Apply Now: Spring & Summer 2026 Tourism Funding Deadlines

Are you looking for funding opportunities to help grow and strengthen your business? We've compiled a list of opportunities you can leverage to realize your vision. Take the time to apply for one of these funding programs before they close. 

Heritage Organization Development Grant (HODG)

DEADLINE: June 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. EST

The Heritage Organization Development Grant (HODG) is an annual operating grant that supports Ontario historical societies, museums, and heritage organizations that promote public awareness of local heritage. The program helps fund year-round or seasonal organizations that deliver educational outreach activities such as exhibits, lectures, tours, and community programs. Funding is dependent on available provincial resources and does not cover capital projects.

Eligible applicants must be an Ontario-based non-profit corporation or affiliate of the Ontario Historical Society, along with other criteria. For more information please refer to the website.

Ontario Trillium Foundation - Seed Stream

DEADLINE: August 19, 2026, 5 p.m. EST

The Ontario Trillium Foundation's OTF) Seed Stream helps organizations, municipalities, and First Nations improve how they deliver programs and services that directly benefit community members. Applicants can apply for funding to carry out projects focused on:

• organizational planning
• piloting a new program
• building their capacity to plan for future programs and services

Applications for this stream open on July 22 and close on August 19, 2026. Participation in coaching calls with OTF is important to gauge the strength of your application. 

Eastern Ontario Development Fund

DEADLINE: September 23, 2026

Application Intake Period: June 30 to September 23, 2026.

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations. The fund provides financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern Ontario make investments to:

• grow their businesses
• improve productivity
• invest in innovation and skills development
• pursue new markets
• generate broad positive regional economic impact
• create new good, sustainable jobs

The fund supports business and community economic development projects. For more details and to determine eligibility, please visit the website.

Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD)

DEADLINE: October 1, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST

Application intake period: August 17 to October 1, 2026

The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program is now open for applications — replacing the RED Program and offering $20 million over two years to support economic growth in rural communities. Municipalities, Indigenous communities, nonprofits, and small rural businesses can apply for cost-shared funding to support local planning, workforce development, infrastructure, and business growth.

There are two streams for this funding: 

• Rural Communities: Economic development, workforce, and infrastructure support
• Rural Businesses: 35% cost sharing up to $10,000 in cost-shared funding for small businesses (1–20 employees)

Local Festivals - Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

DEADLINE:  October 15, 2026 for festivals taking place between July 1 and Aug. 31 of the next calendar year

The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage — Local Festivals component provides funding to local groups for recurring festivals that present the work of local artists, local artisans, local heritage performers or specialists, and local First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural carriers. This includes the celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and Indigenous cultural celebrations.

Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF)

DEADLINE: Rolling intake, application process must begin eight months prior to event - check deadlines here. 

OCAF has a two-stage application process to ensure applications are a fit for funding. First-time applicants must contact OCAF prior to submitting a stage one application. This funding requires a minimum repayment of 15% of the gross earned revenue within 60 to 90 days following the event. 

Rural events with more than 1,000 in attendance would be a good fit for this funding; however, projects with attendance between 750 and 1,000 in rural and northern areas will still be considered if there is a strong case for tourism potential. 

Save on Energy for Businesses

DEADLINE: Ongoing

Check out the programs and incentives for businesses to save money on energy costs through instant discounts, the small business partnership or the retrofit program. 

NOW CLOSED PROGRAMS

Destination Canada's Tourism Sprint Program

Destination Canada has launched the Tourism Sprint Program (TSP). This competitive, application-based, cost-sharing initiative funds short-term projects focused on creating innovative tourism products and supporting new tourism investments.

Experience Ontario

The Ontario Government is launching the Experience Ontario 2025 funding program, allocating funding for eligible in-person festivals. Grants are available for up to 50% of total costs up to a maximum of $125,000. Another intake is anticipated for this funding in fall 2026.

Ontario Trillium Foundation - Grow Stream

Delivered through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the Grow funding stream provides grants that range from $100,000 to $600,000 delivered over two or three years. Grants support established programs and services that have a proven track record of success and meet community need. Applicants can apply for funding to expand, improve or adapt an existing program or service.

Another intake for this funding stream is anticipated for fall 2026.

Main Street Funding Program

My Main Street offers a $15-million investment to support main street businesses and communities across southern Ontario. Funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). 

EV ChargeON Program

EV ChargeON is a competitive, application-based funding initiative for eligible municipalities in Ontario. The program's objective is to expand EV charging infrastructure, alleviate range anxiety, and support long-distance EV travel. Another intake for this funding is anticipated in fall 2026.

Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy

The Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to eligible employers, facilitating the creation of quality summer work experiences for young people. The CSJ program welcomes applications from a diverse range of employers, including: 

• Not-for-profit organizations,
• The public sector, 
• And private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees. 

Employers who participate in this program will not only support the professional development of youth, but also benefit from the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm they bring to the workplace.

Another intake for this wage subsidy is anticipated in late fall 2026.