Festival Investment Grants (FIG)

City of Victoria

Agency: Local

GrantWatch ID #206812

Grant Description

Grants and in-kind services to British Columbia nonprofit organizations for events and programming in eligible locations. Funding is intended to enhance the economic, cultural, and social aspects of the community. The goal of the program is to provide support to celebrations and festivals in the City of Victoria.

The Festival Investment Grant is intended to nurture outdoor festivals and celebrations held within the City of Victoria, facilitate their growth and ensure their continued success.

The City of Victoria recognizes that local, regional, national and international events of all types have an important role to play in contributing to improved quality of life of Victoria residents. Community-based festivals and celebrations reflect the vibrant, distinct and diverse character of Victoria and its residents. Events offer opportunities to create economic, social, health and community benefits. The Festival Investment Grant program is designed to provide support to organizations producing festivals and celebrations that will deliver significant economic impact, vitality and vibrancy within the City of Victoria, particularly the downtown core.

The program is comprised of five funding streams:

Community Celebration Grants: The purpose of this funding stream is to assist community celebrations with the production of one-day celebratory events within the City of Victoria.
New Festival Grants: The purpose of the New Festival Grant stream is to provide support to new multi-day events in their first year of production and stability through the developmental years (2 – 5 years).
Established Festival Grants: The purpose is to provide financial assistance to established festivals to produce a multi-day event in the City of Victoria.
Signature Festival Grants: The purpose of the Signature Festival Grant stream is to showcase the City as a great place to live, work, play, and do business.
Canada Day Celebrations Grants: The pilot Canada Day grant stream will provide opportunities for a wide range of community led programming on Canada Day in Victoria's neighborhoods and cultural communities.

For more information on funding streams, see https://www.victoria.ca/assets/Departments/Parks~Rec~Culture/Culture/Events~and~Festivals/FIG%20Policy%20Guidelines%202023.pdf#page=1.

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Eligibility:

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

The Festival Investment Grant program is designed to provide cash and in-kind support to nonprofit organizations. The applicant organization must be a not-for-profit society in good standing with the Registrar of Companies.

Ineligible:

Applications will be considered ineligible if they relate to:
• Events that are commercial in purpose.
• Sporting and athletic events and competitions unless there is a demonstrated link to an artistic and/or cultural activity.
• An event fundraiser (over and above event costs).
• An event that occurs outside the City of Victoria.
• Retroactive funding.
• Capital expenditures.
• One time, non-recurring events.
• Activities already funded through other City programs.
• Organizations in arrears with the City of Victoria.
• Individuals
• Demonstrations, marches, rallies
• Trade shows and trade fairs
• Conferences, workshops, training and professional development
• Block parties, picnics, garden shows, street markets, carnivals

Pre-proposal Conference:

An online information session will be held to provide information about FIG funding opportunities and the new Canada Day stream.

Date: Tuesday, November 15
Time: 5:30- 6:30 p.m.
Location: Online. Please register here and an event link will be sent to you: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/460459084517

Pre-Application Information:

Timeline:
- Applications open: Nov 4, 2022
- Deadline for receipt of application: Dec 30, 2022 at 4 p.m.
- Council report with funding recommendations: February- March
- Notifications to Applicants: Before April 1, 2023
- First Grant Payment (80%): July 1, 2023
- Final Payment (20%): Upon receipt of final report

The City of Victoria will not fund more than 25% of the overall operating costs of the festival, event or celebration.

Additional Funding Information:

Estimated Total Program Funding:

$400,000

Term of Contract:

The term of the grant is one year.

Contact Information:

Apply Online: https://forms.office.com/r/eatZKHRbj5

Email supporting documents to:
David McConachie
Arts Culture and Events Liaison
City of Victoria
Email: dmcconachie@victoria.ca
Phone: (250) 883-5843 or visit www.victoria.ca

City Hall
1 Centennial Square
Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
Telephone: 250.385.5711