Signature Event Grant Program

The City of Bellingham is seeking proposals from parties interested in and capable of producing a special event or a unique public experience, “signature event.” Donor Name: City of Bellingham State: Washington County: Whatcom County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Goals The Tourism Commission has the following goals for the program yet recognizes each proposal may not satisfy every goal.  Creates a meaningful artistic and cultural impact on local community and the visitors that attend.Celebrates the indoor food, restaurant, arts and culture scene that Bellingham has to offer. Prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusivity and supports BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and other historically marginalized communities. Integrates new and up & coming talent into the line-up. Provides a unique distinctive Pacific Northwest experience. For example, the event should not re-create what’s happening in Seattle.  Attracts a significant number of tourists, with an emphasis on the Canadian visitor and yields a strong likelihood of overnight stays Generates numerous secondary economic benefits. Promotes walkability, the food and restaurant scene, and highlights or incorporates, where appropriate, businesses, history, area attractions, other events and environmental stewardship.  Creates a long-lasting positive impression of the event and of Bellingham/Whatcom County.  Becomes self-sustaining after a few years – specifically, significant City funding is not required for longer than three years. Funding Information The anticipated commitment is up to three years for purposes of providing seed money necessary to launch a new event. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year and approximately $70,000 is available for the two following years for one or more signature events.  Eligible Expenses Marketing and operational expenses are eligible. Marketing expenses includes activities designed to increase tourism, including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism and funding marketing of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. Operation includes, but is not limited to, typical expenses associated with managing and operating an event such as supplies, equipment rentals, venue costs etc. For more information, visit City of Bellingham.