Cultural Event Grant Program

The Cotati Cultural Event Grant is a locally funded initiative administered by the City of Cotati, California. This program is a reflection of the city’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, equity, and cultural expression within its community. The grant is supported through the City’s General Fund and is designed to promote and support new or ongoing cultural events that celebrate diversity and contribute to a compassionate and healthy environment. While the grant cycle is funded on an annual basis, it is not guaranteed to recur every year, as availability depends on the city’s budgetary constraints. The grant aims to support events that enrich the cultural fabric of Cotati by encouraging the participation of a diverse range of community members and organizations. Events that receive funding should exemplify the city’s values by being inclusive, multicultural, and accessible, avoiding themes or content that promote hate, discrimination, or political lobbying. This funding opportunity serves both new initiatives and existing events that align with these objectives. Applicants may apply for a maximum of $5,000 per event. However, the total grant pool is limited to $10,000 annually, subject to budget approval. Because of this cap, not all applicants will be funded, and funding levels for approved events may vary based on demand and availability. Funds are distributed in two installments: the first half is disbursed in late January or February following notification and submission of required documentation; the second half is issued approximately 30 days before the scheduled event date. Grant recipients must host their events within the designated performance period of April through November in the award year. Any exceptions to this timeframe are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility is open to local organizations, non-profits, individuals, or small groups that have partnered with an experienced organization or non-profit. This inclusive approach ensures that a broad spectrum of community stakeholders can access funding, provided their events meet the program’s guidelines. Only one grant will be awarded per applicant group per funding cycle, though multiple applications can be submitted for different events. Repeated funding for the same event is not allowed; each event is eligible for only one grant award. Events that are canceled after receiving funds must return the money and may forfeit future eligibility. The application period opens in August and closes in December. All applications are reviewed in December, and award notifications are made in January. Applications are evaluated by an internal committee, which ranks proposals based on alignment with the grant’s purpose and impact. Final funding decisions are made by the Cotati City Council, based on the committee’s recommendations. Applicants must include all relevant city fees in their grant proposals, as fee waivers are only considered on a case-by-case basis by the Council. Notifications to selected awardees are sent via email, phone, or postal mail using the primary contact information provided on the application. All checks are mailed to the address listed on the grant application. For further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Recreation Manager Ashley Wilson by phone at 707-665-3222 or by email at [email protected]. The next application cycle opens on August 1st.

Events must align with the City’s values of equity, compassion, and diversity.