It is set up to provide funding for returning international association congresses to be organized in Vienna. Applications are open as of 01 January 2023.
What is covered by the fund?
The Vienna Loyalty Fund is set up to provide funding for returning international association congresses to be organized in Vienna.
The reference period within which the event must return to Vienna in the meaning of these Guidelines is ten years. The reference period begins with the year in which the last (previous) event was held, but not before January 01, 2024.
A returning event is only eligible for funding if it is demonstrably shown to be the same event or a continuation of the previous event. A change in the event organizer is permitted. However, events that are merely similar or comparable (to the previous event) are not eligible for funding.
What funding possibilities are available?
To qualify for funding, the following requirements must be met:
- Location: The event is taking place in Vienna and payment is made to the venue (hotel or event location).
- Duration of event: at least 3 congress days.
- Participants: at least 2,500 on site.
- International participants: at least 50% of on-site participants.
- Overnight stays: The number of international overnight stays booked at hotels in Vienna must amount to at least 50% of the number of on-site participants.
The amount of funding provided is staggered according to the number of participants. The more on-site participants (i.e. those physically present in Vienna), the higher the funding. The maximum funding per event is EUR 15,000. The maximum amount per participant category can be seen in the Funding Guidelines.
Who can apply for funding?
The Vienna Loyalty Fund is aimed at domestic and international legal organizers (federations and associations as well as foundations, funds and companies with legal capacity, that were set up for charitable purposes), who are planning and hosting a congress themselves or via a third-party, and who bear the economic risk and therefore ultimate responsibility for all costs.
In addition, legal entities under public law (e.g. universities) as well as private universities and universities of applied sciences may submit applications for funding, provided that the object of funding is an international association congress and are demonstrably commissioned to stage the event.
Agencies are entitled to apply for support if they are demonstrably acting on behalf of the organizer.
How can applications be made?
Applications can be submitted from January 01, 2023 and must be sent to funding@vienna.info. All the information and documentation submitted must be complete and correct. Please see download area.
After the formal evaluation, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that applications cannot be submitted more than five years before the date of the event.
Events that receive funding from the Vienna Loyalty Fund must display the Meeting Destination Vienna logo in their marketing materials.
