Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) today announced that applications now are available for the Event Grant Support Program. The program is designed to support people and organizations who work to produce special events that contribute to Downtown’s range of entertainment options and energize public spaces in the urban core.

New and fun winter events that grow Downtown’s year-around calendar of activities are of particular interest in the current granting cycle.

“The average Michigan winter lasts some 150 days and we’ve heard loud and clear that Grand Rapidians desire to do more than hibernate 40 percent of the year,” said Kristopher Larson, president and CEO of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. “So we’re exploring a variety of ideas – from sledding hills to curling courts to skate tracks – to celebrate the cold-weather months and grow Grand Rapids into a great winter city. Encouraging more special events out-of-doors from November to March is another way we’re working to ensure Downtown is lively and playful all year long.”

DGRI, in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, plays an active role facilitating and supporting special events. Downtown hosted more than 250 events this past year that collectively delivered nearly 1.1 million people and $25 million in economic impact to the urban core.

The Event Grant Support Program offers three different levels of assistance:

  • Upstart Grants support smaller events attracting up to 1,000 people. Examples include Chalk Flood, Great Skate Winterfest and the Urban Downhill Skate Event. Grants are available up to $1,000. Applications are due August 1 and October 1, 2015.
  • Major Grants support larger events attracting 1,001 to 20,000 people. Examples include The Hispanic Festival, GRandJazz Fest and Swing Dancing. Grants are available up to $10,000. Applications are due September 1, 2015.
  • Signature Grants support events that draw more than 20,000 people. Examples include LaughFest, ArtPrize and Restaurant Week. Signature Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Grants will be awarded based on a rigorous set of criteria to ensure any public investment in a special event is consistent with the community goals, including:

  • The event grows and celebrates the Grand Rapids community by spotlighting local talent, establishing local partnerships, and delivering original programs that reach and interest a diverse audience with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual preference, place of residence and other attributes.
  • The event uses imagination, solid promotion and creative scheduling to attract a broad audience of people to Downtown.
  • The event is organized to optimize the use of Downtown by, for example, minimizing street closures, orienting around the Grand River, or incentivizing mobility choices.

Other basic eligibility requirements include:

  • The event must be free and open to the public.
  • The event has not already happened.
  • The event and organizers must be in good standing with the City of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
  • The event is approved by the City’s Office of Special Events or the private venue hosting the activity.
  • The event is not political or religious.
  • The event is located in Downtown Grand Rapids.