The City of Lawrence is accepting applications for its 2026 Unmistakable Events Grant Program.
Donor Name: City of Lawrence
State: Kansas
City: Lawrence
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/10/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Unmistakable Events Grant Program program is managed through the Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) Department as part of the Unmistakable Identity outcome area. Grant application review will be conducted with the assistance of an ad hoc volunteer committee, comprising members from the Cultural Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards as well as individuals with background in arts and culture, tourism, and economic development. This committee will review applications and make recommendations to the City Commission, which has final approval of grant funds.
Goals
The Unmistakable Events (UE) Grant Program will provide funding for specific events that meet the following goals aligned with our Strategic Plan and Key Progress Indicators:
- Economic Impact: Demonstrate a measurable economic benefit by enhancing the cultural economy or travel/tourism economy, including the generation of additional transient guest tax and sales tax revenue.
- Strengthening Lawrence’s Unmistakable Identity: Enhance Lawrence’s unmistakable identity as a welcoming community known for arts, culture, and vibrant events. Events should showcase Lawrence’s reputation as a hub for regional visitors and contribute to the community’s diverse and inclusive atmosphere.
- Community Engagement, Inclusion and Cultural Impact: Foster community engagement, with a focus on inclusivity, by hosting events that resonate with diverse audiences, including black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) residents. Events should strive to increase the percentage of residents who feel their culture is celebrated in the community.
- Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Promote events and programs that celebrate and enhance and increase awareness about environmental sustainability, contributing to Lawrence’s long term environmental goals.
Funding Information
Grants start at $600 and are limited to $15,000 per event.
Guidelines
A scoring matrix aligned with the goals listed above will be used to evaluate applications.
- Eligibility: State registered for-profit and non-profit businesses may submit one grant request for events held throughout the year in Lawrence, Kansas.
- Local Focus: Only events that are held within the city limits are eligible for grant funds. Events should strive to become self-sustaining over time, although the city retains the discretion to fund events that align with the grant program goals.
- Focus on Marketing and Promotion: Funding can be used for overall event support, with a particular emphasis on marketing and promotional efforts. This could include advertising (print, social media, digital, radio, television), printing (flyers, posters, banners), video production, email marketing, web design, and graphic design services.
- Impact on Tourism: Events expected to generate overnight stays, especially during non-peak times (December through March and weekdays, Monday through Thursday night), are particularly desirable. Benefit scoring will reflect the potential for generating transient guest tax during off-peak periods.
- In-Kind and Cash Support: Applications should note the value of in-kind services or cash support from other organizations, with required letters of commitment included as confirmation.
- Post-Event Reporting: Recipients of grant funds must sign an agreement with the city, including a requirement to submit post-event reports within one month of the event. Reports must include a summary, participant data, and details on the use of city funding. Failure to submit a report may disqualify the organization from future funding opportunities.
- Recognition: Events receiving funding must include the City of Lawrence and the Unmistakably Lawrence logos on sponsorship materials and acknowledge the city’s support.
For more information, visit City of Lawrence.
