Festivals and Events Subsidy Program Innovation Microgrant

Festivals and Events Subsidy Program Innovation Microgrant

Applications are now closed.

The FESPIM offers startup funding to support new and unique components of existing events. It’s designed to spark creativity, inspire change, and elevate Calgary’s festival landscape by encouraging fresh ideas and innovation.

The FESPIM is now replaced with the Festivals and Events Subsidy Program Operations Assistance Fund (FESPOAF) which focuses on operational reimbursement for external contracted services.

For 2026 events, 2025 FESP recipients applied for up to $20,000 to fund innovative initiatives that diversify programming, enhance accessibility, foster community, and promote environmental sustainability.

Project objectives

Proposed initiatives must be a new component that enhances your existing event. It must not duplicate work already funded or previously included.

Eligible initiative themes include:

  • Programming diversification: Introduce new cultural experiences, performances, or creative formats to expand Calgary’s cultural landscape.
  • Value-added innovation: Add event features that improve accessibility, reduce costs, increase safety, or provide alternate transportation options. (For example, FESPIM funding can cover the cost of inviting artists or speakers new to your event, even if they’re from outside Calgary.)
  • Community strengthening: Foster collaboration and inclusivity, strengthen partnerships, and promote positive community engagement.
  • Environmental stewardship: Promote sustainability, reduce environmental impact, or introduce green practices to your event.

Eligible and ineligible expenses

The microgrant covers direct costs related to the delivery of your new initiative. It is not intended to support general operations or capital projects.

Eligible expenses

  • Honorariums for artists, contractors, technicians, and temporary workers.
  • Production and technical costs.
  • Marketing and communication efforts specific to the innovation.
  • Administrative overhead (e.g., rentals, communications, insurance).
  • Health, safety, and accessibility plans.
  • Any other reasonable direct cost approved by the Arts & Culture Division.

You may combine this funding with federal, provincial, or other funding sources — as long as the same expenses are not being double-funded.

Ineligible expenses

  • Expenses incurred before funding approval.
  • Overhead costs like rent, utilities, and staff salaries.
  • Travel, accommodation, meals.
  • Compensation for existing staff wages, grant/report writing fees.
  • Office supplies, bookkeeping, postage.
  • Office and administration fees (e.g., office supplies, bookkeeping, postage).
  • Prizes, awards, trophies, fundraising expenses, or debt repayment.
  • Alcohol or cannabis.
  • Costs already covered by FESP or other grants.
  • Any expense deemed ineligible by the Arts & Culture Division.

For example, if your innovation overlaps financially with your existing event (e.g., same performers or logistics), those shared expenses are not eligible under FESPIM.

Final reporting requirements

Grant recipients must submit a final report within 60 days of completing the initiative. This must include:

  • A completed final report.
  • High-quality images, if requested.

Failure to submit your final report may affect your eligibility for future Arts & Culture grants.

All approved funding allocations will be made public to maintain transparency and accountability.

For full program and qualification details, please review the guidelines.

Conditions of funding

By accepting a FESPIM grant, you agree to:

  • Use the funding only for the approved initiative and budget.
  • Notify us of any major changes (e.g., location, scope, timeline).
  • Acknowledge our support in promotional materials. We can provide a logo, if needed.

We reserve the right to reclaim funding if:

  • The initiative is not completed as approved.
  • Unapproved changes are made.
  • Funds are misused or not properly reported.