Grants & Funding

Tourism Nanaimo Grant Programs

The Tourism Nanaimo Grant Programs sponsor events aimed at boosting overnight stays in Nanaimo and elevating our reputation as a vibrant and unique destination. This program is funded through the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program allocated to Tourism Nanaimo through the City of Nanaimo.

The Tourism Nanaimo Grant programs support the following goals as listed in the 5 Year Destination Strategy.

Goal 1

Enhance and diversify Nanaimo’s Tourism offerings to create a unique visitor experience that captures the essence of the city and its surroundings.

Goal 2

Transform Nanaimo into a leading accessible tourism destination and a premier hub for sport tourism by 2025 and grow the capacity for sports tourism by:

  • Engaging local sport organizations as key partners in event hosting, grants and bidding. Communicating the benefit, role, and impact of this partnership.
  • Soliciting sporting events that fit with what we have and within our capacity. Work with partners to focus efforts and enhance incentives.

Goal 3

Strengthen industry collaboration and align tourism development initiatives across all sectors in Nanaimo to enhance the community’s competitive edge as a tourism destination by 2030. Engage with arts and culture in experience development.

Goal 4

Elevate the brand visibility and recognition of Nanaimo as a vibrant cultural hub and premier destination for meetings and events by 2030.

The program further aligns with the City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined Plan goal C4.8.

Desired outcomes

A wide array of experiences, events, and celebrations that advance reconciliation and build understanding about community diversity through celebration, sport, culture, art, music, writing, performance, and more. An animated and lively public realm with public spaces that are well used for community gatherings, both formal and informal, and special events.

An open invitation to all members of the community to access and participate in events, festivals, tournaments, and gatherings. Strong community pride and sense of place supported by events and community gatherings that offer free, family oriented, inter-generational opportunities.

  • C4.8.5: Through partnerships, continue to develop sport and special event facilities that provide opportunities to meet community wellness needs, as well as sport tourism objectives.
  • C4.8.8: Support event and festival organizations to provide interesting, vibrant, and timely events and festivals throughout the year
  • C4.8.9: Host and support events that celebrate Nanaimo’s diverse cultures.
  • C4.8.11: Continue providing financial support to assist groups in the production and delivery of community events and gatherings.
  • C4.8.12: Invest in and support new and revitalized events, festivals, tournaments, and gatherings – especially those in the shoulder and off-seasons.

Application timelines

For the year 2025, there will be two application intake periods as listed below. Applications received outside of these periods will only be considered if there are unused funds. In exceptional or unforeseen circumstances, the Selection Committee will determine if late requests warrant special consideration.

Applicants will receive written notification of Tourism Nanaimo’s decision within 30 days of the application deadline date. Please review the relevant application package before proceeding to “Apply Now”.

*Please note that the first intake of 2025 will be for the Sport Hosting Grant only. Events and Festivals not relating to the Sport Hosting program are encouraged to seek funding through the City of Nanaimo.

For events occurring between August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026

Please Note: If you are interested in this intake, applicants must attend a Sport Hosting Grant presentation:

If unable to attend either session, please contact Sydney Solland as soon as possible.

Opens: June 2, 2025

Deadline: July 2, 2025

apply now

Eligibility

  • Host the majority of activities within the boundaries of Nanaimo
  • Demonstrate the potential to increase tourism and generate measurable overnight stays in paid accommodations 
  • Have a promotional plan in place 
  • Include a legacy plan outlining the use of any financial surplus 
  • Submit a post-event report upon completion
  • Be sanctioned by the appropriate, recognized organization (PSO, NSO, International Federation (IF), etc. if applicable.
  • Be at the provincial, western Canadian, national, international, or invitational level
  • Have a representative attend a Tourism Nanaimo Sport Hosting Grant presentation
  • Events that take place between September and May (outside the main tourism season)
  • Events that are held mid-week
  • New events to help them become established. 
  • Events taking place over two or more consecutive days.  
  • Events with designated room blocks for visiting attendees
  • The goals and objectives of the project or program;
  • target audience;
  • Clear success measures;
  • How the project or program benefits the community;
  • How the group will sustain the program or event in the long-term;
  • How the event and organizers are generating overnight stays;
  • Marketing or promotion plan if applicable;
  • Funding sources and partners; and,
  • Evaluation criteria and tools.

It is anticipated that groups will become self-sustaining. The purpose of this grant program is not for long-term funding.

  • Events where participation is based on fundraising pledges;
  • Events that are politically-partisan;
  • Activities that are focused on commercial activity (e.g. marketing campaigns, trade shows), religion or health care;
  • projects where the central focus is not the sporting event
  • capital projects;
  • recuperation of deficits;
  • the distribution of bursaries or scholarships and
  • Events that have already taken place (no retroactive requests will be accepted)

Tourism Nanaimo is a strategy-focused organization dedicated to building sport tourism business for the community’s benefit. The organization is not political. Any attempts to influence the program process through political channels, or by engaging politicians to lobby on behalf of major event organizers, is inappropriate.

At least one person listed in the application must attend a Tourism Nanaimo Grant presentation in order to qualify for funding. Dates and registration will be released upon intake opening at the latest. 

To learn more about eligibility and criteria, please review the application package specific to your grant of interest.

Sport Hosting Grant Overview

Tourism Nanaimo is committed to collaborating with Sport Event Organizers to enhance Nanaimo’s reputation as a world-class sports hosting destination. With top-tier facilities, a stunning natural backdrop, and a welcoming community, Nanaimo is the ideal location for sporting events of all sizes. Our goal is to support event organizers in delivering seamless, successful experiences while promoting the city as a premier sports tourism hub.

The Sport Hosting Grant is intended to support both groups and individuals to plan and implement sporting events that: 

  • Increase the number of new sporting events, which drive overnight visitation to Nanaimo.
  • Augment the capacity, length and/or quality of existing sporting events, which drive new incremental visitation to Nanaimo.
  • Promote experiences for visitors to Nanaimo;
  • Are targeted towards out-of-town visitors and overnight stays;
  • Promote local businesses, arts, products, culture, history and attractions;
  • Help to position Nanaimo as a world-class sport hosting destination
  • Are either a one-time special event, or a recurring sporting event that is presented on an annual or semi-annual basis and 
  • are accessible to the general public (with or without gated admission).

Tourism Nanaimo has allocated funds for a Sport Hosting Grant to support groups organizing sporting events that draw overnight visitors to the city. This funding aims to enhance event success while boosting local tourism and economic impact.

When applying, remember our objective is to assist as many groups as possible. We encourage applicants to clearly demonstrate how their event contributes to overnight stays, community engagement, and the promotion of Nanaimo as a premier sports destination

Funding ranges for the Sport Hosting Grant include: 

  • Multi-sport games, national, major, and international events: Please connect with Tourism Nanaimo to learn more. 
  • Western Canada events: $5,000 to $7,500
  • Provincial events: $3,000–$5,000
  • Regional/Island Events – $500–$5,000

Ranges are meant to provide a guideline, not an expectation. Events will be reviewed on a case to case basis and may fall outside of the designated range. 

Your sporting event may qualify for in kind support through Tourism Nanaimo. Please reach out to Sydney Solland for more information. 

application package
sport hosting grant FAQ

Events & Festivals Grant Overview

At Tourism Nanaimo, we are committed to fostering collaboration and ensuring efficient use of resources to support the vibrant events and festivals that enrich our community. To uphold transparency and fairness, we work closely with the City of Nanaimo to prevent funding redundancies and maximize the impact of every dollar granted. Events that have already received funding through the City of Nanaimo Events and Festivals Grant are not eligible for the Tourism Nanaimo grant.

Please note that the Events & Festivals Grant is currently on hold and will not be accepting applications with the first intake in June 2025.

This approach allows us to build on the momentum of our sport hosting program and create a sustainable model for our grant programs. 

This grant is intended to support both groups and individuals to plan and implement events and festivals that: 

  • Increase the number of new festivals and events, excluding new sporting events, which drive overnight visitation to Nanaimo.
  • Augment the capacity, length and/or quality of existing festivals and events, excluding sporting events, which drive new incremental visitation to Nanaimo.
  • promote experiences for visitors to Nanaimo;
  • Are targeted towards out-of-town visitors and overnight stays;
  • Promote local businesses, arts, products, culture, history and attractions;
  • Are either a one-time special event, or a recurring event or festival that is presented on an annual or semi-annual basis and 
  • are accessible to the general public (with or without gated admission).

Tourism Nanaimo has budgeted funds for the Events and Festivals Grant to assist groups hosting events and festivals that attract overnight visitors to the city. When making your application, please remember that our objective is to assist as many groups as possible.

  • Major, national, and international events: Please connect with Tourism Nanaimo to learn more. 
  • Large scale, multi day events: $5,000 to $7,500
  • Large scale, single day events: $3,000–$5,000
  • Small scale, single day events – $500–$5,000

Your festival or event may qualify for in kind support through Tourism Nanaimo. Please reach out to Karly Upshall for more information.

application package

INCLUSION STATEMENT

We have a responsibility to ensure that our destination is inclusive and free of barriers. Visitors and residents need to feel welcome, safe, and have equal access to all experiences. Beyond the physical world, we also need to ensure our programming, policies, marketing, and more are representative of our diversity. This not only enhances our experiences but enriches our community fabric with new ideas, perspectives, and an open mind that fosters a sense of belonging and unity. Together we can build an inclusive place and a welcoming culture. DEIA will be a part of all our decisions and developments in Nanaimo.

Tourism Nanaimo is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive destination that welcomes, respects, and values diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and abilities. We will adhere to the B.C. Human Rights Code at all times and the Accessible British Columbia Act as the Government of British Columbia leads the way in becoming the first accessible province.

Funding is provided with the expectation that recipients will:

  • Create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where all people feel safe, comfortable and represented (Policy C4.2.1, City of Nanaimo)
  • Encourage diversity awareness and build a culture of compassion for people of all cultures, genders, orientations, ages and abilities (Policy C4.2.8, City of Nanaimo)

Recipients of any Tourism Nanaimo Grant must sign and adhere to the Tourism Nanaimo Supplier Non-Discrimination Policy.

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