Halifax Opens Applications for Special Event Grants Ahead of 2027–2028 Season
The Halifax Regional Municipality is accepting applications for Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve Grants and Regional Special Events Grants for eligible events taking place between April 1, 2027, and March 31, 2028. The deadline to apply is Sunday, November 29, at 11:59 p.m.
The Halifax Regional Municipality has opened applications for its Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve Grants and Regional Special Events Grants programs. Funding is available for eligible events scheduled to take place from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2028.
The Marketing Levy Special Event Reserve Grants provide financial support for non-profit organizations hosting large-scale special events that promote tourism and business development. Funding for these grants is generated from the hotel tax applied to overnight sleeping establishments. This program includes two streams:
- Distinguished Events: Supports one-time, large-scale events with high potential for national and international exposure and multi-day visits.
- New Events (Emerging): Supports organizations creating new events that address gaps in the existing event calendar and have the potential to become annual tourism events. Organizations applying under this stream must have operated for a minimum of one year with demonstrated experience in event management.
Events under both the Distinguished Events and New Events (Emerging) programs must have a minimum budget of $50,000.
Regional Special Events Grants provide financial support for non-profit organizations hosting events that foster community development, celebrate heritage, arts, and culture, and improve civic pride. This program also features two streams:
- Community Celebrations: Supports free, public-facing community events lasting fewer than five days, organized primarily for local residents.
- Significant Anniversaries: Supports events celebrating major milestone anniversaries—such as 25th, 50th, 75th, or 100th—that recognize Halifax’s heritage and community. Events under this stream must have a minimum budget of $7,500 to be eligible.
The application deadline for all grant programs is Sunday, November 29, at 11:59 p.m.