Numerica Mini Cultural Event Grant for Wall Street

The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is excited to announce the availability of grant funding to support events that honor and celebrate the history and traditions of our city’s diverse cultural communities. This initiative aims to amplify diversity and foster the exchange of traditions within downtown Spokane.

About

For the upcoming summer season, DSP has allocated $5,000 in grant funding underwritten by Numerica Credit Union. Up to ten groups will receive $500 each to activate Wall Street in downtown Spokane on Saturdays from June through September.

Grants will be awarded through a competitive review process conducted by a panel of representatives from the DSP, BID, and the wider Spokane community. Proposals must showcase cultural or diverse activities of recognized quality that are free and open to the public. All activities must take place on Wall Street between Spokane Falls Blvd and Main Avenue.

Additionally, grant recipients will have access to Downtown Spokane Partnership event resources, including tables, chairs, tents, and event permitting assistance. All food, fire, and beverage planning must be coordinated with the appropriate authorizing organizations.

TOTAL AWARDS: $5,000

Up to ten groups will each receive $500 in funding to activate Wall Street in downtown Spokane on Saturdays June through September.

HOW WE FUND

  • Interested organizations must complete an online application during the application period, summarizing the event/activation and stating goals to advance cultural exchange.
  • Applications that do not meet eligibility criteria will be disqualified.
  • A committee of community volunteers will review all eligible applications and make award decisions.

WHAT WE FUND

We award up to $500 to support events that fall into one of the following categories:

  • 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 community.

We prioritize events that:

  • Offer inspiring, engaging programming.
  • Incorporate intentional techniques to build new relationships and facilitate the sharing of ideas.
  • Have clear goals for participant outcomes.

TIMELINE

  • Application Period: Opens Monday, February 10, 2025, and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025.
  • Notification: Finalists will be selected, and all applicants notified of decisions during the week of April 7, 2025.
  • Award Distribution: Grant agreements will be emailed the week of April 14, 2025; signed agreements are due by April 30, 2025.
  • Event Period: Events should take place June, July, August or September 2025.
  • Award Distribution: Awards will be distributed at one month before the event, following confirmation of location and reservation of the event date.

DEFINITIONS

Cultural exchange is achieved when communities of diverse heritage showcase and celebrate their own culture, traditions, and history.

Cultural events often include performances or displays of artistic expression, traditional crafts and modern interpretations, and forms of entertainment representative of a culture, such as dance, music, or culinary arts. Cultural events could also include customs or religious ceremonies, celebrating important holidays, or observances of historical events.

Attendees should engage in opportunities to expand their world perspective and learn from others in an inclusive, open, and respectful manner. Events to be considered should be free and open to anyone who wishes to attend.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities (including schools), and LLCs are eligible for event sponsorships. Our strong preference is for organizations without 501(c)(3) public charity status to use fiscal sponsor agreements.
  • Groups of organizations (such as coalitions or collaboratives) are also eligible to apply, but only one organization may receive the grant or contract.
  • Strong preference will be given to new or emerging events.
  • Strong preference will be given to events that promote the exchange of cultural experiences and diversity.
  • As our mission is to promote the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown Spokane, events should be presented on the block of Wall Street between Spokane Falls Blvd and Main Ave. Event may occur in cooperation with another downtown location.

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