Community and Cultural Events Grants

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

• 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)

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.

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.

Applications are reviewed through a transparent, multi-step process.

1. City staff review applications for eligibility and completeness.
2. The Commission on Equity reviews applications and makes recommendations.
3. Final funding decisions are made by the Lacey City Council.
4. 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.

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.

The full Community and Cultural Event Grant Policy can be found here.