Together with Destination Marketing Guelph, Tourism and Destination Development have three funding programs available, designed to support the development and attraction of new tourism initiatives across the City of Guelph. The objectives of the funding streams are to support projects that demonstrate an ability to drive overnight stays at local accommodations and a strong visitor appeal.
Applications for 2026 programs are now open. For 2026 application planning, please contact business support services for support. All are welcome to reach out early to ensure their project aligns with the objectives of the funds.
Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Administration Policy
The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Administration Policy, passed in April 2024, outlines three funding portfolios to support strategic tourism investments that prioritize the advancement of Guelph’s reputation as a must-see visitor destination. Applicants are highly encouraged to review the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Administration Policy as all funds are subject to the requirements and processes laid out in the policy.
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Funding streams available for 2026
Destination Animation Fund
Supports tourism operators who are looking to leverage partnerships within the industry to increase Guelph’s destination attractiveness through new or enhanced tourism products and initiatives. Applicants may receive up to $5,000 with a 10 per cent matching contribution requirement. For full eligibility details and instructions, please refer to the application guidelines. Applications are open until November 28, 2025 for 2026 programming.
The Accessible Destination Program supports the creation of welcoming, barrier-free environment that enhances the visitor experience. In collaboration with AccessNow, a Canadian-founded platform that maps and shares accessibility information, applicants can request a space review along with a grant to support accessibility improvements.
These reviews highlight current accessible features and identify areas for enhancement. Approved locations will earn a verified listing on the AccessNow platform, boosting their visibility to accessibility-conscious visitors.
Tourism operators with physical storefronts or temporary event spaces are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants may be eligible for grants of up to $1,000, coordinated by Tourism staff and paid directly to the selected service provider. Grantee will not receive funding directly. Applications are open until November 28, 2025.
This fund supports the attraction of new events in Guelph such as conferences, sporting events, and festivals. Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate high rates of visitor attraction, the ability to increase Guelph’s brand awareness, and collaboration with local accommodations and conference venues. Events taking place in 2026 and beyond are still being accepted. Applicants must book an appointment with Tourism and Destination Development before submitting a Gather Here Sponsorship Fund application to ensure this fund is right for your event. Contact Business support services.
Incorporated not-for-profit and for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Individuals or unincorporated entities are ineligible to receive funding.
All funding streams are offered on an annual basis to applicants that can demonstrate strategic, equitable and measurable investments in new or enhanced projects that prioritize:
Attracting visitors for overnight, extended stays at local accommodations
Strong collaboration among local and regional partners
Advancing Downtown attraction efforts
Increasing or enhancing sports and events offerings in the City
Advancing efforts to promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the tourism sector
All successful applicants must be in good standing with the City of Guelph.
Set up a Decision Hub account to access the online grant application by clicking the specific application link you are looking to apply for. Choose which grant to apply for and complete the appropriate application.
Submit completed Destination Animation Fund and the Marketing and Material Development Fund applications by November 29, 2025 at 4 p.m. You must click submit to complete your application. If you have not clicked submit, the review committee will not receive your application.
Evaluation
Evaluation of applications will use a standardized rubric that aligns with the expectations of the program. Applications made by for-profit organizations will be evaluated and awarded by Destination Marketing Guelph while applications made by not-for-profit organizations will be evaluated and awarded by the City of Guelph.
Applications will be evaluated according to their alignment with the funding programs’ objectives and the expected outcomes. Review the rubric for evaluation.
Although we hope to award as many applications as possible, awards will be determined through evaluation by the funding available.
Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by March 1, 2026.
Reporting on a grant
If you receive a grant, your organization will be required to report on how the funds were used and document the impact the project or event had on the tourism economy.
A template will be provided with reporting criteria to successful applicants. You must be willing to collect visitor information to receive funding. Failure to collect visitor information may result in loss of access to the funding programs in the future.
