Eligible organizations must have a community mandate and be one of the following:

• Legally registered and in good standing as a not-for-profit organization
• An organizing committee backed or sponsored by an organization with not-for-profit status
• A Lethbridge-based organization holding an event in the city

Ineligible organizations

The following organizations are not eligible for the grant:

• Commercial, business, and private organizations
• Public institutions (i.e., schools, churches, all levels of government, hospitals or medical facilities and regional health authorities)

Municipal and regional governments or departments (i.e., libraries, police, fire, etc.)

Events that are eligible for the Community Event Support Grant include:

• 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. This includes entertainment-based events 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. 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. It 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

Ineligible events

The following types of events are not eligible for the Community Event Support Grant:

• Capital projects not related to the proposed event
• Retroactive expenses or accumulated deficits

Special interest events (i.e., weddings, religious gatherings, demonstrations, marches or events for commercial purposes)