Supporting the events that build our community
Festivals and community events bring people together to celebrate, have fun, build skills and recognize the people and artists who make Kingston special. The Village Commission has a role in supporting a wide range of these events, so it created a grants program to help.
Support goes to events that are not-for-profit, or where proceeds go to community donations or to improving the event in future years. Funding is limited to what’s set aside in the Village’s annual budget.
Two funding categories
Category A
Category A events get priority funding. They must:
- Take place as a community event in the Village of Kingston
- Promote civic pride and community collaboration, with family activities
- Be free for spectators and participants
- Be non-profit
Category B
These applicants may still be considered after Category A events:
- Government agencies
- Fundraising activities
- Organizations under other levels of government, such as schools, hospitals and libraries
- Events that already receive direct funding from the Village
Maximum per application
Starting something new? Seed funding is available for new events that meet the Category A criteria, for the event’s first year only.
In-kind support from the Village
Village staff may be able to help your event in other ways too, within the Village’s approved budget.
Administrative support
Photocopying of written material (not large print runs) and help with funding applications.
Facilities & venues
Use of Village facilities, and advice on other venues that may be available.
Public Works help
Help in areas such as garbage collection or extra parks maintenance.
Village equipment
Public address system, audio-visual equipment, staging, tables, chairs and more.
From application to event
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1
Apply
Fill out the application form (Appendix A in the policy PDF) and send it to the Village Office with your event budget.
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2
Committee review
The Policy and Finance Committee meets quarterly, assesses each request and recommends an amount to the Village Commission. All decisions are final.
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3
Report back
Within 60 days after your event, send the Village a financial statement and a brief report on how it went.
What the committee looks for
- A positive cultural or economic benefit for the Village
- Participation from residents, community groups, local business sponsors, tourism agencies and visitors
- Recognition and promotion of local culture, talent and heritage
- A clear purpose, a clear target audience, and a plan to grow attendance and reach new audiences
What to include
- An event budget, including fees and charges; revenue should be specific to the event, not your organization
- For returning events, a report on last year’s event: financial statement and outcomes
- Other funding and in-kind support you’re seeking
- Proof of public liability insurance for the event
Download the policy & application
The application form is at the back of the policy document. Questions? Contact the Village Office.