The City of Lethbridge recognizes the value of special events and the contribution they make to
the vitality of our community.
This program was established to provide funding support for community not-for-profit organizations to initiate and develop new events or help with the maintenance of traditional events.
Annual application deadlines: Until the end of 2021, applications were accepted on an ongoing basis, as the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions allowed for events to take place. In 2022, the City resumed the annual deadlines as follows:
- January 31, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
- May 1, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. (as April 30 fell on a weekend)
- July 31st, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
- October 31, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Who can apply?
Applicant organizations must:
- Be legally registered and in good standing as a not-for-profit organization, or
- Be an organizing committee under the auspices of an affiliate or sponsoring organization with not-for-profit status
- Be a Lethbridge-based organization, holding an event in the city
- Have a community mandate
The following are ineligible:
- Public institutions (i.e., schools, churches, all levels of government, hospitals/medical facilities, regional health authorities)
- Commercial, business, and private organizations
- Municipal/regional governments or departments (i.e., libraries, police, fire, etc.)
What type of events are eligible?
Events held within the city, organized for the purpose of building and celebrating a sense of community, creating an economic spinoff, and/or held primarily for the benefit of Lethbridge residents qualify for funding assistance, including: 
- Sport competitions: A single event or tournament competition comprised of a combination of local and external competitors, coordinated by a local organizing community and volunteer base.
- Community Festivals: Annual events actively programmed around a theme, with a focus on community organization and participation, requiring a significant commitment of facilities or impact on the community. Entertainment-based, where the festival celebration is the primary goal.
- Conferences: Events providing an educational or networking opportunity that benefit citizens of Lethbridge, while attracting delegates or participants from outside the community are eligible. Events cannot be exclusive in manner and should include at least a minimal opportunity for the general public or special interest groups.
- Advocacy: An apolitical or non-religious based gathering that benefits the community at large. Cannot be controversial or divisive in nature.
To be eligible, an event must:
- Demonstrate a high degree of community support based on attendance, participation, organization, membership, volunteers, financial contributions, and in-kind donations
- Not duplicate or be similar in nature to existing celebrations or events currently being offered
- Not receive financial assistance through other City of Lethbridge funding policies or decisions of Council
The following are ineligible:
- Special interest events (i.e., weddings, religious gatherings, demonstrations, marches, or events for commercial purposes)
- Retroactive expenses or accumulated deficits
- Capital projects not related to or necessitated by the proposed event
How much will be funded?
The maximum grant awarded would be matching financial contributions to a maximum of $7,500 and not exceeding 50% of the event budget.
Because funding is limited, all organizations meeting the eligibility criteria may not be supported, or may not receive the full amount requested.
Grant funds may be applied toward the operations of the event or toward services and facility rentals provided by the City, including:
- Special Events staff labour costs for setup and take down
- Logistical services such as traffic signs and barricades
- Transportation by City transit
- City facility rental
- Police and/or Fire services
Click the button below to fill out and submit the application form.
Questions?
Contact grants@lethbridge.ca.
