Experience Ontario

Insider Tip

Set up your My Ontario Account and complete TPON registration weeks before the application deadline — late registration has disqualified otherwise strong applications. Contact a Regional or Northern Development Advisor early (they're Ministry staff who can review drafts). The Programming Details section (30 points) is the highest-weighted criterion — invest most of your writing time there. Successful applicants show 40+ km tourism draw with specific hotel/spending data. Events must also acknowledge Ontario's support in all marketing materials post-award.

Rejection Pitfalls 9

• Ineligible entity type (sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, government body)
• Event does not demonstrably attract tourists from 40+ km away
• TPON registration incomplete or My Ontario Account not set up before deadline

Success Profile

Multi-day festivals attracting visitors from 40+ km away with demonstrated tourism spending. Strong organizational track record with clean financials. Festivals with 500+ attendees from outside the local area, partnership letters from RTOs or DMOs, and a clear marketing plan showing provincial or regional reach. For-profit event producers and established cultural nonprofits are both well-represented among recipients.

Evaluation Criteria

Three main criteria sections: (1) Organizational Capacity — financial management history, past event track record, governance structure, staff/volunteer capacity; (2) Rationale and Economic Impact — tourism draw from 40+ km away, estimated out-of-area visitor spending, job creation, contribution to provincial cultural identity; (3) Programming Details (highest-weighted section) — quality and diversity of programming, cultural significance, multi-day structure, visitor experience design. Economic impact narrative and evidence of out-of-area tourism draw are critical differentiators. Tier determines funding ceiling: Tier 1 ($1M+ expenses, max $125K); Tier 2 ($250K–$999K, max $55K); Tier 3 (under $250K, max $20K).

Application Steps

Required Documents 8

Eligible Expenses 6

• Performance and appearance fees for artists, performers, and presenters (including associated travel, accommodation, hospitality, and booking costs)
• Ontario-based production costs: audio and visual support, rental of sound and lighting equipment, rental of event venue
• Wages for temporary or contract event staff directly related to programming and production
• Targeted paid media or advertising: broadcast, digital, social media, print, out-of-home advertising
• Distribution and shipping costs for printed promotional materials
• Costs incurred between April 1 and March 31 of the applicable fiscal year

Ineligible Expenses 8

• Permanent staff salaries and benefits (only temporary/contract event staff eligible)
• Capital expenditures (equipment purchases, facility improvements)
• Costs incurred outside the eligible fiscal year (April 1 – March 31)
• Recoverable HST/GST
• Costs for virtual or broadcast-only events (in-person events only)
• Costs for events already funded by the Ontario Sport Hosting Program or Ontario Music Investment Fund (same event)
• Overhead, administrative, or general operating costs not directly tied to the event
• Alcohol and entertainment costs beyond reasonable hospitality for performers

Intake Periods

Annual intake. Applications open approximately mid-November and close mid-December (2025 intake closed December 16, 2025 for Experience Ontario 2025). 2026 intake expected to open November 2026 with a December 2026 deadline. Funding covers events occurring April 1 – March 31 of the following fiscal year.

Deadline Notes

Annual November–December intake for following fiscal year (April–March). The 2026 intake closed December 16, 2025. The 2027 intake will likely open November 2026. Applications accepted until 4:00 p.m. ET on closing date — hard cutoff, no exceptions.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Sole proprietorships
• General partnerships
• Limited partnerships
• Government bodies and ministries
• Organizations in default on any prior Ontario government grant, loan, or transfer payment agreement
• Organizations that have not been in existence since January 1 of the prior year
• Organizations without an operating business presence in Ontario
• Events already funded in the same intake cycle by the Ontario Sport Hosting Program
• Events already funded in the same intake cycle by the Ontario Music Investment Fund

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk