Community and Cultural Events Grants
The Community and Cultural Events Grant pilot program supports nonprofit-led events that help build connection, visibility, and belonging across Lacey. The program is designed to boost community-driven celebrations while providing a clear, equitable path to City funding.
Use the sections below to learn:
- Who can apply
- What costs are eligible
- How funding decisions are made
- What to expect if your organization is selected
The 2026 Application Period is Now Closed.
2026 Grant Recipients
For a full list of upcoming City events, please visit our Community Events webpage.
| Organization | Event Name | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hummingbird Studio | Art in the Park | July 24, 2026 | Woodland Creek Park | Free, public event with creative activities for all ages. |
| New Life Baptist Church of Thurston County | Black History Month Pop Up Museum | February 1-27, 2027 | New Life Baptist Church of Thurston County | Educational event celebrating Black History Month. |
| TOGETHER! | Club House Community & Cultural Event | October 31, 2026 | Lacey Depot | A celebration of Dia De Los Muertos for the community. |
| Women’s Dignity School | Community Cultural Gathering | August 8, 2026 | Huntamer Park | A free, public community cookout with West African drumming and cultural education. |
| Indian American Star Foundation | Holi – Festival of Colors | April 2027 | Rainier Vista Community Park | A Holi (Festival of Colors) event with colors, dancing, and food celebrating Indian culture. |
| Polynesian Association of Thurston County | Lacey PolyFest | June 26-27, 2026 | Regional Athletic Complex | A free, public event with food, dances, music, and stories of various Polynesian Island Groups |
| Christlike AgroTourism for Racial Equality Wellness Center & Services | S.A.F.E. Community Wellness Day | April 2027 | Wellness Day Lacey Community Center | A free, full‑day event focused on cultural wellness and trauma‑healing. |
| South Sound Studio Tour Foundation | South Sound Studio Tour Foundation | May/June 2027 | Lacey MakerSpace | A free, all-ages self-guided tour to explore artist studios throughout Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater. |
Is This Grant Right for My Event?
Community and Cultural Events Grants support nonprofit-led events that bring people together and celebrate Lacey’s diverse communities.
Your event may be a good fit if it:
- Advances City-adopted goals, policies, and strategic priorities, aligned with the City Council’s mission, vision, and motto.
- Creates a welcoming, inclusive environment for the community.
- Benefits Lacey’s diverse populations.
- Is open to the general public and free to attend.
- Takes place within the City of Lacey or the Lacey Urban Growth Area.
Who Can Apply?
Who can apply
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status registered with the Washington Secretary of State
- Organizations applying with an eligible fiscal sponsor
Who is not eligible
- Political organizations or individual campaigns
- Organizations that discriminate against protected classes
- Religious organizations promoting religious purposes (religious organizations may apply if the event aligns with program goals and is not religious in nature)
What Costs Can the Grant Cover?
Grant funds may be used to reimburse eligible expenses directly related to planning and hosting a community or cultural event.
Eligible reimbursement costs:
- Venue: Rental, permits
- Program and Activities: Performers, shows, speakers, etc.
- Marketing and Communications: Ads, flyers, banners, etc.
- Food and Beverage: Catering, food vendors, snacks
- Equipment and Supplies: Generators, sound systems, rentals, swag, etc.
- Staffing and Volunteers: Wages or stipends, clothing
- Transportation: Vehicle rentals, parking, etc.
- Administration and Operations: Office overhead, registration/payment fees, etc.
Grant funds may NOT be used for:
- Alcohol or alcoholic beverages.
- Drugs or consumables infused with drugs.
- Religious or political promotion.
- Activities that discriminate against protected classes.
How Much Funding is Available?
The City will award reimbursement grants based on available funding and application quality.
- Minimum award: $500
- Maximum award: $5,000
- Each organization may submit one application per funding cycle.
- A funding match is not required, but proposals with matching funds may receive additional consideration during evaluation.
How Does the Selection Process Work?
Applications are reviewed through a transparent, multi-step process.
- City staff review applications for eligibility and completeness.
- The Commission on Equity reviews applications and makes recommendations.
- Final funding decisions are made by the Lacey City Council.
- Applicants may be asked to present their proposal as part of the review process.
The City may award partial funding and is not required to fund all eligible applications.
What Happens if You’re Awarded a Grant?
Organizations selected for funding must enter into a written agreement with the City of Lacey and be able to:
- Provide proof of general liability insurance for the event.
- Submit nonprofit or fiscal sponsor documentation.
- Provide invoices and supporting documentation for expenses submitted for reimbursement.
- Sign documents electronically using City-approved systems.
- Submit required reports, including an annual report.
- Retain records for seven years.
- Provide authorization from their governing body or executive director.
If an awarded event cannot take place within the agreement term, the organization may be ineligible for the next funding cycle unless extenuating circumstances are approved.
The City will publish a list of funded organizations, award amounts, and brief descriptions of how grant funds are used.
Full Program Policy
The full Community and Cultural Event Grant Policy can be found here.
