Special Events and Community Arts Program

The City of Naperville’s Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Program was established in 2004 to fund community initiatives that enhance Naperville’s cultural, artistic, and social landscape. This program is managed locally through the City’s Community Services Department and is designed to support events and projects that reflect the diversity, heritage, and character of the community. SECA funds are allocated specifically to support social and artistic events that provide enriching experiences to both residents and visitors of Naperville. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations officially recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) entities or as registered nonprofits with the State of Illinois. Additional eligibility requirements include ensuring the event or project takes place within incorporated Naperville during the current SECA funding cycle, does not promote religious organizations, and complies with the SECA Fund Policy and Procedures Manual. Applicants must also attend a mandatory SECA application workshop to qualify. The application period for the 2026 cycle opens on September 5, 2025, and closes on October 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Key milestones include a SECA Commission meeting with applicants on November 15, 2025, followed by a recommendation meeting on December 11, 2025. Final approval of allocations is expected from the Naperville City Council on January 20, 2026. All applicants must submit documentation such as nonprofit verification, financial statements, budget worksheet, governing board authorization, and disclosures of potential conflicts of interest. Projects must align with SECA’s mission to foster inclusive community engagement through arts and special events. Applicants are asked to describe the objectives, audience, accessibility, and sustainability of their proposed initiatives. Evaluation criteria include the community benefit, public accessibility, waste reduction efforts, transportation plans, and clean energy use during events. Recipients of SECA funding must submit a Final Financial Report and Budget Worksheet within 30 days after the project or event concludes. These forms, along with the SECA Fund Reimbursement Form and other required reports, ensure that all expenditures are transparent and compliant with city requirements. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, and all grant recipients are expected to fulfill these documentation and reporting obligations to remain in good standing. The SECA program offers Naperville nonprofits an opportunity to implement meaningful community programming that aligns with civic goals and cultural development. Funding is awarded competitively, and applicants are encouraged to articulate a long-term plan for project sustainability while demonstrating measurable benefits for the Naperville community.

Attend the mandatory workshop and ensure project aligns with SECA’s mission of cultural enrichment and inclusivity. Confirm public accessibility and prepare detailed budget justification.