Community Celebration Fund

Your non-profit organization may be eligible for a grant of up to $2,500 to assist with costs associated with the presentation of your festival or event. 

The application period is open from January 6, 2025 at noon (12 p.m.) to March 3, 2025 at 4 p.m.

New project submissions from an applicant in default on any reporting, project completion or financial obligation to Innovation PEI will not be reviewed until a resolution to the default is reached.

Is our event eligible?

Any activity that attracts residents and visitors and provides them with opportunities to experience Prince Edward Island’s culture may be eligible for financial assistance through this program. 

Applications will be received from a registered non-profit organization supported by an identified executive committee. Private sector events are not eligible for financial support under this fund.

Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria of this program allows you to submit an application for consideration, but it does not guarantee that the application will be successful and that you will receive funding for your project.

What do we need to apply for funding?

Your application must clearly demonstrate that your proposed activity addresses the following key objectives:

• reflects a unique PEI or culturally diverse experience; 
• aligns with the priorities of the renewed PEI Culture Action Plan; 
• is well organized and widely marketed; and
• is environmentally sensitive.

In addition, the evaluation committee may consider the following factors:

• time of year, location and duration of the event 
• new development idea or unique theme 
• financial need 
• level of private sector support 
• level of past government support 
• estimated attendance 
• marketing plans

Your application must also include:

• a detailed budget including anticipated revenues and expenses with all funding sources and requests;

• a $2 million liability insurance coverage (as outlined in the funding agreement);

• financial statements of the event from previous year(s), if any;  

• sponsorship and marketing plans; and 

• a fully completed application form.

Organizations may submit a maximum of two (2) applications per fiscal year. Applications will be accepted for only one departmentally funded program for each project.

What types of activities are eligible for funding?

Grants are available for eligible projects and can include the following types of community events:

• Festivals
• Celebrations organized around dates of important, cultural and/or historical significance
• Programming with a strong arts and culture component
• Heritage activities

The following items are not eligible for funding:

• Salaries
• Capital costs (computers, printers, technology equipment, office equipment and furniture, facility and technical equipment, land, buildings and renovations of leased spaces, vehicles)
• In-kind contributions

Note: All funding will be subject to the terms and conditions issued by the Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade including the following:

• Grants are limited to 50 per cent of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $2,500.
• The total funding from all provincial government sources will be limited to 60 per cent of the total project costs.
• Normally, project grants will not be awarded to organizations already in receipt of operational funding from the Province of Prince Edward Island.
• New funding will not be granted to an organization which has not met the terms and conditions of a previous grant.
• Funding will not be awarded to projects that have already happened or that are underway at the time of application.
• Activities for which the primary focus is fundraising are not eligible under this program.

When will we be notified of a decision?

All applicants will be advised of the assessment decision by email within six to eight weeks of the grant deadline. Applicants can request feedback in writing from the program officer following the receipt of their grant results.

How is funding allocated?

• Once your application is approved and the funding agreement is signed, 80 per cent of funds from the grant will be issued.
• The other 20 per cent will be released upon receipt of a final invoice and the approval of the final reporting documents.
• Innovation PEI reserves the right to deny a grant application or request for payment if it suspects or detects fraudulent intent.

When are reporting documents required?

Upon completion of your festival or event, please submit the following reporting documents before March 31st:

• A written evaluation of your project;
• A copy of your anticipated budget spreadsheet versus actual costs that includes all sources of revenues and expenses; and
• Project photos as well as samples of marketing materials, i.e. press releases, social media content, copy of posters, flyers, etc.

You can find the final report template here.

Please note: Successful organizations approved for a grant through this funding program must use the Innovation PEI logo on all promotional materials involving the project. Please contact the Development Officer responsible for this program to obtain the most recent version of the logo. 

What do I need to complete this online application?

You are invited to attach any supporting documents that may separate your application from others. The online application form will require the following information:

• A brief background on your non-profit organization;
• A clear description of your proposed project including cultural goals;
• Details on how the event or festival will be marketed and promoted;
• A detailed project budget (either upload a detailed breakdown of anticipated revenues and expenses or use the template provided); and
• Supporting documents such as letters of support, confirmation letters, marketing material, artists’ bios, or quotes.

How long will it take to complete this online application form?

If you have all the supporting documents ready to upload, you can complete this application in less than one hour. Allow additional time to fill in the spreadsheet if you are using the template for your project budget.

Please note that each application must be completed in one session as your application cannot be saved.

How do we apply to the Community Celebration Fund?

Click the Apply Now button to get started on your application.

Applicants who have limited internet access or accessibility needs may contact the Development Officer responsible for this program for assistance.

Who do I contact with questions or for additional support?

Éliane Laberge (She/Her)
Bilingual Cultural Development Officer
Phone: 902-916-1854
evlaberge@gov.pe.ca (link sends e-mail)
Innovation PEI
94 Euston Street, Charlottetown