Of the many ways to get involved with the community, a fun and engaging opportunity is hosting community events.
Applications for the City of Airdrie’s Community Event Grant are open from now until Aug. 31. The grant provides seed funding towards new or up-and-coming events within three years of organization to assist with startup costs. With the City’s support, such events create opportunities for residents to come together and engage in arts and culture.
There are two streams of applications, with different eligibility terms.
The first stream is dedicated to helping small organizers bring a first-time event or festival to life in Airdrie, with a maximum of $2,500 in grant requests. Residents can only apply for a Community Event Grant once per year, but it is possible and encouraged for successful events supported by the City to occur annually, tying into the second stream of grant applications, for reoccurring events within two years of organization. Up to $5,000 may be allocated in grant funding for this stream of application, ranging anywhere between 200 and 10,000 visitors in attendance.
“These events add to the social, economic and cultural fabric of community. With the increase of community events for residents to attend, they build vibrancy, connection, relationship-building and a sense of belonging,” says Kristen Shima, City community developer. “Overall, they build resiliency in the community.”
The program has two intake periods and accepts applications for spring/summer events and fall/winter events. Last year, the City allocated grant funding to three festivals and events for the winter grant period: Halloweeekend Facepainting Express, Victorian Skating Party and the Diwali Mela. The Diwali Mela has been supported by the grant in previous years, with each annual carnival allowing Airdrie residents to participate in the worldwide celebration.
The City is contributing $40,000 to support the Community Event Grant in 2024, stretched across the spring/summer and fall/winter events grant periods.
“The grant is open, inclusive and easy to apply to,” says Shima. “If you have an interest in starting an event for the community, we want to hear from you.”
To qualify as an event or festival eligible to receive a grant from the City, the event must be arts and culture-based, free admission, open to the public with a minimum of 200 residents attending, and either a new event or within two years of organization.
How to apply
If interested in applying for a grant to receive support from the City towards a new or reoccurring event, visit airdrie.ca/eventgrant and fill out the online application form. It is advised to review the Community Event Grant guidelines and criteria prior to applying. Applications will be reviewed in September and responses will be sent out via email within 30 days after the Aug. 31 deadline.
