If you run a large festival or signature event in British Columbia, Canadian federal funding can help with the high costs of delivering and adapting your programming. The Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI) is made to support major Canadian festivals and events that boost tourism, jobs, and the local economy in BC.
This guide explains who the MFESI is for, what it funds, and what the application process looks like in BC.
The Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative is a Canadian federal program delivered in British Columbia by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). It supports large festivals and events that create a strong economic impact and were affected by COVID-19 disruptions.
Key points:
MFESI has operated through targeted intakes. This means applications are only accepted during certain periods.
MFESI is for a specific group of applicants. It is not for small or first-time events.
Your organization must meet all of these criteria:
MFESI does not fund:
If you are unsure if your event qualifies as “major,” review the program guidelines or use resources to compare eligibility by revenue, province, and sector.
PacifiCan does not list a fixed funding limit for MFESI. Funding amounts are decided for each project based on:
Funding structure:
MFESI funding covers part of eligible project costs, not all expenses.
MFESI funding is for project-specific costs related to delivering or improving your event.
Eligible expenses include:
Not eligible:
For more details, see What expenses do arts, culture, and media grants cover?
MFESI does not accept applications all year.
Steps to apply:
PacifiCan recommends talking to a program officer before you apply.
Thinking MFESI is always open
MFESI only accepts applications during certain periods. Applying at the wrong time will not work.
Applying with a small or first-time event
MFESI is for large, established events with strong economic impact.
Requesting money for cash flow gaps
MFESI is not for covering general cash flow or debt.
Missing economic impact data
Not including data on tourism and revenue can weaken your application.
Q: Is the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative still open?
MFESI has used targeted intake periods. Check with PacifiCan for the latest status and upcoming opportunities.
Q: What is a “major” festival or event?
Events usually need at least $10 million in annual revenues and must attract visitors from outside the region.
Q: Can for-profit festivals apply for MFESI?
Yes. For-profit organizations can apply, but funding is usually a repayable contribution.
Q: Can MFESI funding be used for general operating costs?
No. Funding must support specific project activities for delivering or improving the event.
Q: Who manages MFESI funding in BC?
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) administers the program in British Columbia.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including federal, provincial, and regional opportunities. You can use GrantHub to see which programs match your festival or event.
MFESI is best for a small group of large, established events in BC. If your festival does not meet the revenue or size requirements, there may be provincial tourism, arts, or economic development grants that are a better fit.
You can use GrantHub to find other options by filtering programs based on province, industry, and organization size. This helps you focus on programs you are most likely to qualify for.
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