Special Events Grant Program

Operation Downtown Grant Program

Operation Downtown offers financial assistance for events and/or projects held in the Downtown Des Moines area that will enhance the quality of life for the Greater Des Moines region. Downtown Des Moinesis loosely defined as Interstate 235 to the north including MercyMedicalCenter, the Raccoon Riverto the south, SE 14^th to the East andMartin Luther King Parkway to the west.

Events Support Grant Guidelines

Eligibility:

1) Funding assistance will be made to events or projects that take place in the Downtown Des Moines area as defined above.
2) Non-profits will have priority for funding.

Not Considered for Funding:

1) Events/projects not happening in the defined Downtown Des Moines area
2) Runs or walks as fundraisers.
3) Sectarian religious events/projects/programs
4) Political events/projects/programs
5) On-going operating expenses
6) Conferences and meetings

Operation Downtown funding is allocated in two categories.

Downtown New Events:

1) New events.
2) Established events that are relocating to Downtown Des Moines
Recurring Downtown Events:

1) Established annual events
2) Events that need extra temporary support to stay Downtown.

A maximum of $2,500 will be awarded per supported project.

Applying for Funding Support:

There are four funding cycles. Deadlines for each cycle follow.

October 1 for events/projects occurring between January 1 and March 30

February 1 for events/projects occurring between April 1 and June 30

April 1 for events/projects occurring between July 1 and September 31

July 1 for events/projects occurring between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31

Questions should be directed to Amy Baker by calling 286-4919. Submit applications to abaker@downtowndesmoines.com. A response to each applicant will be made within 30 working days of applying.

Event Grant Application

We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.

Organization Name
Contact Name*
FirstLast
Address
Street AddressAddress Line 2CityState / Province / RegionZip / Postal CodeCountry
Email*
Funding Request
Has your organization received funding from Operation Downtown or Downtown Community Alliance within the past three years? *
If yes, what was the event and how much money did your organization receive?
If this is a new event for Downtown, are there plans to make this a multi-year event/project?
Describe the proposed event/project (Maximum 200 words)
How will the event/project impact Downtown (Maximum 200 words)
What is the expected attendance?
List other partners/sponsors
Specifically, how will the funding be used? (Marketing, permits, entertainment)*
How will Operation Downtown be recognized in marketing efforts for the event/project?*