nanaimo boundaries. Are we eligible?
In order to be eligible for funds at the City of Nanaimo, the organization must be registered as a non-profit with an address inside the boundaries of the City. Organizations/applicants that operate in multiple communities must be able to demonstrate public activities taking place inside the City limits in order to receive funding through the Downtown Events Revitalization Fund. Individuals are also eligible to apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Charitable status is not required.
My organization is applying to host our annual cultural event fundraiser, with proceeds going to charity. Can we seek support from the City of Nanaimo?
Fundraising activities, where the outcome generates funds for a separate charitable cause are not eligible for funding through this program. Organizations that undertake fundraising activities, such as regular programs and events that charge a fee for entry, where the funds raised will be a portion of the annual revenues at the organization applying for funding are eligible to apply, provided their fundraiser is not the sole activity of the organization.
Can I apply for more than one project/initiative?
Yes. Based on funds available, up to four applications may be approved.
Can I apply for a Culture Project or Culture Operating Grant?
Non-profit organizations with arts, culture and heritage mandates may seek funds from Culture Funding programs. Refer to program guidelines for full eligibility criteria and application limits.
Can I apply to this program if I have received other funding from City of Nanaimo for my project?
Organizations and individuals may apply more than once to the City of Nanaimo, but the funds must support a different project, program or activity.
My activity will start in 2022, but will last into 2023, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, the fund supports activities that are initiated in 2022. Applicants with activities that carry over into 2024 will not be eligible to apply to any future Culture and Events funding until a report been provided.
How do I book a City of Nanaimo park?
Visit the City of Nanaimo’s website and complete the Event Booking Form to submit your request to the City. More useful information about event planning can be found online.
Further Questions?
We're happy to help. Having trouble accessing the forms linked above? Questions or concerns? Contact us directly at 250-755-4483 or cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca. Subscribe to receive Love Arts Nanaimo Updates and follow us on Instagram at @Culture_Nanaimo.