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2025 Tourism Investment Fund Grant Application

Events must take place in 2025 to be eligible.
Organizers may submit this completed application form or for more space, provide a proposal that addresses each section below. Application packages that are written for a general audience without consideration of Tourism Investment Fund (TIF) requirements will not be considered.


Consult the TIF Guidelines document to help guide you through this application.
1.Name of Event/Festival/Conference:(Required.)
2.Organization/Main contact:
Please ensure you have authority to bind the organization (signing authority)(Required.)
3.Event dates:(Required.)
4.Location(s) in Burlington:(Required.)
5.Total Number of Attendees: Please provide an estimate of the total number of attendees expected at your event.(Required.)
6.Number of Attendees from outside 40km: Please estimate how many attendees are expected to travel from more than 40km away to attend your event.(Required.)
7.Project Budget & Financial Reporting: Provide a detailed project budget, including the total cost, the funding amount requested, and how the funds will be spent. Include itemized categories (e.g., marketing, staffing, venue) with clear justification for each expense. Incomplete or unclear budgets may affect your application.(Required.)
8.Event Description (50 words or less): Briefly describe your event, including its purpose and key activities.(Required.)
9.Event Focus or Genre: What type of event are you hosting (e.g., festival, community event, conference, sporting tournament)?(Required.)
10.New or Returning Event: Is your event new or returning?

If returning, please describe any new initiatives, programming, or changes that will help attract more visitors or create additional economic and tourism impact (e.g., extended event days, increased hotel stays, expanded target market, new activities, or increased attendance).
11.Inclusivity: Does your event have specific initiatives or programs to engage and welcome equity-deserving communities?

Please describe any measurable and detailed inclusivity efforts (e.g., outreach, participation, targeted programming). If applicable, outline your plan for ensuring diverse and equitable participation.(Required.)
12.Burlington as a Destination: What are the specific benefits of hosting your event in Burlington? How will the event contribute to the community in both the short and long term?

Please describe how the event will positively impact Burlington’s tourism or economy, including measurable outcomes (e.g., increased tourism, short-term and long-term benefits). (Required.)
13.Sustainability: Please describe the sustainability practices for your event, including clear, measurable actions (e.g., waste reduction, carbon footprint reduction, local sourcing). If relevant, include any broader sustainability efforts.(Required.)
14.Branding & Marketing: How will your event promote Burlington’s image in your marketing and event promotion, and increase its visibility as a tourism destination? Additionally, how will you recognize and promote Burlington Economic Development & Tourism (BEDT) in both your promotional materials and at the event itself?(Required.)
15.Target Audience: Who is your target audience?

Please provide a clear, data-backed description, including relevant demographics and a rationale for why this audience is being targeted.(Required.)
16.Partnerships or Sponsorships: What partnerships or sponsorships have been secured for your event (e.g., hotels, funders, sponsors)?

Please list confirmed partnerships and provide details on the value or strategic importance of each. If applicable, outline any potential partnerships in negotiation or near confirmation.(Required.)
17.Local Economic Impact: Please describe your plans to increase the event’s economic impact locally, including activities such as hosting dinners, team-building activities, visits to local attractions, walking tours, or local engagement. Additionally, outline your plans for sourcing vendors or services locally (e.g., catering, entertainment, supplies).(Required.)
18.Overnight Stays: How many booked-and-paid-for room nights will your event generate, or approximately how many room nights do you expect? (Minimum of 20 room nights required).

Additionally, please describe how you will track and record the number of room nights generated.
(Required.)
19.Hotel Partnerships: If you have already been in contact with Burlington hotels, please list all the hotels you are partnering with for this event. If you have not yet been in contact, our team can help connect you with local hotels.(Required.)
20.Community Impact: How will your event create a meaningful community impact in Burlington?

Please describe any clear plans or initiatives, such as donations, educational programs, community involvement, or long-term improvements that will create lasting change in the community.(Required.)
21.Data Collection: Is there a plan to collect and measure data on your event’s performance, local economic impact, and tourism-related data?

Please outline your data collection methods (e.g., surveys, tracking attendance, economic impact on local businesses) and any tools or timing you plan to use.(Required.)
22.Event Continuation: Is there potential for this event to continue in Burlington in the future?

Please describe whether the event is expected to be held annually or regularly, or if there is potential for future events or spin-offs.(Required.)
23.Communications & Exposure: Please attach your communication plan or provide key marketing highlights that outline how you will promote the event and generate exposure.(Required.)
No file chosen
Final Report: Fund recipients must submit a final report to Burlington Economic Development and Tourism (BEDT) within 60 days after the completion of the event that includes:
  • Confirmation of room nights: Written confirmation from Burlington accommodations on the total number of room nights generated.
  • Event Attendance: Total number of attendees and the percentage who traveled more than 40km one way.
  • Economic Impact: Clear details on local sourcing and partnerships that contributed to the event’s economic impact.
  • Community Impact: Brief summary of any community-focused initiatives or outcomes resulting from the event.
  • Marketing Recognition: Sample marketing materials showing how Burlington and BEDT were recognized in promotions.
  • Survey Results: Summary of tourism-related survey results, including feedback on event impact, attendee satisfaction, and the event's influence on local tourism.
Questions?
To ask for clarification or assistance with the Tourism Investment Fund and its documents, contact Natasha Piroutz, Manager, Destination Development, at natasha.piroutz@burlington.ca.