Event Funding

The Government of British Columbia supports sport, arts and culture events through various programs.

FIFA World Cup 26^TM

• 2026 Public Live Match Viewing - Expression of Interest - Municipalities and First Nations governing bodies are invited to express their interest in hosting free public watch parties (over 1,000 attendees) to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 26^TM in their communities. The EOI is for information-gathering purposes only. It does not provide or guarantee funding. Submitting an EOI will confirm a community’s interest in hosting live match viewing opportunities and ensure interested groups receive future updates, including any notices of available funding.

Submission of the expression of interest requires a Business BCeID or a Basic BCeID.

Submit using your Business BCeID*                    Submit using your Basic BCeID

*Most municipalities and First Nations governing bodies will already have access to a Business BCeID. Check if your business or organization is registered in the business directory. If it's registered, contact them.

If you have not registered for a Business or Basic BCeID before, we recommend you register using a Basic BCeID for the purpose of the EOI.

Sport

• Hosting BC – sport event grants (administered by viaSport) support Canadian championships, world cups and Olympic/Paralympic Games qualifying tournaments ranging from an international wheelchair curling bonspiel in Richmond to a national college soccer championship in Kamloops. Eligible applicants are invited to apply for Hosting BC funding of up to $35,000 depending on the type of event.
• Major Sport Event Hosting - an application-based program with up to $500,000 annually with grants from $25,000 to $150,000. 
• Provincial multi-sport games – BC Summer Games, BC Winter Games and 55+ BC Games. Successful bids receive hosting grants from the B.C. government. Visit BC Games Society or BC Seniors Games Society (55+ BC Games) for information on the bid process.
• Marquee events – for formal requests of $250,000 or more for multi-sport or high-profile international events such as FIFA Women's World Cup or major multi-sport events like North American Indigenous Games. For inquiries or to submit a funding request email: eventsupport@gov.bc.ca  (For information about Notification for Collection click here.)

Arts and Culture

• BC Arts Council – application-based programs which provide funding for professional and community arts festivals. Visit BC Arts Council.
• B.C. Community Gaming Grants – special events, such as annual festivals that provide a community benefit, may be eligible for funding. For more information visit Community Gaming Grants.

General

• Destination Events Program – Provides funding to event organizers to enhance B.C.'s reputation as an events destination, foster economic growth and increase visitation across the province.
• Municipal and Regional District Tax Program – funds collected through this program are disbursed back to communities to fund local tourism marketing, programs and projects.  Municipalities, regional districts or eligible entities, with support of local stakeholders, may apply.  For more information, visit: Municipal and Regional District Tax Program
• Multicultural Festivals – folk, cultural and ethno-specific festivals or projects that have an educational focus or engage broad and diverse audiences may be eligible for Multiculturalism Grants.