Downtown in Motion Grant
Downtown in Motion Grant
Your vision, our downtown — let's light it up!
Creating long-lasting community impact in the greater downtown area.
Expressions of interest close on March 25.
Photo credit: Joseph Pham
Downtown in Motion Grant
The Downtown in Motion Grant supports supports publicly accessible arts, culture and sports initiatives in Calgary’s greater downtown that aim for financial sustainability and lasting community impact.
Whether it’s a live performance, creative placekeeping, art installation or community event, this grant helps turn public spaces into places of connection and creativity—enhancing our city’s cultural scene, improving access for all and contributing to a safer, more dynamic downtown.
Registered non-profits and charities, Community Associations and Business Improvement Areas are encouraged to submit an expression of interest.
The greater downtown is located on the south side of the Bow River and bordered to the east by the Elbow River, to the south by 17 Ave. S.W. and to the west by 14 St. S.W.
Funding available
This grant supports medium and large-scale initiatives with up to $50,000 available per initiative.
- The City will contribute up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, excluding in-kind contributions.
- Applicants must contribute at least 25 percent in cash or sponsorship.
- Your organization may receive only one Downtown in Motion Grant per intake.
Funding criteria
Funding initiatives must:
- Take place between September 2026 and September 2027.
- Enhance public safety by activating public spaces and increasing foot traffic.
- Promote community engagement and contribute to economic revitalization.
- Build valuable collaborations between organizations, businesses and community groups.
- Develop a financially sustainable plan for the initiative during and beyond the funding period.
Initiative ideas
- Pop-up cultural pavilion
- Performance stage series
- Night market hub
- Multi-site interactive programming
- Weekly physical wellness session
- Sports league
- Shared maker space
- Monthly workshops
- Reimagined underutilized space
Apply for a grant
- Complete the final report form.
- Submit your financial statement and one to three photos of your initiative to microgrants@calgary.ca.
Note: Projects receiving our Arts and Culture Microgrant are not eligible for the Downtown in Motion Grant.
2025 Downtown in Motion Grant highlights
17th Avenue Retail & Entertainment DistrictThe 2025 event delivered a major boost to activity on the avenue, drawing 86,889 visitors over three days and increasing foot traffic by 35 percent from the previous weekend. Local businesses shared positive feedback on the lively atmosphere and the event generated significant public engagement across social media. Its success has led organizers to commit base funding for 2026.
Chinatown BIAThe festival expanded significantly in 2025, growing its programming and attracting strong interest from younger audiences. Approximately 80,000 visitors attended and there were notable increases in social media engagement. The event is now supported through a mix of base funding, sponsorships, and vendor participation, helping sustain its continued growth.
Photo credit: Joseph Pham
Victoria Park BIANight Light welcomed more than 60,000 attendees, including many families, transforming Central Memorial Park into a vibrant evening gathering space. Visitors described the atmosphere as “a different city” and “a night club that you can bring your kids to.” Keeping the event free and accessible continues to play an important role in shaping the greater downtown.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for more than one initiative?
Due to the limited funding pool, each organization may submit one application per intake. However, your initiative can involve multiple locations, partners, sessions or program components.
Are capital expenses or operational costs eligible?
No. This grant does not support capital expenses (e.g., construction, permanent equipment) or ongoing operational costs (e.g., rent, staff salaries, utilities). Only direct costs related to initiative delivery are eligible.
What makes an initiative "publicly accessible"? Does my event need to be free?
Events should be open to the general public and take place in visible, inclusive locations—ideally outdoors or in community-oriented indoor spaces. Invite-only or members-only events are not eligible. We encourage free or low-barrier access. If your event has a fee, you must clearly explain how it remains accessible to the public (e.g., sliding scale, pay-what-you-can, free for underrepresented groups).
Do I need to complete both the Expression of Interest and the Full Application?
No. Only selected applicants from the Expression of Interest stage will be invited to submit a Full Application. All interested organizations must complete the EOI first.
How are applications evaluated?
The Expressions of Interest are reviewed by a review group, formed by internal City Staff, based on:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Alignment with program goals (activation, safety, inclusion) | 40% |
| Creativity, uniqueness, and contributions to the Greater Downtown Culture | 25% |
| Public accessibility | 25% |
| Initiative scale & visibility | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Applications in the Full Application stage are reviewed by a review committee, formed by internal City staff and key partners in the greater downtown, based on:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Community benefit, engagement and impact | 20% |
| Financial sustainability and budget soundness | 15% |
| Collaboration and partnerships | 15% |
| Accessibility, inclusion and equity | 10% |
| Feasibility and logistics | 10% |
| Marketing and outreach plan | 5% |
| Risk management and safety planning | 5% |
| Overall merit | 10% |
| Score from Expression of Interest stage | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Other funding and resources
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Discover funding opportunities that support arts and culture events, festivals and initiatives.
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If you are looking to host a festival or event in Calgary, we can help.
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Find out how we are shaping a greater downtown.