CVRD Sport Tourism will consider grant funding for events that meet the criteria below, including the provincial standards as outlined by the 'Return to Sport' guidelines.  

If approved for a grant, sports organizations must demonstrate that they have a plan for how they will adhere to:

• Current provincial and regional health safety guidelines, 
• Provincial 'Return to Sport' Guidelines,
• Facility and/or venue safety guidelines.

Required criteria that must be met to receive consideration for funding:

• Financial incentives provided will support a Vancouver Island, Provincial or National event that brings people into the Cowichan Region.
• Events will take place within the boundaries of the Cowichan Region, as shown on this map.
• The event can be a tournament, championship, showcase, training camp, major competition, or similar. 
• The event will have a direct, local economic impact.
• Services and facilities within the Cowichan Valley Regional District will be used.
• The CVRD is to be recognized as a sponsor or contributor in all promotional and marketing materials.
• A post-event report must be provided, including data pertaining to economic activity and community impacts generated by the event.

Elements that will assist in determining the level of funding:

• Potential financial impact, including number of room nights generated.
• Social and community impact.
• Evidence of management and fiscal responsibility (example: business and marketing plan, sound financial controls, reasonable budget).
• Involvement from other community partners.
• Preference will be given to events held at non-peak times throughout the year.
• Preference is given to championship or titled events.
• Preference given to non-profit organizations.

Range of funding: 

• If approved, grant amounts range from $500 to $3000 per event application.
• Consideration may be given to providing additional funding for larger-scale events (applicants are asked to contact staff directly). 

Phased awarding of funding:

• 75% of the grant will be awarded prior to the event date and 25% upon receipt of the final report.

Intake Periods:

• The next application deadline is October 1, 2024, for events taking place between January 1 and June 30, 2025.
• Applicants may be eligible to apply outside the typical intake periods if there is an extraordinary need (e.g. leveraging requirements, date commitments, etc.)
• The Sport Grant Approval Sub Committee will meet twice a year to evaluate applications. However, additional special meetings may be called to evaluate applications for larger events or those with extraordinary requirements. 

Use of funds:

• Grant funding is to be used for event-specific expenses only, including operational and capital costs (e.g. equipment purchases or bid fees) and must be included in the budget. Grant funds are NOT to be used for the club or organization's general or operating revenue.
• If a funded event is cancelled, any unspent advance funds received must be repaid in full.
• A request may be made to access funding if a postponed event is rescheduled to be held within the same year as originally projected. 
• If the size, scale or scope of the event changes after the application is approved, the level of funding may also be affected. 

Please complete the online Grant Application.

Remember to submit details for new events to the Sport Event Calendar, and inform us if your current event has been postponed or cancelled.

If you have questions, please call 250.252.6579 or email us.