Activation and collaboration grant

This grant provides a financial incentive for more events, program or initiatives to take place Downtown.

We want to attract more people into the downtown and create opportunities for social connection, experiences and engagement.

Incentive goals

Encourage opportunities to showcase downtown through creative and innovative events, initiatives or programs.
Assist one-time events or the first of a proposed regular event.
Help community partnerships provide ongoing activation and contribute to downtown being a place people love.
Encourage links between community, arts, culture, recreation, business and tourism.
Promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility, ensuring Downtown is a welcoming and accessible space for all.

Up to $10,000 per project for costs associated with hosting and/or operating events, programs or initiatives in the downtown.
Only available where funding is not available under other City of Airdrie programs.
Successful applicants will receive 60 per cent of their approved grant within four weeks of award and the final 40 per cent within four weeks of a final report being submitted, deemed complete and goals of the successful application have been proven to have been met. Special circumstances may be considered.
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a legally binding agreement with the City of Airdrie.

Must be a licenced Airdrie business, registered not-for-profit or public institution OR a group/organization working with or actively supporting a local Airdrie not-for-profit or group.
The event, initiative or program must physically take place in the Downtown.
A significant portion must take place outdoors.
Some component must be free to the public.
Applications for which the main purpose is fundraising are not eligible.
No applicant may apply for funding, more than once in any calendar year, except with the approval of the Application Manager.
Any applicant can only apply up to three years with the same project outcome before an enhancement or significant change is required.
Eligible events cannot coincide with any City of Airdrie signature event i.e. Cabin Fever, Canada Day Parade, AirdrieFest, and Santa Claus Parade.

Prizes including gift cards, alcohol, and merchandise for resale
Retroactive expenses or accumulated deficits
Administrative/project wages and salaries
In-kind expenses; and
Capital expenses not related to or necessitated by the proposed event, initiative or program

Applications will be accepted from May 1, 2024 until 4 p.m. MST Aug. 30, 2024.

Funding is provided on a first-come first-served basis until available funds have been committed.

Projects must be completed within 12 months of the date on the executed agreement.

Completed application form; must be received 90 days prior to the date of event or commencement of the initiative/program
Marketing plan including a sample of marketing materials, branding/logo, and website
Project budget
List of acknowledged sponsors or supporting not-for-profits
City of Airdrie Authorization – copy of event permit