FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 19, 2021

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tammi Bryant, Tacoma Venues & Events, tbryant@tacomavenues.org, (425) 343-2462

Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Special Events Funding Changes in 2021

--Competitive Funding Process Aims to Expand Access--

TACOMA, Wash. -- The City of Tacoma will begin accepting applications for funding for the production of public-benefiting Special Events in 2021. This marks the first year applicants will engage in a competitive process to receive funding for community events, with the City’s Events and Recognition Committee acting as review and selection panel. The City of Tacoma’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and transformation drives budget and funding decisions and this competitive panel process ensures an equitable distribution of funds, with intent to expand access to diverse communities and cultures throughout Tacoma.

“The City’s Events & Recognitions Committee is dedicated to promoting equity and social justice through the presentation of events,” stated committee member, Chris McNabb. “We are looking forward to growing the impact of special events, reducing barriers to participation, engaging more diverse audiences, and expanding to more Tacoma neighborhoods with this new funding model.”

Applications will be open from April 23 until June 4, 2021. Applicants may request up to $10,000 for costs associated with the production of an event (or events) that are accessible to the general public. Funding may be used for event infrastructure, traffic control, performers, event marketing, and more. Funded events must take place between August 2021 and July 2022. Applications will be measured on merit, equity, community impact, and applicants’ capacity to successfully produce the event. Applicants will be encouraged to address how they represent and focus on underrepresented segments of the community. Full application details are available now.

Eligibility extends to private non-profit agencies with a 501(c) designation, organized groups of community volunteers, Neighborhood Business Districts, Neighborhood Councils, educational institutions or for-profit businesses wishing to produce not-for-profit events, and federally-recognized tribes or Native non-profits. Applicants are required to have offices within Tacoma or, if they have no offices, a majority of their activities must take place within Tacoma city limits. Other eligibility requirements apply. See guidelines for complete terms.

During the open application period, staff will provide orientation workshops to assist prospective applicants in creating a successful application. The inaugural funding process is anticipated to be completed by the end of July 2021, with flexibility due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.

For complete information, visit Special Events web page.

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