--- title: Partnership Fund Program date: 2025-08-27T19:43:00-04:00 author: admin canonical_url: "https://www.rto9.ca/partnerships-funding/partnership-fund-program/" section: Pages --- # Partnership Fund Program Each year, RTO 9 works hand-in-hand with tourism partners to enhance experiential tourism across the South Eastern Ontario region. RTO 9’s Partnership Fund is designed to forge strong and diverse partnerships that either build on existing tourism products or introduce new tourism products. These projects serve to enhance the region’s diversity of offerings to create a competitive advantage in tourism experiences throughout the South Eastern Ontario region. **The Partnership Fund is not a grant program, it is a Partnership Program that requires a buy-in of 50% of eligible project costs from the applicant.** ## Definition of ‘Partnership’ Partnership is defined as the agreement of RTO 9 to work with one or more entities on a specific project in support of RTO 9’s Operations Plan for the current year. Partners who are awarded funding through the Partnership Funding program receive more than money to help reach their project goals. RTO 9 provides guidance in partnership building, experiential tourism development, and digital marketing designed to utilize partner synergies and drive tourists to the region. RTO 9 works in collaboration with our tourism partners to ensure projects come to fruition. RTO 9 partners with operators to share costs on a 50/50 basis and provides guidance in the areas of development, and digital marketing. ## Who is eligible to apply? Partnership Funding for 2026-2027 is intended solely for for-profit tourism businesses interested in undertaking tourism-related initiatives that increase visitation to the South Eastern Ontario region. Businesses that are just looking for funding and are not interested in learning or understanding how their project fits within the tourism landscape will not be considered for this program. We are looking for businesses that want to help grow the visitor economy which, in turn, will make our communities vibrant places to live and work. Partnership Funding is not available to DMO/DMMO/DMP offices, Business Investment Areas, Chambers of Commerce, Museums, Municipalities, non-profit organizations or membership-based associations. **The application window is now closed.** All funding is subject to RTO 9 receiving the 2026-2027 Transfer Payment Agreement with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. ##### Please connect with Meg Dabros, Operations Manager at RTO 9, for all questions related to our application process and to discuss your project prior to applying to the program. ![Meg Dabros](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/users/_214x214_fit_center-center_82_none_ns/912/Staff-bio-pics-Square-2.webp) Meg Dabros Operations Manager RTO 9 [(613) 983-5215](tel:6139835215) [Book a 1:1 Meeting](https://calendar.app.google/xCqDe8DJHse6wJMQ6) ## Program Resources - ![Program Guidelines](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/PF-Slider-3.png) ### Program Guidelines Learn more ### Program Guidelines ![Program Guidelines](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/PF-Slider-3.png) ### Program Guidelines Included in this guide is information regarding the Partnership Fund program including the following: program rationale, partnership eligibility requirements, funding parameters, and the 2026-2027 project initiatives. Approval of Partnership Funds is dependent upon RTO 9 receiving their 2026-2027 Transfer Payment Agreement from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming (MTCG). [2026-2027 Guidelines](https://www.rto9.ca/images/Partnership-Fund-Program/2026-2027-Partnership-Fund-Guidelines.pdf) [Eligible/Ineligible Expenses](https://www.rto9.ca/images/Partnership-Fund-Program/Eligible-Ineligible-Expenses.pdf) - ![Quick Facts](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/PF-Slider-4.png) ### Quick Facts Learn more ### Quick Facts ![Quick Facts](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/PF-Slider-4.png) ### Quick Facts Get a quick look at the program requirements and eligibility requirements for the 2026-2027 funding cycle. [View the Quick Facts](https://www.rto9.ca/images/2026-2027-Program-Quick-Facts.pdf) - ![Approved Vendors](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/vendor.jpg) ### Approved Vendors Learn more ### Approved Vendors ![Approved Vendors](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/vendor.jpg) ### Approved Vendors Those applicants interested in applying under the Photography & Videography category and digital training under the Digital Capacity Building category must use RTO 9 vetted vendors to complete their projects. This contact list can be utilized to contact and book a vetted professional. [Access the list](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sJ_x6UAAylmEKDmkKRBrPz43Neie75fLtkK-TbOT5RY/edit?usp=sharing) - ![Information Sessions](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/infosessions.jpg) ### Information Sessions Learn more ### Information Sessions ![Information Sessions](https://www.rto9.ca/images/transforms/Partnership-Fund-Program/_540xAUTO_crop_center-center_none_ns/infosessions.jpg) ### Information Sessions Join Meg from RTO 9 as she goes through the 2026/2027 Partnership Fund application, guidelines and eligibility requirements for the Partnership Fund Program. This information session will go through the application process and help you determine whether your project/business is eligible to apply, how the program works, and what expenses can be incurred under the project. [Watch the Recording](https://youtu.be/1VXgONupoKg) × ### Application Examples To support strong, complete applications, RTO 9 offers sample examples that highlight both effective and less effective submissions. These examples are intended to show how clear alignment, realistic planning, and complete documentation strengthen an application and where common gaps can weaken one. Applicants are encouraged to review these examples and access available support to better understand expectations, avoid common pitfalls, and submit a clear, competitive application. [Good Example](https://www.rto9.ca/images/Partnership-Fund-Program/Good_Example.pdf) [Bad Example](https://www.rto9.ca/images/Partnership-Fund-Program/Bad_Example.pdf) ### Application Scoring Matrix Applications are evaluated using a standardized scoring matrix designed to ensure projects align with RTO 9 priorities and are ready to deliver meaningful impact. The matrix assesses alignment with strategic goals, visitor experience impact, regional and economic benefit, project readiness, and overall application quality. Applicants are encouraged to use the scoring criteria as a guide when preparing their submission. Strong applications clearly connect their project to the intended impacts and show readiness to deliver within the program timelines. [Review the Matrix](https://www.rto9.ca/images/Partnership-Fund-Program/26-27-Scoring-Matrix.pdf) ### DMO/DMMO/DMP Engagement Applicants are required to connect with their local DMO/DMP/DMMO to obtain a letter of acknowledgment as part of the application process. Early engagement is strongly encouraged, as DMOs/DMMOs/DMPs can provide valuable feedback on project alignment, regional priorities, and overall readiness. This collaboration helps ensure proposed projects support local destination strategies and strengthens applications by demonstrating coordination and regional impact. [Find Your Contact](https://www.rto9.ca/about/about-the-region/) ## **Application for Partnership Funds** Look at your proposed project through a tourism lens. Is your project going to help you drive and retain visitors from outside of your community or outside of the region? Is there opportunity for them to spend money while they are here? Is there a way to measure the success of your project and at what points are you going to share your stories with RTO 9? The key to a successful application is preparation, a clear understanding of your project and how it impacts tourism in the region, and ensuring that you provide all the relevant information without overwhelming reviewers with text. Concise and clear applications that demonstrate a high understanding of RTO 9 objectives to grow tourism in the region are more likely to receive funding. **Before you apply:** - Did you read and understand the program guidelines? - Have you confirmed that your business/project are eligible for the program? - Did you connect with [your DMO/DMMO/DMP](https://www.rto9.ca/about/about-the-region/) to discuss your project and receive a letter from them? - Is your budget complete showing the 50% funding split and eligible funding items? - Did you connect with RTO 9 Operations Manager, Meg Dabros, to discuss your project? #### The application window is now closed. [Budget Template](https://www.rto9.ca/images/2025-2026-PF-Budget.docx)