Event Sponsorship Grants

The City of Elk Grove, California, offers an annual Event Sponsorship Grant (ESG) program to support nonprofit and local government organizations that host special events benefiting the Elk Grove community. This program reflects the City’s long-standing commitment to enhancing civic engagement and promoting inclusive, city-wide gatherings. The ESG program provides financial support to qualified events that demonstrate significant value to local residents, foster community pride, and align with the City’s broader goals around inclusion, engagement, and quality of life. The ESG program targets events of citywide significance that are open to the public and provide broad benefits across Elk Grove. Events must be held within the city limits and may range from single-day festivals to multi-day or serial events occurring over a longer timeframe. Religious events must center on education and inclusivity, particularly regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, while political-themed events are ineligible. Events with a fundraising component are eligible only if all net proceeds directly support a nonprofit organization primarily serving Elk Grove residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations registered as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) entities, as well as local government agencies serving Elk Grove. All applicants must be in good standing with the California Secretary of State and the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts, where required by law. For-profit businesses and individuals are not eligible. Applicants must also be the primary organizers and financial administrators for the event. Organizations receiving grants must maintain compliance with local permitting, insurance, and financial reporting requirements, and ensure accessibility in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The application process opens on January 9, 2026, for events taking place between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Completed applications must be submitted by February 20, 2026, through the City’s WebGrants online system. First-time applicants must register on WebGrants prior to submission. An informational webinar will be held on January 20, 2026, from 12:30–2:30 PM to provide guidance on eligibility requirements and application procedures. Technical assistance will also be available during the session to support prospective applicants. Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility criteria, requested funding level, the presence of matching funds, alignment with city goals, and community impact. Additional factors may include prior-year performance, community feedback, and responsible fiscal management. Partial funding may be awarded based on the number of qualified applicants and the total funding pool approved by City Council during the budget process. Events requiring road closures or funding exceeding $5,000 may undergo further City Council review, while the City Manager may approve smaller awards or in-kind support. Recipients must meet several post-award requirements, including proof of insurance 30 days before the event, submission of year-end financial statements, and narrative and financial reports within 60 days after the event. The City must be acknowledged in all promotional materials, and any changes to event details must be communicated promptly. Mid-year applications are only accepted in exceptional cases where new events are proposed after the standard application deadline. In such cases, applicants must justify why the deadline could not be met. The City of Elk Grove remains committed to fair and transparent distribution of funds, and to supporting events that enrich the civic and cultural landscape of the community.

Ensure permits and public health compliance; past performance and fiscal responsibility influence selection.