​​​​​Funding available for events that attract visitors to Brampton, celebrate culture, and positively impact the community 

​BRAMPTON, ON (January 6, 2025) – The City of Brampton is inviting eligible organizations to apply for the 2026 Tourism Sponsorship Program, which provides funding support to festivals and amateur sport competitions that offer compelling, diverse and visitor-focused experiences, while generating positive economic impact.

The Tourism Sponsorship Program strengthens Brampton’s growing tourism sector by celebrating community, promoting local talent and driving economic activity. Through this program, the City supports initiatives that highlight Brampton’s multicultural identity, showcase its world-class facilities and position the city as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors. 

In 2025, the Tourism Sponsorship Program supported 24 sport tourism events, generating an economic impact of more than $18 million, contributing over 20,000 overnight stays, and welcoming over 28,000 participants (athletes and coaches) and over 43,700 spectators. These events continue to boost Brampton’s reputation as a competitive hub for amateur sport and community-driven experiences. 

Sport Tourism Events 

Brampton is well positioned to be a national leader in culturally significant sport events that reflect the city’s diversity, strengthen community connections and support tourism and economic growth. These supported events attract visitors, promote Brampton, stimulate local spending, and create lasting economic and community benefits, while advancing the City’s first-ever Sport Tourism Strategy that establishes Brampton as a premier destination for sport event hosting. ​

Eligibility: 

• Organization must be an incorporated non-profit or registered charity. ​
• Organizations must be in good standing with the City of Brampton 
• Events must be open to the public. 
• Events must include at least two consecutive days of amateur competition, each a minimum of seven hours. 
• Events must generate a minimum of 50 room nights at recognized Brampton accommodation providers. 
• At least 50% of participants (athletes, coaches, officials) must travel more than 40 km one way to attend. 

Experience Brampton Festivals 

The program will also support one new festival that promotes art, culture, food, music, dance or other experiences celebrating Brampton’s diversity. These festivals help enhance community pride and attract visitors from across the region, and abroad 

Eligibility: 

• Festival must be open to the public. 
• Festival must include a marketing and communications plan targeting visitors from more than 40 km outside Brampton. 
• Festival must have attendance of over 1,000 unique visitors. 
• Festivals must have a minimum overall budget of $60,000. 
• At least 25% of entertainment, food vendors and operational vendors must be Brampton-based. 
• Applicants must be incorporated non-profits or registered charities operating for at least three years. 
• Eligible festivals must be delivered by the same organization for at least three previous years. ​
• Festival must take place in Brampton in 2026. 

Applications are open until February 2, 2026. For full eligibility details and to apply, visit brampton.ca/grants​. 

Quotes ​

 “Brampton’s diversity, world-class facilities and vibrant cultural scene make us a leading destination for festivals and sporting events. Through the Tourism Sponsorship Program, we are proud to support events that celebrate our community, attract visitors and strengthen Brampton’s reputation as Canada’s premier hub for sport tournaments, festivals and community events. I encourage all eligible organizations to apply for the 2026 program.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton ​

“Brampton’s festivals and sport events bring energy and pride to our city. The Tourism Sponsorship Program helps build the capacity of local organizations to deliver impactful events that inspire residents, welcome new audiences and contribute to a stronger, more connected community.” - Navjit Kaur Brar, Regional Councillor, Wards 2 and 6; Chair, Corporate Support Services Section, City of Brampton