The District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development is excited to announce that it will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Art All Night Marketing Services Grant Program.
Donor Name: Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
State: District of Columbia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/04/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The AAN Marketing Services Grant Program is a DSLBD initiative created to maximize media engagement leading up to the AAN Festival. The selected awardee will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive citywide marketing and communications strategy for AAN.
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in the following areas:
- Strategic campaign planning & management;
- Delivery of interim performance reports and final post-event impact reporting;
- Securing earned media placements with local, regional, and national outlets;
- Drafting and distributing press releases, media advisories, event previews, and artist and vendor spotlights;
- Graphic design and creative product services;
- Providing website and digital platform support; and
- Identification of potential partners for the AAN Festival.
The proposed programming should address the following objectives:
- Support small business retention and growth by increasing foot traffic and customer engagement at Art All Night (AAN) Festival activations within Main Street corridors and other economic corridors across all eight (8) wards.
- Extend the economic impact of DSLBD funding by increasing awareness of AAN programming and driving intentional spending at small and local businesses through Main Street–supported corridors and additional ward-based commercial districts.
- Strengthen neighborhood economic corridors by elevating District-based artists, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs through arts-driven programming that encourages sustained economic activity and repeat visitation beyond the festival weekend.
Funding Information
DSLBD intends to award one (1) grant up to $75,000.00 of the total funding available for FY 26.
Allowed Uses
Grant funds may be used for any of the categories below, subject to approval by DSLBD. Additional costs proposed by the grantee that are not included below, but incurred during the Period of Performance, may be approved by DSLBD in its sole discretion.
Eligibility Criteria
An applicant for a FY 26 AAN Marketing Services Grant must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant’s business must be based in DC.
- The applicant’s organization and Executive Director or other Officer(s) have not been suspended from any District grant program for any reason within the past five (5) years. DSLBD will not solicit offers from, award grants to, renew, extend grant agreements with, or consent to subcontracts with entities that have been suspended during this timeframe.
For more information, visit DSLBD.
