This is a special funding intake period focused on projects occurring in January and February 2025.
Applications close September 27, 2024. Please read the criteria below before submitting.
The intake period for HMATA's 2025/26 fiscal year will open in December 2024 for projects and events
occurring between June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026.

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Welcome! We are excited to hear about your upcoming tourism event.

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Before you complete the application, please read the notes below thoroughly.

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Where funding comes from

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We receive a portion of the Municipal Accommodation Tax collected by the Town of Huntsville from local accommodators (resorts, hotels, motels, and short-term rental accommodations).

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What we fund

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As Huntsville's designated Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO), we are tasked with increasing awareness of Huntsville as a tourism and visitor destination (in particular during shoulder seasons and the less-busy winter months), as well as developing or supporting initiatives that contribute to the success of Huntsville's tourism economy. This is broken down into four areas:

• Marketing via our public-facing tourism entity, Explore Huntsville

• Tourism product development (such as the Eclipse Walk With Light attraction)

• Collaboration with our tourism partners (Muskoka Tourism, the Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and the Downtown Huntsville BIA)

• Community tourism sponsorships (this is where you come in!)
   

To be eligible for funding in this special intake period, your event/activity must:

• Occur in January or February 2025

• Be offered over at least two consecutive days

• Be open to the general public

• Occur within Huntsville's municipal boundaries

• Encourage visitors to travel to Huntsville and stay overnight

• Contribute to Huntsville's profile as a tourism destination of choice

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Ineligible events/activities include:

• Virtual events/activities

• Non-consecutive events or activities (events that occur in series are only eligible if each portion of the series occurs for at least two consecutive days)

• Events or activities that restrict attendance to a specific group (membership, demographic, etc.)

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Eligible applicants must:​

• Be incorporated organizations (for-profit, not-for-profit, or co-operatives)

• Be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements

• Not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant agreement with the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association or the Town of Huntsville

• Have 25% of the total budget available in funds or in-kind donations (HMATA will only fund up to 75% of a project)

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Eligible costs include:

• Fees paid to artists, musicians, performers, celebrities, special guests, and speakers including travel, accommodation, and bookings costs

• Fees paid for new programming

• Costs related to visitor services (e.g. shuttle buses, security)

• Marketing buys to attract tourists

• Placement of targeted paid advertising

• Media distribution costs for printed materials

• Capital costs related to equipment that can be reused within the community (tents, staging, etc.)

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How applications are assessed

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HMATA uses a weighted system when reviewing applications, and we will consider many factors, including the number of out-of-town visitors the event will attract and the potential for overnight stays, the profile of the event (local, provincial, national, or international), its environmental impact, and the number of applications received. HMATA cannot guarantee funding, may provide less than your requested amount if your application is successful, and reserves the right to reject any or all applications received. Past funding does not guarantee program funding. There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applicants.​​​​​​

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Ready to get started? 

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Please scroll through the questions below to ensure you have all of the information required before you begin. You cannot save this form and return to it later.