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Grant funds available for fairs, festivals and events
The B.C. government is providing $15 million in one-time grants to eligible events through the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events fund (BCFFE).
Event organizers will be able to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships, and rising costs of equipment and services. Pandemic-related impacts on events and communities were amplified by the worst wildfire season in 2023, causing event cancellations and a decline in visitors to certain areas of the province.
This funding builds on the BCFFE program launched in 2021, which provided one-time grants to support the safe return of events earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic. The one-time grants in 2023 continued support to help events still recovering.
Eligible events include sporting events, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs and rodeos. Examples of eligible expenses include operational costs, Indigenous consultation and honorariums, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion.
“Fairs, festivals and events are the heart of our communities and contribute to making this province a vibrant place to live and visit,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Our government is proud to support the people who organize and attend these events so we can continue to rebuild our events and tourism sectors for today and the future.”
Event funding will also support those areas affected by the 2023 wildfires and will help boost visitation and generate economic activity for those communities.
“The core of our work is to listen and respond to the priorities of people in B.C.,” said Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film. “We know fairs, festivals and events have impacts that go well beyond what can be measured in economic terms. They are a source of community pride and build awareness of our diverse cultures and identities.”
Applications will be accepted until Feb. 25 at 11:59 p.m. Events between April 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025, are eligible for funding.
Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
See the B.C. Fairs, Festivals, and Events Fund criteria and application, information on the B.C. government website.
Lead image: Fernie’s Griz Days Parade 2023. e-KNOW file photo
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