Event Grants

Visit 29 Palms’ Event Grants program offers funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 to support the development and expansion of events that significantly contribute to tourism and overnight visitation in Twentynine Palms, California. Administered through the Twentynine Palms Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), this grant program emphasizes supporting events during the area’s non-peak tourism season, especially between May and September. These events are seen as critical tools in building a year-round visitor economy and enhancing the city’s reputation as a diverse and engaging destination. Eligible applicants for the Event Grants include nonprofit organizations, independent event producers, and for-profit businesses. While applicants are not required to reside in Twentynine Palms, they must demonstrate prior experience in organizing events to ensure successful execution. All funded events must occur within the Twentynine Palms sphere of influence, which includes the city itself as well as surrounding areas such as Desert Heights, Indian Cove Campground and Amphitheater, the northern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP), and Wonder Valley. Applicants are required to submit a preliminary Venue Agreement as part of their application, confirming a suitable location within the designated region. The application must include several detailed components: a comprehensive event overview that aligns with Visit 29 Palms' destination pillars (which include outdoor recreation, arts and culture, history, health and wellness, culinary experiences, and stargazing), a robust marketing strategy, the applicant’s prior event planning credentials, a detailed budget with a breakdown of how funds will be used, and proof of matching funds totaling 25% of the total project budget. At least 12% of this match must be monetary, while up to 13% may be in-kind contributions. TBID will fund up to 75% of the total event budget, and funds are disbursed in two phases: 75% before the event and the remaining 25% post-event upon satisfactory submission of required reporting. The grant review process is conducted by a five-member Review Committee, which includes two members from the TBID Events Subcommittee. Applications are scored based on five weighted criteria: the strength of the event concept and alignment with destination pillars, the potential to attract visitors, the applicant’s relevant experience, the effectiveness of the marketing plan, and budget clarity and matching fund evidence. A minimum score of 80 out of 100 is required to advance to the funding consideration stage. Public meetings are held to finalize funding decisions. Grantees must meet specific promotional obligations as outlined in the award agreement. These include incorporating Visit 29 Palms branding into event materials, linking to Visit29.org's lodging page, tagging Visit 29 Palms on social media, and fulfilling any additional commitments. Post-event reporting is mandatory and must be submitted within four weeks after the event. This includes event attendance data, media documentation, financial breakdowns of expenditures, and results from an attendee survey capturing visitor experience and economic impact data. For the 2025–2026 grant cycle, two rounds of applications are offered. Round One covers events scheduled between January 1 and June 30, 2026, with a revised application deadline of December 31, 2025. Round Two supports events taking place from July 1 to December 31, 2026, with an application deadline of April 1, 2026. All applications must be submitted online through the designated Event Grant Application Form.

Must achieve minimum score of 80/100; include strong alignment with Visit 29 Palms pillars and clear marketing strategy.