Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall
Welcome to the Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall (TDCC), a standalone Corporation with the sole purpose of developing tourism in the Cornwall area through providing a Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and other initiatives as it sees fit.
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is open to any organization or individual preparing an event, tournament, conference or business initiative with a primary focus on developing tourism and bringing visitors to the area.
The fund DOES NOT support
- Regular business operation expenses
- Infrastructure
- Business expansion that does not significantly impact Tourism
The Fund DOES support
- Events taking place in Cornwall and or SD&G that demonstrate a significant impact on the city of Cornwall
- Projects and events that clearly demonstrate their ability to increase tourist attendance, overnight stays and visitor spending in Cornwall
- Innovative strategies to advertise outside the city to potential tourists increasing visitor attendance and spending.
For 2025, an improved Application Process will look different from previous years. Applications will now be evaluated quarterly instead of monthly. This will help to make the process fairer and simpler.
Here’s how it will work:
January 1- March 31, 2025 events/projects
A funding application for a tourism activity which is to take place between January 1 and March 31, 2025, must be submitted 75 days in advance of the event/project date.
April 1- June 30, 2025 events/projects
Effective January 1st, TDCC will focus on events/projects scheduled for the second quarter (Q2). Applicants must submit their proposals by February 28, 2025 if they have an event/project to take place between April 1st and June 30, 2025. All applicants will be notified by the end of March, 2025 whether they have been approved.
July 1-September 30, 2025 events/projects
The deadline for applicants to apply for an event/project to take place between July 1st and September 30, 2025 is May 30th, 2025. All applicants will be notified by the end of June, 2025 whether they have been approved.
October 1- December 31, 2025 events/projects
Applicants need to submit their proposals by August 29, 2025 they have an event/project to take place between October 1st and December 31, 2025. All applicants will be notified by the end of September, 2025 whether they have been approved.
January 1 – March 31, 2026 events/projects
The deadline for Q1 2026 applications is November 29th, 2025. All applicants will be notified by the end of December, 2025 whether they have been approved.
| Quarter | Event/Project Date | Application Deadline | Applicant Notification Date |
| Q1 2025 | January 1st – March 31st | 75 days prior to event/project | 45 days after application |
| Q2 2025 | April 1st – June 30th | February 28th, 2025 | End of March |
| Q3 2025 | July 1st – September 30th | May 30th, 2025 | End of June |
| Q4 2025 | October 1st – December 31st | August 29th, 2025 | End of September |
| Q1 2026 | January 1st – March 31st | November 29th, 2025 | End of December |
Click the button below to start your application today!
Funding Allowances
First Application Festival & Event
- 1 Day max $7,500
- 2 Day max $12,500
- 3 Plus days max $25,000
Second+ application Events/Festival
- 1 Day max $3,750
- 2 Day max $6,125
- 3 Plus days max $12,500
First application Tournament
Local/regional = Max $7,500
Provincial/national/international = Max $25,000
Second+ application Tournament
Local/regional = Max $3,750
Provincial/national/international = Max $7,500
First Conference / Convention
Local/regional = Max $5000
Provincial/national/international = Max $10,000
Second+ Application Conference / Convention
Local / regional = Max $2,500
Provincial/national/international = Max $7,500
New Start-Up business or New tourism asset for an existing business
Max = $25,000
Second application tourism business
Max = $12,500
Criteria for Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the TDF Advisory Committee, and the TDCC Board using a scoring matrix based on the following criteria;
- Description of the project (business, event, tournament etc.)
- Marketing and other efforts used to draw tourists to the area
- Economic impact on the city and overnight stays
- Capacity for increased; tourist spending, profile or exposure of Cornwall, and or tourism assets
- Professional and experienced personnel / organizer(s)
- Sound budget and business strategy / plan
Should funds be awarded in order to help preserve funding for new tourism initiatives if you have previously received an award from the TDF, as a repeat recipient the award will be reduced by 50%.
To discuss any concerns or questions during the application process please contact:
Sydney Smith
Admin Support – Tourism Development Corporation of Cornwall (TDCC)
100 Water Street East
Cornwall, ON
K6H 6G4
613-930-2787 ext. 2276
sysmith@cornwall.ca