City of Edmonton
Festivals and Events Micro Grant Program
closed $500 – $10,000 Deadline April 15, 2025 Edmonton
About this grant
The Festivals and Events Micro Grant Program supports smaller, outdoor community festivals and events in Edmonton that showcase local talent, celebrate heritage and diversity, and add vibrancy to the city. Eligible organizations include registered not-for-profits, charities, and business improvement areas. Grant awards range from $500 to $10,000, covering up to 50% of total event costs.
Who can apply
- Events must take place within Edmonton city boundaries.
- Events must occur between January 1 and December 31 of the same calendar year.
- Events must be outdoor public events primarily located in the public realm (city parkland, public open space, or road right-of-ways).
- Events must be held in-person with a minimum attendance of 100 people.
- Events must be open to the public (not members-only).
- Produced by a registered not-for-profit, charitable organization, or business improvement area.
- Organization must be in good standing with an annual return stamped by Corporate Registries.
- Organization must not be in arrears with the City of Edmonton.
- Organization must undertake work primarily in Edmonton or have a history of significant activity in Edmonton.
- Organization must demonstrate initiative and success in generating diverse funding sources.
- Organization must be insured with a minimum of $2 million in general liability coverage with the City listed as an "Additional Insured".
- Events must be held in compliance with permitting, licensing, and public health requirements.
Who cannot apply
- Events intended to serve a specific geographic neighbourhood or community (e.g., block parties, play streets, community league events).
- Indoor events.
- Virtual events.
- Events that have applied for or received Neighbourhood Funding (Neighbourhood Connections Grant or Revitalization Project Macro-Grant).
- Organized runs, walks, active living events (eligible for Community Services Live Active Grant).
- Sport tournaments requiring membership.
- Film productions.
- Political campaigning.
- Charter Rights activities (protests, rallies, demonstrations, etc.).
- Private events (weddings, graduations, etc.).
- Stand-alone markets.
- Commercial, promotional, or marketing activities.
- Primarily religious services/activities by faith organizations.
- Professional or semi-professional spectator/sporting events.
- Mega, Major, and Signature Attracted events funded by Explore Edmonton or City Partnerships.
- Signature or Foundational level events as defined by the City.
- Performances promoting racism, hatred, or violence.
- Events run by for-profit organizations.
- Events primarily to raise funds for specific individuals, charities, or groups.
- Events with more than 10% of program/activities indoors.
- Events requiring membership to observe/participate.
- Events run by government agencies, boards, commissions, educational/post-secondary institutions, or political parties.
Application process
- Review eligibility criteria and grant information.
- Understand event goals, public benefit, and alignment with the City Plan.
- Review the copy of the Application Form questions (applications cannot be edited once submitted).
- Send required documents (Budget Overview in PDF or Excel) to eventsmicrogrant@edmonton.ca with organization name and event name in the email.
- Submit application before the deadline.
- Applications are evaluated for completeness, alignment, and eligibility.
- Grant decisions provided within 8 weeks of deadline.
- Successful applicants receive funds by EFT or cheque within 8 weeks of notification.
- Submit a final report within 90 days of event completion.