The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for grant funding to support events that honor and celebrate the history and traditions of Spokane’s diverse cultural communities. This initiative, underwritten by Numerica Credit Union, aims to amplify diversity and foster the exchange of traditions within downtown Spokane.
For the upcoming summer season, DSP has allocated $5,000 in funding, with up to ten groups receiving $500 each to activate Wall Street in downtown Spokane on select Saturdays from June through September 2025.
The mini cultural event grant is the successor to a similar grant campaign presented by DSP in 2021 and 2022, which funded emerging events in downtown such as Taco y Tequila and Spokane’s Lunar New Year celebration. “Though these unique partnerships we are creating an opportunity for downtown to showcase Spokane’s diverse communities,” says Elisabeth Hooker, Vice President of Marketing and Programming. “In recent years, we’ve seen growth in interest for cultural exchange and we’re proud to partner with Numerica to help provide the resources to help bring those activities to reality.”
Proposals should showcase cultural or diverse activities of recognized quality that are free and open to the public. All events must take place on Wall Street, between Spokane Falls Blvd and Main Avenue.
The grants will support the following types of events:
- Cultural Celebrations: Events that honor and showcase the traditions, customs, and histories of Spokane’s diverse communities.
- Educational Activities: Programs that create opportunities to explore and learn about different cultures, historical experiences, and backgrounds.
- Community Engagement: Events that bring together people across sectors, generations, and cultural backgrounds to experience activities that inspire, equip, or connect them to foster a sense of community.
Grant recipients will also have access to Downtown Spokane Partnership event resources, including tables, chairs, tents, and event permitting assistance. Coordination with local authorities will be required for any food, fire, and beverage planning.
Application Period: Opens Monday, February 10, 2025, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025. Interested organizations can view the application and apply online at downtownspokane.org/mini-cultural-grant.