Grants & Funding
Tourism Nanaimo's Sport Hosting Grant Program
The Tourism Nanaimo Sport Hosting Grant Program sponsors sport 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. 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.
Tourism Nanaimo Grant Program
Tourism Nanaimo’s Grant Program supports events that generate overnight stays and strengthen Nanaimo’s reputation as a vibrant, distinctive destination. Funded through MRDT, the program aligns with Tourism Nanaimo’s 5-Year Destination Strategy and the City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined.
Desired Outcomes
Tourism Nanaimo strives to help build an animated and lively public realm with public spaces that are well used for community gatherings, both formal and informal, and special events.
We aim to create an open invitation to all members of the community to access and participate in events, tournaments, and sport gatherings as well as instill a strong sense of community pride and sense of place supported through events and that offer inclusive, 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.
- C4.8.11: 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 2026, there will be two application intake periods as listed below. Applications received outside of these periods will not be accepted. 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”.
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For events occurring between April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Opens: February 2, 2026
Deadline: March 2, 2026
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For events occurring between August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027
Opens: June 1, 2026
Deadline: July 2, 2026
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For events occurring between April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028
Opens: February 1, 2027
Close: March 1, 2027
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For events occurring between September 1, 2027 – August 31, 2028
Opens: July 1, 2027
Closes: July 30, 2027
Eligibility
To learn more about eligibility and criteria, please review the application package.
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- Majority of activities must occur within the boundaries of Nanaimo or be able to demonstrate room nights at hotels within the City of Nanaimo
- Demonstrate the potential to increase tourism and generate measurable overnight stays in hotels within the City of Nanaimo
- Note: Campgrounds are not currently eligible as paid accommodations under this program. As the program evolves, eligibility criteria may be revisited.
- Have a marketing/promotional plan in place
- Have a legacy plan outlining the use of any financial surplus
- Note: Any awarded grant funding cannot be used for legacy funds
- Submit a post-event report within 30 days of event completion
- Be sanctioned by the appropriate, recognized organization (PSO, NSO, International Federation (IF)), etc., if applicable.
- Be at the regional, provincial, western Canadian, national, international, or invitational level
- Have a representative attend one of the scheduled Tourism Nanaimo Sport Hosting Grant presentations
- Note: There will be no one-on-one presentations allowed or additional presentation date/times added. You are required to attend one of the scheduled presentations, and there are no exceptions. If you are unable to attend one of the presentations, you may have a representative attend in your place.
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- Events that take place between September and May (outside the main tourism season)
- Events that are held mid-week
- Events taking place over two or more consecutive days
- New or expanded events
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- 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
- Marketing or promotion plan
- Funding sources and partners
- 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. The grant program is intentionally designed to be time-limited and non-guaranteed year-over-year. The goal is to support event development and long-term self-sufficiency, while ensuring equitable access to funding across a range of events. This means that while organizations are welcome to reapply, funding amounts may fluctuate or not make the intake at that time.
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- 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
- Hotel rebates
- The distribution of bursaries or scholarships
- Events that have already taken place (no retroactive requests will be accepted)
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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.
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At least one person listed in the application must attend a Tourism Nanaimo Grant presentation to qualify for funding.
Dates and registration will be released upon intake opening at the latest, with presentations occurring each week during the intake period.
Exceptions may be granted for applicants who are applying for an event for which they have already attended a Sport Hosting Grant Presentation within the same calendar year.
If you wish to request an exception, please contact sydney@tourismnanaimo.com. Requests must be submitted in advance and must be for the same event for which you previously attended a presentation. Applications that do not meet this requirement will be deemed ineligible.
One on one appointments will not be available.
Program Information
Find the application package, questions, templates, and statistics below.
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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
- Are accessible to the general public (with or without gated admission)
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In 2025, the Sport Hosting Grant program received 23 applications across two intakes. Of these, 14 were approved for funding, 4 did not meet program criteria, 1 was deemed outside the scope of eligibility, and 4 were deferred for future consideration, resulting in an overall success rate of approximately 61% for eligible applications.
The average funding requested per application was around $8,024, while successful applications received an average award of $3,284, representing about 41% of the requested amount.
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.
