Deadline: 31-Jan-25
The City of Gresham is requesting applications for its Cultural Events Grant Program to support for Gresham-based activities and events that nurture community pride and celebrate diversity and culture.
The City of Gresham is one of the most diverse communities in the state, and the Cultural Events Grant funds organizations that support cultural events and programs that involve direct community participation through events and festivals rich in culture, education, and/or heritage.
Funding Information
- The total program funding for 2024-25 cycle is $26,500.
- The maximum award per recipient is $7,950 (30% of the total Cultural Events Grant Program budget).
- All funds must be expended by June 30, 2025.
Ineligible Costs
- Fellowships or tuition assistance.
- Projects utilizing other City of Gresham funding.
- Multiple projects from same non-profit.
- Direct grants to individuals. All grants must be to a non-profit organization.
- Costs incurred before the start of the funded project.
- Capital expenditures above $500; real estate purchases; facility or property construction; renovation or repair costs; purchase of equipment related to general operations (such as air conditioning, electrical or communication systems, vehicles, or office equipment).
- Applications to reduce existing deficits.
- Activities outside Gresham city limits.
- Competitions or pageants.
- Hospitality costs (food, beverage, labor).
- Publication of manuscripts or compositions not created as part of a grant-supported project or program.
- Events not available to the City of Gresham public.
- School programs traditionally part of the academic curriculum.
- Projects or activities that are primarily religious in nature.
- City of Gresham permits required for completion of the project.
Eligibility Criteria
- Fund a project or event that would otherwise not have access to other City funds or grant opportunities.
- Fund a program or event that serves residents within the City of Gresham and within the City’s legal authority.
- Be a non-profit organization registered with the State of Oregon and have or be applying for Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 501(c)(3) status and have business offices within the Gresham city limits. PO Boxes alone are not acceptable.
- Be an individual residing within the city limits who has partnered with a non-profit organization as a fiscal sponsor for their project.
- Have a functioning Board of Directors. A list of current board members, including contact information, is required as part of the application.
- The event must provide opportunities of exposure to varied forms of cultural enrichment.
- Address at least two of the public benefit areas identified in the Grant Program objectives:
- Promote activities that tell and build upon the stories of Gresham as a community.
- Promote events that will be visible in the community.
- Promote events that support improved outcomes for underrepresented communities and/or celebrate diversity and/or culture/heritage.
- Fall within at least one of the Grant categories:
- Performing arts: community and professional theater, instrumental and vocal music, dance
- Festivals or parades
- Educational events
- Application must demonstrate financial need.
- The organization must demonstrate additional support from sources other than City funds. Grant requests can only amount to a maximum of 50% of the entire proposed project costs.
- All grant money awarded must be fully matched. The applicant must provide half or more of the total project cost in cash or a combination of cash and in-kind contributions from other sources. These sources must be identified in the budget section of the Grant Application.
- In-kind contributions refer to the donation of facilities, supplies, equipment, or services whose monetary value can be determined and that are necessary for the project and would otherwise need to be purchased or rented by the applicant.
Application requirements
- Projects submitted for funding must directly benefit Gresham residents. The City of Gresham is not responsible for any costs incurred in preparing an application/proposal. Funding will be provided up-front in a lump sum payment. Projects must occur during the timeframe specified in the grant agreement.
For more information, visit City of Gresham.