City of Cotati Cultural Event Grant Program

The Cotati Cultural Event Grant is a municipal grant initiative operated by the City of Cotati in California. The grant program is funded through the City’s General Fund and is offered annually, although funding is not guaranteed each year and is subject to budget availability. The purpose of the grant is to promote multicultural and new community events that advance values of equity, compassion, and health, and recognize diversity as a fundamental community strength. By supporting events with these objectives, the program aims to cultivate a more inclusive cultural landscape within the city. Grants under this program are designated to support either new or ongoing cultural events taking place within Cotati city limits. The funding is directed exclusively at cultural community events and cannot be used for political lobbying or events that promote hate or discrimination. The maximum amount that a single applicant may receive is $5,000, and a total of up to $10,000 may be awarded across all grantees per annual funding cycle. Funding decisions are dependent on available budget allocations, and not all applicants are guaranteed to receive support. Eligibility for this grant is relatively broad. Local organizations, nonprofits, individuals, or small groups working in partnership with organizations that have prior event experience are eligible to apply. However, only one award can be granted per applicant per cycle, though applicants may submit more than one proposal. Events funded through this grant must take place during the designated performance period, which spans from April to November of the award year. Special consideration may be granted for events occurring outside of this timeframe on a case-by-case basis. The application window opens in August and closes in December. All applications are reviewed in December by an internal city staff committee. This committee evaluates and ranks proposals before forwarding recommendations to the City Council, which makes the final funding decisions. Award notifications are sent out in January. Grant disbursements occur in two payments: the first half is released in late January or February following the announcement and required paperwork, while the second half is distributed roughly 30 days before the scheduled event date. To receive funding, applicants must include any relevant City of Cotati permit fees in their grant application. Fee waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the City Council. Grant recipients who fail to hold their planned events must return any disbursed funds and may become ineligible for future grant awards. For questions or more information about the application process, applicants can contact Ashley Wilson, Recreation Manager, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 707-665-3222.