Open Call for Special Event Minor Grant Program (Canada)

The Special Event Minor Grant Program provides grants of up to CAD 5,000 to support new or unique one-time community events held in Regina. The program is open to eligible non-profit community organizations and aims to strengthen community pride, encourage public participation, and foster community spirit through events that are open to the public.

Special Event Minor Grant Program

The Special Event Minor Grant Program supports one-time community events that bring people together, celebrate local communities, and enhance the quality of life in Regina.

The program provides financial assistance for new or unique public events that encourage community engagement, strengthen community pride, and create meaningful opportunities for residents to connect.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Support new or unique one-time community events.
• Build community pride.
• Encourage community interaction and participation.
• Strengthen community spirit.
• Increase opportunities for residents to participate in public events.
• Support accessible community-based activities in Regina.

Grant Amount

Eligible applicants may request:

• Up to CAD 5,000 per event.

Funding supports eligible one-time community events that align with the program objectives.

Eligible Applicants

Applications are open to:

• Registered non-profit community organizations.
• Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) partnering with the City of Regina.

Applicants must:

• Have active non-profit status.
• Be incorporated for at least one year before applying.
• Submit proof of current non-profit incorporation.

Organizational Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be in good standing with the City of Regina.
• Have no outstanding taxes, fees, or other charges owed to the City.
• Have no outstanding Community Investment Grants Program follow-up reports.
• Not be involved in active litigation against the City.
• Comply with all applicable laws, bylaws, policies, and procedures.

Organizations that fail to meet these requirements may lose outstanding grant payments or be required to return unused funds at the City’s discretion.

Non-Discrimination Requirement

Eligible organizations must not exclude individuals on the basis of:

• Religion.
• National or ethnic origin.
• Colour.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.
• Age.
• Mental disability.
• Physical disability.

Organizations may, however, provide services specifically designed to improve conditions for disadvantaged individuals or groups where permitted under Section 15(1) and 15(2) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Eligible Events

Funded events must:

• Be community-based.
• Be open to the public.
• Take place within Regina.
• Be new or unique one-time events.

Events that include:

• Cash prizes.
• Awards.
• Gifts.

are also eligible for funding.

Ineligible Applicants and Activities

Funding is not available for:

• Events eligible under another City of Regina grant program.
• Organizations that have already received a City of Regina Special Event grant during the same year.
• Events already funded by another City of Regina department.
• Conferences.
• Annual or recurring events.
• Annual general meetings.
• Educational seminars.
• Professional development activities.
• Fundraising events.
• Projects promoting religious beliefs.
• Projects promoting political beliefs.
• Charitable foundations.
• Municipal service providers such as fire departments, police services, and libraries.
• Saskatchewan Health Authority.
• Hospitals.
• Nursing homes.
• Schools.
• School boards.
• Educational institutions.
• School-related activities or functions.

Program Benefits

The Special Event Minor Grant Program helps organizations to:

• Launch new community events.
• Strengthen community engagement.
• Increase public participation.
• Foster community pride.
• Build stronger neighbourhood connections.
• Create vibrant and inclusive public experiences.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances of success by:

• Demonstrating how the event is new or unique.
• Explaining how the event will build community pride.
• Showing strong public participation opportunities.
• Providing a realistic budget and implementation plan.
• Demonstrating organizational capacity to deliver the event.
• Ensuring all eligibility requirements are met before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Special Event Minor Grant Program?

Registered non-profit community organizations that have been incorporated for at least one year and Business Improvement Districts partnering with the City of Regina may apply.

How much funding is available?

Eligible applicants may request up to CAD 5,000 for a qualifying event.

What types of events are supported?

The program supports new or unique one-time community events that are open to the public and held in Regina.

Can events with prizes receive funding?

Yes. Events that include cash prizes, awards, or gifts remain eligible for funding.

Which events are not eligible?

Recurring events, conferences, fundraisers, educational seminars, annual meetings, religious or political initiatives, school-related activities, and projects already receiving City of Regina funding are not eligible.

What organizational requirements must applicants meet?

Applicants must be incorporated non-profit organizations in good standing with the City of Regina, with no outstanding taxes, legal disputes, or compliance issues.

Conclusion

The Special Event Minor Grant Program provides up to CAD 5,000 to help non-profit organizations deliver new and unique one-time community events that strengthen community pride and encourage public participation in Regina. By supporting accessible, community-focused activities, the program contributes to a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected city while encouraging organizations to create memorable experiences that bring residents together.