City outlines partner-led event funding: grants up to $10,000 and in-kind services up to $80,000

Staff presented a two-track assistance program for partner-led events tied to the city’s 'mission meets the moment' campaign: a cash grant and in-kind services intended to help community partners stage events that amplify the campaign.

Assistant Manager Paulina said the cash grant mirrors the city’s community grant program and provides up to $10,000 per partner for eligible costs including permits and third-party vendor expenses. A second assistance stream would provide in-kind services—such as use of city locations, staffing, and permit fee coverage—estimated at up to $80,000 per partner-led event and paid from the campaign’s seed funding.

“These are funded through the million-dollar seed funding,” Paulina said, and the program budget currently reflects $80,000 for in-kind services and $30,000 for grants (staff noted figures are being reconciled). She said organizations seeking assistance must present proposals to the committee at the June meeting and receive majority support to be eligible to submit an application to the City Manager’s Office.

Paulina described the application pathway: committee support, submission of an application to CMO with supporting documents, CMO review for approval and execution of a license agreement for events on city property. If a grant is approved and time allows, staff said the city would issue the grant check before the event; in-kind services would be documented as an agreement.

Committee members asked about timeline flexibility; staff said events must take place before Aug. 31, 2026 to align with campaign closeout, though the city’s standard grant program (up to $10,000) remains available outside that timeline.