Special Public Events Grant Program

This grant program provides an excellent opportunity for organizations and individuals to receive financial support for events [up to $2,500 (a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of City Fees, not to exceed $2,500; download the full program policy(PDF, 210KB))] that contribute to the vibrancy and well-being of the Santa Cruz community. The City of Santa Cruz recognizes the value of public events in promoting social cohesion, economic vitality, and community pride.

The FY26 grant application window closed on April 16, 2025.

Depending on availability of annual grant funding, the city may consider new applications on a case-by-case basis from April 16, 2025 -March 11, 2026.

FY26 Special Events Grants Application Case-by-Case Consideration (Consideración caso por caso para la solicitud de subvenciones para eventos especiales) (after 4/16/25)

For more information on event permitting, visit Parks & Recreation Event Permits & Reservations.

Application Process & Timeline

FY2026 Application Process Timeline

Events that will take place between July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 are eligible to apply for the FY2026 grant cycle.

  • The grant application will be available from March 12- April 16, 2025.
  • Parks & Recreation Administration, 323 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 - OR - eventpermits@santacruzca.gov
  • Grant awards will be announced by June 2, 2025

Note: Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. Completing the application does not guarantee a grant and is contingent upon the annual approved budget, operating impacts, and available funds. Depending on availability of annual grant funding, the city may consider new applications on a case-by-case basis from April 16, 2025 -March 11, 2026

Application Guide

Eligibility

Special Events must:

  • Take place within City of Santa Cruz (City) limits;
  • Not be for religious or political purposes, nor promote activities that City Council policies have deemed unsupported or banned;
  • Have a history of being held at least one prior time or are brand new; and
  • Submit a Special Events Grant Application on or before January 31st of each calendar year, to be funded for special events occurring that same July 1st through June 30th of the following year.

Applicants/Sponsors must:

  • Provide a completed Special Events Grant Application and a copy of a completed Special Events Permit Application with associated supplemental information; Note: The Special Events Grant Application is not a formal application for the Special Events Permit Application. A Special Events Permit Application must be submitted to: eventpermits@santacruzca.gov.
  • Be held on public property within the City Limits of Santa Cruz.
  • Not have outstanding debt owed to the City and, if applicable, be in good standing with the Special Events Coordinator (Administrator) in terms of fulfilling past special event requirements;
  • Be based inside the City limits or show demonstrated benefits are primarily for the residents of the City;
  • Meet all Special Events Grant Application and Special Events Permit Application process deadlines for consideration;
  • Declare all other funding sources that they are seeking or have been granted; and
  • Submit a Post-Event Report to the City within thirty (30) days following the special event.

Ineligible Applicants/Sponsors

  • Projects or organizations that have not satisfactorily fulfilled their obligations following previous fee reductions, waivers, or other special event requirements;
  • Organizing a private function or on private property;
  • Organizing a for-profit commercial venture;
  • Organizing primarily a fundraiser or charity; and
  • Financially dependent on receiving City funds.

Evaluation Criteria

In evaluating the priority of the Special Events Grant Applications, preference will be given to applications that:

  • Are applying for the first time and have not received support from the City in the past;
  • Raise the profile of Santa Cruz through prominent acknowledgment of its support and assistance in event marketing materials and at the event itself;
  • Embody the City’s Health in All Policies pillars: equity, public health, and sustainability;
  • Have a high number of expected attendees;
  • Address City Council priorities and adopted General Plan policies;
  • Benefit the residents of Santa Cruz;
  • Contain an educational component;
  • Create revenue-generating opportunities for local businesses;
  • Involve more than one (1) Santa Cruz community group (in event organization and/or participation); and
  • Commit to tracking event attendance.

Grant Administration

Grant Award Process

Once an event has occurred, grant recipients are required to complete a Post-Event Grant Report. Once submitted, the City will compare the final event permit receipt with the awarded amount. If the grant recipient incurred any fees from other city departments beyond the Event Permit Office, the recipient may submit those receipts for inclusion in their reimbursement request. City staff will then finalize any changes and issue the grant reimbursement check to the event permittee.

Grant Award List

FY25 Event Grant Recipients for FY2025 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025) are:

  1. Kids Day
  2. Santa Cruz Firecracker
  3. Santa Cruz Pride 50th Anniversary Parade & Festival
  4. Common Ground
  5. NAACP - March for the Dream
  6. Senderos
  7. Dance Week
  8. Journey for Change
  9. Day on the Beach
  10. Liberation Paddle Out
  11. Cedar St. Festival

Please check the "Application Process & Timeline" section of this webpage to learn more about how to apply for future cycles of Event Grant funding!

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