Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Grant

The Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE) Grant is an initiative of the Office of the Mayor of Salt Lake City. Since its inception in 2012, the ACE Grant has served to support both large-scale and grassroots community events that enhance Salt Lake City's cultural and economic landscape. This grant program aims to foster neighborhood unity, promote diversity, and create inclusive public experiences through accessible and vibrant community gatherings. The ACE Fund provides a total of $300,000 in annual funding, typically distributing awards to over 100 events. Awards generally range from $1,000 to $5,000 per event, with a maximum of $10,000 and a minimum of $500. This funding is meant to supplement—not replace—other financial support for an event. The fund prioritizes free, in-person events held within Salt Lake City limits that contribute to the city’s broader objectives, such as promoting arts and education, encouraging economic development, advancing sustainability, and building community wellness and inclusion. To be eligible, events must occur within Salt Lake City during the 2026 calendar year. Applicants can be based outside of the city, but the event itself must be local. Online events, political rallies, service projects, film productions, and medical events are generally ineligible. Events hosted by universities or businesses must clearly demonstrate community benefit and financial need. Events must not request ACE funding for more than 50% of their total event budget. Organizers must also comply with City Special Event Permitting processes and demonstrate a positive history in working with city departments and vendors. Applications are submitted through an online portal, which opens on October 1, 2025, and closes on November 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Required steps include reviewing grant guidelines, preparing answers to application questions, and submitting through the Smartsheets portal. Applicants unable to use the online system may request accommodations, including alternative languages, video submission, or transcription support. Award recipients will be announced at the end of December 2025, and grant payments are scheduled for February 2026. Evaluation of submissions is handled by a selection committee composed of city staff from various departments. Applications are assessed based on alignment with city goals, audience served, community impact, and demonstrated financial need. Following their event, grantees must submit a post-event evaluation within 60 days. Grant funds must be returned if the event is canceled, though postponed events may carry funding into the following year if properly coordinated. For questions, applicants may contact ACE Fund Coordinator Katie Schnell via email at ACE@slc.gov or phone at 385-443-0330. The full grant guidelines are available at https://www.slc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2026-ACE-Guidelines.pdf.

Demonstrate clear community impact, financial need, and alignment with city goals. Prioritize free events and underserved audiences.