Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant (Canada)

The program has a particular focus on Downtown spaces that are underutilized and under-programmed. For 2024 the Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant there will be a particular focus on activating Galt Gardens Park.

Another major goal of the Re-Image Downtown Activation Grant is to fund new, unique, and innovative events that improve the Downtown, with a key focus on those events becoming financially sustainable in future years. To support this goal, new events will be prioritized over reoccurring events, and new events will be eligible for greater funding amounts.

Funding Information

• Total funding available for 2024 is $120,000.00.
• There will be 2 application intakes for 2024. A First (1st) and second (2nd) Intake. The 1st Intake will see up to $80,000 of the funds awarded, and the 2nd will see all remaining funds awarded.
• Applications for events OUTSIDE of Galt Gardens can be made for up to $10,000 per initiative, event, or program. However, a City of Lethbridge Fee for Service Organization is limited to 2 events per year.
• Applications for events INSIDE of Galt Gardens will be prioritized and can be made for up to $15,000 per initiative, event, or program. However, a City of Lethbridge Fee for Service Organization is limited to 2 events per year.

Outcomes

Proposed initiatives, events, and programs should also support the following outcomes:

• Experiment with fun and innovative ideas that generate community participation and engagement.
• Transform or breathe new life into vacant or underutilized public or private spaces, making them attractive, inviting, inclusive, and safe.
• Create opportunities for people to safely connect with their local Downtown neighborhood.
• Showcase the Downtown, including businesses and organizations that call this neighborhood home.
• Enhance the creativity, connection, and local identity of the Downtown and Lethbridge community.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following eligibility requirements apply to the Re-Imagine Downtown Activation Grant.
• Businesses and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. If an Individual is applying, they must be partnered with a non-profit organization or a business.
• The initiative, event and/or program must physically take place within the Downtown, Civic Precinct, Warehouse District and 13 St N areas. Online or digital proposals will not be considered.
• A significant portion of the initiative, event and/or program must take place outdoors in a public space. (i.e., the event cannot take place exclusively inside) Applications with events where 100% of activities take place outside will be scored higher.
• At least some component of the initiative, event and/or program must be free to the public.
• Applications for an initiative, event and/or program for which the main purpose is fundraising will not be accepted.
• Initiatives take place in 2024 and final reports must be completed and submitted within 90 days of event completion.
• Outside of peak season (June-September) events will be prioritized.

For more information, visit City of Lethbridge.