Festival, Parade and Celebration Grant

The Festival, Parade, and Celebration (FPC) Grant program, administered by the San José Office of Cultural Affairs, supports community-based events that enhance San José’s cultural vitality and economic growth. Eligible events include festivals, parades, and celebrations that are open to the public, emphasize cultural, historical, or neighborhood significance, and promote the city as a desirable destination. Applications for the 2025-2026 funding cycle are due by February 7, 2025, at 4:59 PM PST. Applicants are required to attend or view the recording of the pre-application workshop on December 6, 2024, held via Zoom. Eligible applicants must be 501(c) nonprofit organizations or use a fiscal sponsor, have a one-year history of event programming in San José, and propose events with cash expenses of at least $5,000 to occur between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Events must not be primarily fundraisers, convey religious messages, or advocate political positions. Organizations applying for take pART Grants from the city are not eligible to apply for FPC Grants. Grant awards range from $2,500 to 50% of the proposed event’s total budget, with funding typically providing partial support. New events or those not produced in the last five years are capped at $5,000, regardless of budget. Expenses covered by the grant include event production costs such as permits, marketing, and supplies, but exclude prior-year deficits, administrative overhead, and unrelated organizational costs. Applications are evaluated based on event narrative and significance (30%), marketing and outreach (30%), financial and budgetary capabilities (20%), planning and safety (10%), and economic impact (10%). A minimum score of 75 points is required for funding consideration, though achieving this threshold does not guarantee funding due to limited resources. Successful applicants must meet regulatory and contractual requirements, including a San José Business Tax Certificate and appropriate insurance coverage. Grantees are required to submit a final report, acknowledge city support in event materials, and comply with accessibility and environmental policies. Event permits must be obtained separately from city departments. This program is ideal for organizations committed to creating vibrant, community-centered events that showcase San José’s cultural richness and attract both local residents and visitors. Applicants should ensure their proposals align with the program’s objectives and submit all materials through the WebGrants portal before the deadline.