Sacramento opens final round of City of Festivals grants; applications due April 1–30

Sabrina Taft, project manager with the Office of Innovation and Economic Development, told prospective applicants that the City of Festivals grant program — launched in 2022 and run through four rounds — has been approved for a final fifth round and is accepting applications April 1–30 for events scheduled June 15–Oct. 31.

The program awards up to $7,500 per grant to cover reimbursable event expenses, Taft said. “The grants, we are providing a maximum of $7,500 per grant,” she said. Taft added that award notifications will be sent the week of May 20 and that funding is reimbursable, meaning successful applicants receive payment only after their event takes place.

Applicants must apply online via SacramentoFestivals.com and complete the form hosted on the Submittable platform. “It’s really easy. You just need to provide an email address and a passcode,” project manager Valerie Mamoni said, describing account setup and login. Submittable’s messaging system is the primary channel staff will use for follow-up; messages go directly to Mamoni and Taft.

The application requires an accurate contact person (name, street address, city, ZIP, phone number and email) who will handle award communications and reimbursement paperwork; staff said this contact information cannot be changed after submission. Applicants must also supply a business operation tax number (individuals or organizations), and, if awarded, register for a supplier ID and provide event insurance.

Staff asked applicants to provide event details such as the event name, whether it is a one-time or series event, start and end times, and an address. The form includes a district lookup tool; Sacramento is divided into eight districts, and events located outside city limits will be ineligible. The application also asks for an event plan (mission/vision), team structure and roles, a marketing plan, and a market analysis.

Budget guidance distinguishes reimbursable items — including permits, parking, security, trash and marketing expenses — from non-reimbursable costs such as venue rental and food and beverage. Applicants should total reimbursable items to indicate the grant amount requested and may upload financial budgets or business plans to support their application. Staff also asked applicants to list other funding sources (bank loans, sponsorships, ticket revenue or crowdfunding) to show how the overall event budget is funded.

Materials and guidelines are available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Vietnamese on the City of Sacramento website under “City of Festivals.” Taft reminded applicants there are two City of Festivals programs and to select the Office of Innovation and Economic Development offering for this round.

For questions, applicants should use the Submittable messaging feature after creating an account; staff indicated they will answer inquiries through that platform. The application form must be submitted to be considered for review.

The program is intended to support community events and local organizers by reimbursing eligible costs and enabling cultural and civic programming across Sacramento’s districts. Additional details, including full reimbursable items and FAQ guidance, are published on the city’s website and the SacramentoFestivals application page.