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Writer's pictureMaryAnn Anderson
Feb 93 min read

The B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund (BCFFE) returns for another year!

Applications will be assessed as received, so apply soon!


You're welcome to download & use my* BCFFE application worksheets (*I endeavour to ensure my worksheets are complete & accurate, but always refer to the funder portal to ensure final application version/content):

Downloaded (official) BCFFE Budget Worksheet:

Application Deadline: opened Feb 7, 2024; Applications must be submitted no later 11:59 pm PST on Feb 25, 2024.

Applications are assessed on a first-come, first served basis, so you are encouraged to apply ASAP

Exciting news for all of us in the arts and cultural sector - the popular (and much needed!) BCFFE funding program has returned for another year.

The B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events fund (the BCFFE Fund) helps community event organizations recover from ongoing challenges related to: 

  • Cost increases 

  • Reduced revenue and sponsorships 

  • Rising costs of equipment and services 

  • Severe weather events

The Province is providing $15 million in one-time grants to eligible events through the B.C. Fairs, Festivals and Events fund (BCFFE). Event organizers will be able to tackle ongoing challenges the sector faces, such as reduced revenue and sponsorships, and rising costs of equipment and services. Pandemic-related impacts on events and communities were amplified by the worst wildfire season in 2023, causing event cancellations and a decline in visitors to certain areas of the province.

Key Things to Know:

  • Applications will be accepted until February 25, 2024 (11:59pm). You can submit a maximum of three applications. You must complete a separate application package for each eligible event. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Funding decisions will be communicated by April 2024.

  • Eligible events include sporting events and festivals (spectator sport events, organized races, exhibition events, tournaments and competitions); arts and culture events and festivals (live music, film, mural, or cultural festivals, performances, art walks, comic conventions); community celebrations and gatherings (seasonal festivals, or celebrations, culinary (food or beverage) events, fairs, rodeos and exhibitions); agri-tourism events (festivals held on farms, orchards or vineyards).

  • Eligible events must:

  • Events must be open to all members of the public. Events only available to the organization's members are not eligible.

  • Events that take place more than 21 days in a calendar year are not eligible for funding. If you are hosting a recurring event, such as a series of summer music concerts or a seasonal spectator sport league, your event may be eligible if it occurs fewer than 21 times in a calendar year, whether it takes place consecutively or not.

  • Have other funding sources (may include revenue from ticket sales, contributions from your organization, private contributions, and other levels of governments).

  •  Scheduled to take place in B.C. between April 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025.

  • While event budgets are not required to be balanced, event organizers must complete a budget that demonstrates sufficient cash flow to meet minimum operating costs. Event budgets with significant surpluses or deficits may not receive a grant.

  • The event venue must be secured at the time of application.

  • BCFFE Fund provides up to about 20% of your total event budget, up to a maximum of $250,000 per event. Your event budget must be at least $10,000.

What your application should show:
Community impact and economic benefits:
Your application must show how your event provides community and economic impacts to enhance quality of life and community wellness, through: 

  • Community-wide economic benefits, such as working with local vendors, producers, or securing sponsorship

  • Tourism value, such as attracting visitors from outside local areas 

  • Community engagement, such as working with local artists or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion

Alignment with government priorities:
Preference may be given to events that align with the following government priorities:

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