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    Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund

The Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund was established in recognition that festivals and event programming contribute to a vibrant community. By bringing people together in our public spaces, we are able to elevate the platform on which traditions, culture and artistic expression (visual, performance) are experienced.  Arts and culture contribute to a vibrant city, alive with arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences, making it an attractive destination for residents, employees and visitors.  Vibrant urban centers serve as talent attractors and support employer attraction and retention.  

The Downtown Syracuse Foundation will administer the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund, established by the Syracuse Common Council. The funding is designed to reimburse organizers for eligible expenses associated with awarded festivals and events. Consideration may also be given to direct payment to vendors for eligible services rendered.  Funding is intended for festivals and events that will be held from approximately December 2023 through September 2024.  Applications may be submitted for grant support between $3,000 and $10,000 per event and will be reviewed based on a number of factors, including how the festival or event attracts visitors to public spaces, increases the community's awareness of a variety of ethnicities, builds appreciation for a diversity of cultures, traditions and art forms, and/or creates opportunities to celebrate the diverse fabric of our region and showcase the artistic opportunities found within our city.

Festivals or events eligible for funding are intended to be celebratory events centered on a specific theme that are free for the public to attend (no ticket purchase is required or involved), held in public spaces, and provides entertainment and/or activities for patrons. Supported festivals will be able to demonstrate a track record of growth and/or a plan for future growth.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS

ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS

To be eligible, organizations must:

  • Be a certified not-for-profit 501c3 or 501c4 entity, or demonstrate an existing working relationship with an established not-for-profit fiscal agent.
  • Submit applications at least two (2) months prior to the event date
  • Provide information such as date, location, and a description of the event
  • Provide information regarding how the event will be promoted, sources of additional funding, expenses and the grant amount requested from the Downtown Syracuse Foundation
  • Please note, to be eligible for consideration, the event must be held within the city of Syracuse

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION

Application Deadline: All rounds of funding are closed at this time. 

Please contact Laurie Reed (lreed@downtownsyracuse.com) with any questions. 

TIMELINE

TIMELINE:

Round 1 of funding has closed.

Round 2 of funding has closed.

All rounds of funding are closed at this time. 

The Downtown Syracuse Foundation will notify applicants and announce fund distributions within the notification week noted above.