The City of Santa Cruz is pleased to announce the 2026 Special Event Grant Program.
Donor Name: City of Santa Cruz
State: California
City: Santa Cruz
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/16/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
This program provides financial support of up to $2,500 for events that enhance the vibrancy, economic vitality, and well-being of the Santa Cruz community.
Grant Period
Eligible events must take place within Santa Cruz city limits between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- To qualify, special events must:
- Be held within City limits.
- Not be for religious or political purposes, nor promote activities prohibited by City Council policies.
- Have been held at least once before or be newly established.
- Submit a completed Special Events Grant Application along with a Special Events Permit Application.
- Applicants must:
- Be based in Santa Cruz or demonstrate clear benefits to City residents.
- Have no outstanding debts to the City.
- Declare all other sources of funding.
- Submit a Post-Event Report within 30 days of the event.
- Preference will be given to events that:
- Are first-time applicants.
- Align with the City’s Health in All Policies framework (equity, public health, sustainability).
- Have a high number of expected attendees.
- Create economic opportunities for local businesses.
- Include educational components or involve multiple community groups.
For more information, visit City of Santa Cruz.
