The City of Prince George recognizes local organizations work hard and have many ideas on how to boost the community. To that end, the City provides grants and financial assistance programs to help groups meet their goals of enhancing PG for all who live here.
Community Grants
The application deadlines are:
- March 15 - 4:30 p.m. (If March 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline will be on the following Monday).
- October 15 - 4:30 p.m. (If October 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline will be on following Monday).
The City accepts grant applications twice per calendar year. Organizations can submit different project applications for both intakes. However, Council’s interest in financially supporting diverse organizations and initiatives will be considered in the adjudication process. Grant application reviews normally take six (6) to eight (8) weeks and recommended allocations are generally less than $8,000.
Eligibility
The City of Prince George myPG Community Grants are designed to help local organizations develop and implement innovative projects/events that contribute to making Prince George a great community. Eligible activities can be large or small and should be accessible to Prince George residents of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and income levels. Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with the following criteria:
- Increase community pride
- Encourage a safe community
- Socially connecting citizens
- Encourage physical activity
- Involvement in arts and culture
- Ensure equity and inclusion (with an emphasis on initiatives that reduce stigma and discrimination associated with issues like poverty to ensure all citizens can fully participate in community life)
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must ensure there are other cash or in-kind contributions to support the project.
- Applicants must be a registered non-profit society.
- Projects/events must be within City of Prince George boundaries.
- If your proposed project or event is to take place at a City venue (park, arena, facility, plaza etc.) you are required to confirm the booking using the City’s venue booking process
The MyPG Community Grant will NOT fund:
- For-profit businesses
- Research
- Payment of City property taxes
- Capital projects and purchases
- Professional development
- Travel
- Fundraisers
- Projects or events that have already taken place.
- Beautification projects (public art projects may be eligible).
- School activities (activities, where there is significant involvement of the community, might be considered. Community involvement must be significantly more than just the students and their families).
- Regular sports activities, tournaments, subsidized participant fees or subsidized facility rental fees (activities and/or programs focused on supporting equity and inclusion opportunities may be considered).
Application forms
Before completing a grant application, please ensure the project meets grant criteria and eligibility requirements. The City of Prince George will consider alignment with criteria, degree of innovation, collaboration with partner organizations, and potential to positively impact large numbers of Prince George citizens when evaluating grant applications. The City is also guided by a number of policies and procedures which will also influence the adjudication process.
The review of grant applications normally takes six (6) to eight (8) weeks and allocations are generally $8,000 or less. Application forms and other related documents will be posted when the next submission intake is active.
The application deadline for all 2023 events is:
- December 19, 2022.
The Celebrate Prince George Community Grant was developed to financially support and assist in the growth and development of new and existing events to create a city brimming with excitement.
The objective of the Celebrate Prince George Community Grant is to enhance current events or develop new events that increase community pride and focus on attracting visitors. Events that occur any time throughout the year may be eligible for assistance.
Eligibility
1. Emerging Events:
- Local events that show an economic return, attract media exposure, and market and attract tourists.
- Term: 1-year term with a maximum annual grant contribution of $5,000.
2. Signature Events:
- Major events that show an economic return and attract significant media exposure, sponsors, and attendance including tourists. Only festivals and events that have demonstrated three (3) years of successful growth and stability as well as have a minimum $100,000 event operating budget are eligible to apply under this category.
- Term: 1-year term with a maximum annual grant contribution of $10,000.
2023 Event Definitions and Grant Criteria
- Only registered non-profit societies or registered charities are eligible.
- Successful applications need to demonstrate how they are meeting these grant criteria:
- Outline the enhancement or creation of an event and how it will positively impact the event
- Demonstrate that the organization has the capacity to execute the event
- Indicate how the event will focus on building and measuring local attendance and will effectively reach the identified target audience(s), including out of town visitation and overnight stays
- Show that the event is unique and will not duplicate other initiatives
- Present a proposed budget that is sufficiently detailed, reasonable and balanced and demonstrates how the funds will be leveraged to increase overall budget
- Detail how the event enhances Prince George and promotes it as a great place to live and visit
- Exhibit how the event fosters partnerships and celebrates civic spaces and organizations.
- Outline how the event promotes cultural richness, local arts, history and attractions as well as equality, inclusivity and accessibility
- Events can only receive funding through one City of Prince George grant program.
- The event must be held within the city limits of the City of Prince George and be open to the public and promoted as such.
Application Deadlines
Notification will be made within two weeks of the application deadline. Funds will be available for distribution in January 2023.
Funding decisions are based on available funds, quality of applications, adherence to the outlined criteria and applicants may not get the full amount requested. Please be thorough in your application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Note: Applicants wishing to have submissions reviewed in advance to ensure completion or to get feedback may send it to Susie Jones at a minimum of one week before the deadline.
For more information and to return the application please contact:
Susie Jones
Event CoordinatorPhone: 250-561-7675
Email: susie.jones@princegeorge.caNeed help, ideas, and tips on how to write the application?
Application forms
Funding decisions are based on available funds, quality of applications, adherence to the outlined criteria and applicants may not get the full amount requested. Please be thorough in the application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
The City of Prince George is currently conducting a review of its granting program. No applications are being accepted at this time until the review process is completed. Please continue to check back regularly for updates.
The application deadline is:
- Deadlines for the next intake will be posted when available.
Community Enhancement Grants are designed to advance initiatives that build community pride and encourage civic participation.
Grants range from $200 to $1000 and cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total project cost. Funding is not provided for projects that have been initiated or completed in advance of the application process.
Eligibility
Applications will be reviewed on their individual merit based on available financial resources and grant objectives. Groups that focus on one or more of the following categories are welcome to submit an application:
- Community events and celebrations
- Indoor and outdoor recreation
- Lights and decorations
- Goodwill programs
- Beautification and landscape projects
To be eligible for the Community Enhancement Grant, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be any non-profit organization within the City of Prince George (may be partnered with a group of neighbours, individual or a business).
- All applicants must include a component of community or neighbourhood involvement.
- Priority will be given to innovative projects that indicate initiative and self-help on the part of the applicants as well as sustainability.
Application forms
Note: Applicants may apply for a grant of between $200 to $1,000 where funding cannot exceed 50 per cent of project costs. Funds are not available to cover operating and/or ongoing expenses, buildings, land acquisition, endowments, start-up funds, travel, research or fundraisers. Funding is also not available for projects that have already taken place. Matching funds will be considered under the following categories:
- Monies
- Volunteer labour (at the current minimum wage)
- Donated material and supplies
- Donated equipment
- A combination of money, volunteer labour, donated materials and supplies and donated equipment
- E.G. A group applying for $400 must show they have at least $400 worth of money, volunteer labour, donated materials and supplies, or donated equipment to put towards the project.
Supporting documentation may be required for applications.
- Application forms for the next intake will be posted when available.
Hosting Grants
The City of Prince George is currently conducting a review of its granting program. No applications are being accepted at this time until the review process is completed. Please continue to check back regularly for updates.
The MeetingsPG Hosting Grant supports non-profit organizations hosting conferences, conventions, and/or trade shows that attract participants and visitors to Prince George and showcase the community while contributing to the local economy.
Funding assistance will be in the form of a sponsorship grant. The grant amount will be determined by the number of paid accommodation room nights in Prince George that result directly from the conference, convention, or trade show.
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Questions? For more information, contact:
Email: communitygrants@princegeorge.ca
Phone: 3-1-1Eligibility
Applicant Eligibility
- Be a registered non-profit organization that is in good standing with and located in Prince George. Partnerships with a local non-profit may be considered.
- Demonstrate financial and organizational capacity to host the event for which funding is sought.
- Be in good financial standing with the City of Prince George. Organizations with outstanding receivables with the City are not eligible.
- Provide event details including:
- Purpose
- Objectives
- Delegate profile
- Timelines
- Budget
Event Eligibility
- Be a conference, convention, or trade show that takes place over the course of more than one day.
- Attract a significant number of out-of-town delegates that require a minimum total of 50 nights of paid accommodation in Prince George.
Ineligible Events
- Events that have already occurred.
- Events that are not hosted by a non-profit organization that is either located in Prince George or represented by a local resident or residents.
- Funding will not be provided to support conference, convention, or trade show bidding processes.
Additional Criteria
- Be able to document local economic impact.
- Be able to provide documentation to verify the number of paid accommodation room nights that result directly from the conference, convention, or trade show.
- Demonstrate sufficient organizational capacity to host the conference, convention, or trade show for which funding is sought.
- Agree to include the City of Prince George logo on any printed materials, the event website, and social media (where applicable). Exposure must be at the same level or greater than other funders of equal value. Contact the City for logos that meet brand standards.
- Agree to provide a minimum of three (3) high-resolution photographs - with required copyright permissions - for promotional/educational use by the City of Prince George.
- Agree to provide a final report within 60 days of the event's completion.
Other Application Information
- The City of Prince George reserves the right to request additional information at any point during the grant application process.
- The City recognizes some conferences, conventions, and trade shows may present unique opportunities and challenges that are not addressed by grant requirements. In exceptional circumstances, the City of Prince George may adjust the criteria.
Applications will be reviewed to ensure eligibility requirements and additional criteria - as outlined above - are met. The City of Prince George reserves the right to deny funding requests for events that may, in its sole opinion, conflict with community standards.
Funding Details
Funding assistance will be in the form of a sponsorship grant. The grant amount will be determined by the number of paid accommodation room nights in Prince George that result directly from the conference, convention, or trade show.
The following funding guidelines will apply (the City reserves the right to adjust allocations where necessary):
- Up to $500 per event for 50 to 100 total paid accommodation room nights.
- Up to $2,500 per event for 101 to 300 total paid accommodation room nights.
- Up to $5,000 per event for 301 to 500 total paid accommodation room nights.
- Up to $7,500 per event for 501 or more total paid accommodation room nights.
If a grant application is approved, successful recipients will receive 50 per cent of the funding before the event. The exact amount of the remaining funding will be determined after the event is complete and the total number of paid accommodation nights used by delegates is confirmed by event organizers. A final report that includes documentation to support the number of paid accommodation nights will be required within 60 days after the event.
Event organizers are responsible for collecting the names and addresses of event participants as well as participant consent to share their personal information with the City of Prince George. The City reserves the right to access delegate registration information for the purpose of verifying the total number of paid accommodation nights used by event participants.
Application Forms
Please ensure all grant criteria and eligibility requirements are met before completing the form and all information requested in the application is included at the time of submission.
The SportPG Grant financially supports local non-profit organizations that host sporting events which attract participants and visitors to Prince George.
The adjudication process may take up to eight (8) weeks for applications that are complete and in order. Approved grants are in line with, "This is SportPG" missions and goals, a strategy developed in partnership between the Tourism Prince George and the City of Prince George. The Adjudication Committee consists of staff members from Tourism Prince George and the City of Prince George.
Eligibility
Applicant Eligibility
- Be a registered non-profit organization that is in good standing and located in Prince George. Partnerships with a local non-profit sporting organization may be considered.
- Demonstrate the financial and organizational capacity to host the event being applied for.
- Be in good financial standing with the City of Prince George. Organizations with outstanding receivables with the City are ineligible.
- A financial need must be demonstrated.
- Provide a viable business plan for the event detailing the objectives, action plan, volunteer and organizational structure, and timelines (upon request).
Event Eligibility
- Be a sporting event that takes place over more than one day and incorporates at least two days of competitions.
- Attract a significant number of out-of-town participants who generate at least one overnight stay in paid accommodations.
- Occur within the City of Prince George limits. Applicants whose events fall outside of the City limits may be considered if the event clearly demonstrates the majority of services - such as accommodations and food and beverage - are being provided within Prince George.
Ineligible Events
The SportPG Hosting Grant does not fund the following events:
- Events operated by a for-profit business.
- Events offering prize money.
- Events that have already occurred.
- Unconfirmed events, including those still in the bid stage.
- Large-scale sporting events where considerable Hosting Right Fees, Multi-Sport Games (i.e. Canada Games), or Financial Assurances will be required.
The typical level of staffing and financial resource commitments needed by such events exceed the scope of the SportPG Hosting Grant and requires City approval. For more questions and more information on Major Sport Event Hosting, contact Event Services at 250-561-7788.
Funding Details
The SportPG Hosting Grant funding is based on participant numbers and whether the event’s scope is Regional, Provincial, Western Canadian, National or International. For the funding outline below, “participants” will include athletes, coaches and field of play officials:
- Regional (50 per cent or more of participants located outside of city limits) -- $7/participant
- Provincial (65 per cent or more participants located over 235 km from City) -- $9/participant
- Western Canada (participants from BC, AB, SK and MB) -- $10/participant
- National (75 per cent or more participants from out of province) -- $11/participant
- International (75 per cent or more participants from outside of Canada) -- $13/participant
Expenses
- Funding may be applied to programming, operating, marketing, and promotional expenses.
- Funding cannot be used for expenses related to the following unless otherwise agreed upon:
- Capital projects and expenditures - Any construction, upgrading, or maintenance costs for facilities to stage sporting events.
- Endowments, charitable donations, fundraising campaigns, developing a business case or proposal for funding, donor recognition/walls, gifts (volunteer recognition).
- Prize monies.
- Alcohol.
Conditions of Approval and Payment Terms
Upon grant approval, successful recipients will receive 50 per cent of the approved funds prior to the sporting event based on the estimated number of eligible participants outlined in the application. The exact amount of the remaining funding will be determined after the event is completed, the number of participants is confirmed, and the final report is approved by the City. Lower numbers of actual participants than anticipated will result in a lower grant allocation. Events resulting in a profitable gain will need to show where excess funds were allocated in the final report.
- In case of an event cancellation, repayment of the entire amount of funding issued by the City of Prince George will be required within thirty (30) days of the announced cancellation.
- Complete a final report within sixty (60) days of the event's completion. The report must include:
- The number of volunteers and approximate number of hours contributed to the event.
- The number of local athletes, coaches, and officials.
- The number of out-of-town athletes, coaches, and officials.
- The number of local spectators (estimates if the event is not ticketed).
- Number of out-of-town spectators (estimates if the event is not ticketed).
- Final financial statement (on the SportPG Budget Template).
- Any legacy achieved (financial, sport, and community).
- Include the SportPG logo on any printed materials, the event website, and social media (where applicable). Exposure must be at the same level or greater than other funders of equal value. Copies of these materials must be included in the final report. Please contact the City for suitable logos, including the respective logo branding standards.
- Supply a minimum of three (3) three high-resolution photographs which are of sufficient quality to be used for promotional materials. The City of Prince George and Tourism Prince George must be given copyright permissions to use these photos for promotional or educational purposes. Photo submissions will indicate copyright permissions given. If photo credits are required, these must be provided.
- Prior to the event, provide event website address and social media information including hashtags being used for the event.
- Display the SportPG banner on-site during the event in a visible location. Tourism Prince George can provide this banner.
- Within sixty (60) days, email a post-event survey to registered participants. A copy of the survey will be supplied by Tourism Prince George.
- Grant funding not used or accounted for in accordance with the approved eligible expenses shall be repayable by the grant recipient to the City of Prince George. The City of Prince George liaison should be contacted for instructions.
For more information, contact:
Event Services
Phone: 250-561-7723Application Forms
The City of Prince George reserves the right to request additional financial information at any point during the granting process.
The City recognizes some events may present unique opportunities and challenges that are not addressed in this program. In certain unique and exceptional circumstances, the City - in partnership with Tourism Prince George - may adjust the program.
Large-scale sporting events where considerable Hosting Right Fees, Multi-Sport Games (I.E. Canada Games), or Financial Guarantees are required are considered outside this grant program. The typical level of staffing and financial resource commitments needed by such events exceed the scope of the SportPG Hosting Grant and require City Council approval.
For these types of event requests and for additional information or questions about the SportPG Hosting Grant or the Major Sport Event Hosting program, contact Event Services at 250-561-7788.
Other Grants and Programs
Travel Grants help young artists, artisans, athletes, individuals, and teams participate in the arts, culture, amateur recreation, sports and competition at the zone, regional, provincial, Western Canadian, national, and international levels. Grant recipients are recognized as representatives of Prince George and the City offers this assistance to help offset event participation costs.
- Applications accepted throughout the year.
Eligibility
All groups where the majority of members are 18 years old or younger or individuals 18 years old or younger are eligible. Applicants must be sponsored by an organization in a recognized cultural, educational, art, sport and/or recreational activity. Applicants must also satisfy the following requirements:
- Have been selected at a juried show to have his or her work displayed at a regional, provincial, national level, or within a designated geographic area recognized by the sponsoring organization.
- or
- Have awarded a scholarship within a specific field of art to attend a school of national or Western Canadian recognition.
- or
- Have won a local, regional or provincial competition, or have been selected by a sponsoring organization to represent Prince George at a regional, provincial or national competition.
- or
- Have won the right or have been selected to represent the City of Prince George, the Province of British Columbia, and/or Canada at an international competition.
On occasion, those activities that are considered to be in pursuit of excellence are eligible for funding. School-based sports and activities are not eligible.
In addition, applications must:
- Include a completed application form.
- Include a signed letter from a current Executive Board of Directors member, on official letterhead, with details of the event itself and a list of qualifying events. The letter must include a statement that the applicant meets all criteria.
- Indicate that the travel has occurred prior to the application date.
Funding Details
The annual funding amount is derived from interest on the BC Winter Games Legacy Trust, and the total available amount for grants can vary annually, based on current interest rates.
The actual amount provided will be a maximum of the amount listed below based on competition location and the number of attendees but is often less due to the number of other applications received.
- International or National/Western Canadian held east of Manitoba:
- Individual: $200
- Up to 14 Members: $500
- More than 15 Members: $1,000
- National/Western Canadian held in Manitoba/Saskatchewan:
- Individual: $150
- Up to 14 Members: $400
- More than 15 Members: $600
- National/Western Canadian in BC/Alberta or Regional/Provincial recognized by sponsoring organization:
- Individual: $100
- Up to 14 Members: $300
- More than 15 Members: $500
All grant applications may be subject to further review as required. Please be prepared to provide detailed information on eligibility requirements and actual expenses incurred.
Application Forms
Applicants or organizations must be based in Prince George and able to supply proof of incorporation or registration. A maximum of one grant per calendar year is available per individual/team and the amount of funding available is dependent on the number of applicants.
Grants will be reviewed and paid bi-annually (June and December each year).
KidSport Program
KidSport is a national non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for children eighteen (18) and under to participate in organized sports. More than half a million children across Canada have been given the chance to play a sport through KidSport grants since the organization was founded in 1993.
The Leisure Access Program (LAP) provides opportunities for residents with limited income to participate in a variety of recreational activities. Leisure Access participants receive:
- 52 complimentary public swimming or skating admissions.
- 75 per cent off 10-visit passes, monthly, or annual swimming passes if the 52 complimentary admissions have been used.
- 75 per cent off swimming programs ($50.00 credit maximum) such as swimming lessons.
- Free Prince George Transit for children 12 and under on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by an adult.
Eligibility
Applicants must be permanent residents of Prince George and meet one of the two following criteria:
- Have an annual income in the previous/current year that is below the Statistics Canada Low Income Guidelines (see application form for details; most recent tax assessment showing line 150, for each adult in the household).
- Receive a BC Seniors Supplement that is below the Statistics Canada Low Income Guidelines.
Eligible applicant(s) may have one of the following referral agencies apply on their behalf:
- Ministry of Children and Family Development
- Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
- Carrier Sekani Family Services (Family Support and Children in Care Guardianship Services)
- Nezul Be Hunuyeh Child and Family Services Society
Application Forms
The application form may be downloaded as a PDF document or picked up in person at the following locations:
- City Hall
- Prince George Aquatic Centre
Please allow two (2) weeks for processing. Approved applicants will receive a letter in the mail. Successful applicants must bring the letter to the Four Seasons Leisure Pool or Prince George Aquatic Centre for a Leisure Access Card that is valid for one year.