The City of Bellingham is requesting proposals for the Downtown Activation and Beautification grant program.
Donor Name: City of Bellingham
State: Washington
County: Whatcom County (WA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/10/2025
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Uses of Funds
Funding is limited to:
- Projects on public streets, sidewalks, plazas, parks or other public properties.
- Projects on the exterior of private buildings, provided they create a public benefit. Permanent improvements to private property are not permitted.
- Activities or events in private buildings or on private property that are open to the public.
- Desired Proposals.
Activation
Activation examples include, but are not limited to:
- Performances or live music
- Cultural celebrations, storytelling, or dance
- Outdoor games or activities
- Public workshops, skilled demonstrations, or classes
- Block parties, festivals, markets, or other events.
Beautification
Beautification examples include, but are not limited to:
- Pop-up art installations or displays
- Creative lighting
- Artwork
- Signage
- Interactive exhibits or displays.
Program Goals and Objectives
- Attract visitors and create new and memorable experiences to enhance the city’s brand as a tourism destination to boost revenue and economic growth.
- Create a more enjoyable experience for pedestrians (“surprise and delight”) to encourage exploration, longer stays and increased foot traffic.
- Enliven public streets, sidewalks, plazas, and parks to promote use of underutilized spaces, create opportunities for community connections, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Enhance aesthetic appeal, district identity, and “Instagram-worthy” opportunities.
- Encourage connections between downtown and the waterfront, Old Town, and other adjacent neighborhoods.
- Foster people’s positive engagement with downtown to improve the experience of joy, sense of safety, pride, and interest in the downtown neighborhood.
Funding Information
Up to $250,000 in lodging tax funding will be distributed through this RFP.
Eligible Applicants
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Experience designing and implementing projects and/or programs.
- Ability to provide or secure expertise, supplies, materials, equipment, staffing and all other aspects necessary to carry out the project or program, including fronting the costs for reimbursement.
- Ability to provide proof of insurance and endorsement listing the City as additional insured, showing the insurance as primary and non-contributory and waiving subrogation for the duration of the project. Coverage shall include but is not limited to:
- Workers Compensation: Statutory Amount
- Automobile Liability: $1,000,000
- Broad Form Comprehensive Liability: $1,000,000/occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate.
For more information, visit City of Bellingham.
