The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations or groups for grant funding to support events that honor the history and traditions of our city’s diverse communities, amplifying and celebrating in the exchange of culture.
Following a successful inaugural year, the DSP has once again allocated Downtown Spokane Parking and Business Improvement District (BID) funds to the stimulation of emerging events. Recipients in 2021 established a diverse group of new and growing events including the Tacos & Tequila scholarship fundraiser presented by the Spokane Hispanic Business and Professionals Association, the Black Business Expo presented by The Cark Maxey Center, and the 2nd Annual Asian Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Day, among others.
Sixteen thousand dollars is available to support groups who are establishing new, or enhancing existing, events in the central business district. Applying community organizations may be eligible to receive up to $4,000 to foster events in the downtown area.
Applications, facilitated by the Spokane Arts Fund, will be open from May 31 through June 26, 2022. Funds will be awarded based on a competitive independent committee review and awards will be announced the week of July 11.
Grants are funded by the BID, which self-assesses businesses in the downtown area in order to fund supplemental city services that enhance the safety, cleanliness, and vibrancy of downtown.
Grant awards are intended to provide a stimulus for groups who have previously, or may now be considering, holding a festival or event in downtown, but hesitated due to monetary or logistical barriers.
Examples of possible events include arts; dance and music expositions; heritage festivals; the observation of holidays; lecture-demonstrations and workshops with a cultural focus; collaborative exchange and more.
DSP staff will be available to assist community organizations in other areas of planning that may be needed for the start-up enterprises.
- Eligibility
Organizations that are 501(c)3 public charities, have a 501(c)3 as a fiscal sponsor, or government entities (including schools) are eligible. - Event should take place between August 1, 2022 and July 31, 2023.
- Strong preference will be given to new or emerging events.
- Strong preference will be given to events that promote the exchange of cultural experience and diversity.
- As our mission is to promote the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown Spokane, events should happen within the footprint of the BID.
Application guidelines and the grant application can be found below.
About the Downtown Spokane Partnership
The DSP is a private, non-profit membership organization that serves as Spokane’s central city advocate and service provider of the Downtown Spokane Parking and Business Improvement District, dedicated to enhancing the quality and vitality of Downtown Spokane as the basis for a healthy region. The DSP accomplishes its mission through advocating for public policies, business and project development, quality planning, physical improvement projects, public safety, beautification, and marketing programs that ensure downtown’s continued success.