Community Programming Fund

The Community Programming Fund (CPF), administered by the City of Bellevue, Washington, supports community-led outdoor programming that enhances public spaces throughout the city. Now in its second year, the CPF continues its mission to foster lively, inclusive, and culturally rich environments by offering financial support to individuals, nonprofits, small businesses, and community organizations. The 2026 cycle of the CPF invites applicants to propose programs that encourage community gathering, boost foot traffic, and contribute to Bellevue’s neighborhood vibrancy, particularly in preparation for increased tourism during the FIFA World Cup. Designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind, CPF grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, with up to $20,000 available for qualifying market series. Funding is reimbursement-based and may include additional support for permit fees incurred through Bellevue’s Development Services, including right-of-way, fire, and amplified sound permits. A total program fund of $200,000 has been authorized for the 2026 cycle. While CPF prioritizes programs aligning with one of three focus areas—small-scale activity series, markets, and soccer tournament-related activations—proposals outside these scopes are still eligible, provided they meet core criteria such as being free, open to the public, and hosted in outdoor Bellevue spaces. Eligible activities include live performances, workshops, fitness classes, cultural celebrations, and other creative programming that takes place in plazas, parks, and other public outdoor venues such as courtyards, parking lots, and temporarily closed streets. Applications proposing one-time events are permitted, though recurring series and programs aligning with funding priorities will receive preferential scoring. Proposals are reviewed based on their potential to activate public space, align with program priorities, and demonstrate feasibility and planning capacity. The application process opens January 13, 2026, and closes March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applications must be submitted through SurveyMonkey and should include detailed descriptions of the program, its objectives, target audiences, logistical plans, and budget. Award notifications will be issued in April 2026, and eligible program activities must occur between June 1 and December 31, 2026, with priority given to programs operating by September 30. Once selected, grantees must sign a contract with the City, provide a certificate of insurance, and are responsible for executing the program in compliance with local regulations. Reimbursement will be processed upon submission and approval of a post-program report documenting public benefit and community impact. City staff are available to support applicants with guidance on permits and site selection, though the responsibility for obtaining necessary approvals remains with the applicant. Contact for the CPF is Emily Sherman, Public Space Management Specialist, who can be reached at 425-452-4270 or via email at [email protected]. Additional documentation, including program guidelines, a sample contract, and insurance requirements, is available on the official City of Bellevue website. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin planning early, ensure specificity in their applications, and reach out for guidance if needed.

Start early; be specific about activities; avoid generic AI-generated applications; contact staff for guidance