Following the resounding success of the 2024 fund launch, Tourism Cowichan is pleased to announce the opening of a second round of applications for the Tourism Cowichan Events & Festivals Fund.
The application window will begin on April 15, 2024, and will remain open until May 31, 2024. Applications for the 2024 intake will be open to events and festivals that align with the program’s criteria and objectives. The fund will provide a maximum funding contribution of $10,000 per applicant, with all funding to be spent in 2024 in accordance with program guidelines.
“The funding provided by Tourism Cowichan gave us the support we needed to create a festival that highlighted both our own company and Cowichan,” said Janet Docherty, owner, Merridale Cidery & Distillery, “Tourism Cowichan has been extremely supportive during the whole process, making it very accessible for businesses.”
The first intake of the fund resulted in the full subscription of the allocated funding. A total of $81,100 was awarded to support 13 events, including Noir Fest, Burnt Bridge Classic Gravel Fondo, Headwater Outdoor Festival, and others.
“By supporting a wide array of events, the program cultivates impactful partnerships, strengthens tourism benefits for our region and ultimately boosts our appeal as a multi-night destination to new and returning visitors,” said Kenzie Knight, Tourism Development Specialist, Tourism Cowichan. “We are excited to continue offering this grant for the second year.”
The Tourism Cowichan Events & Festivals Fund aims to leverage marketing funds collected from the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) through overnight stays in the region. By supporting festivals and events, the program seeks to drive visitation, enhance the economic and social benefits of tourism, promote seasonal dispersion, and position Cowichan Region as a preferred destination.
For more information on the Tourism Cowichan Events & Festivals Fund, including program guidelines and the application process, please visit Tourism Cowichan’s website.
About Tourism Cowichan
Gratefully situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Halalt, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples, the Tourism Cowichan Society (TCS) is a non-profit society delivering destination management services to the region. The primary goal is to build responsible tourism campaigns that benefit all local businesses, communities, cultures, and the environment. TCS is active in gathering input and feedback on the current state of tourism through relationships with stakeholders, 4VI, Destination British Columbia, the Tourism Industry Association of BC, and many other supporting organizations. Learn more at tourismcowichan.com.
