Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund - Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on how well they align with the following strategic objectives:

• Attract more tourists and grow tourism-related spending
• Increase visitor overnight stays and daytrips
• Support strategic investments in tourism
• Support the development of tourism demand generators
• Support investments in tourism infrastructure and improvements in visitor amenities
• Empower champions to drive tourism growth

Each proposal must clearly demonstrate how it contributes to at least one of the goals above.

Additionally, eligible applicants must:

• Be a not-for-profit organization, Indigenous community, tourism-related business or municipality.
• Proposed projects that are viable and have measurable outcomes.
• Documents verifying the status of your business or organization as a Canadian legal entity (ex. Patent letters, proof of incorporation, partnership agreement, master business license, and/or other valid proof of registration)
• The most recent year-end financial statements of the business or organization applying for funding (financial statements meaning cash flow, balance sheet, and income statement)
• A total event budget outlining all anticipated revenues and expenses. The funding requested from the OSTDF must be listed as revenue in the event budget.

Committee Evaluation Considerations

Evaluation considerations that will impact the Committee's decision on your application include the following factors:

• Alignment with Tourism objectives (demonstrated throughout the full application)
• Number of visitor days
• Number of room nights
• Event economic impact (demonstrated throughout the full application and calculated by Tourism Fund Facilitator using the strategic plan and tourism objectives
• Effectiveness of the marketing/media plan
• Event seasonality, timing
• Event uniqueness and appeal
• Community business impacts


• Opportunity for future event growth
• Financial viability (demonstrated throughout)

All applicants must submit the following:

• Completed Application Form
• Project Proposal (max 5 pages) including:
  • Project summary + objectives
  • Alignment with program goals and funding stream
  • Description of project and how it enhances tourism
  • Partnerships and stakeholder involvement
  • KPIs and expected outcomes
• Detailed Budget with:
  • Itemized expenses
  • Total amount requested + any matching funds
• Timeline:
  • Short-Term (0–12 months)
  • Medium-Term (12–24 months)
  • Long-Term (24+ months)
• Marketing Plan (if applicable)
• Letters of Support (as relevant)

Review and Scoring Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Review Committee appointed by the MAT Stakeholder Committee. Evaluation will use a standardized scoring rubric, assessing:

Funding Disbursement

Funding is released in milestones for projects over $10,000: 50% upfront, 50% at proof of investment. Larger projects may be eligible for multi-year funding, subject to annual review.

Key Dates