Special Event Partnership Grant

The Special Events Partnership Grant (SEPG), administered by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, provides financial support to nonprofit organizations to facilitate events that contribute to the county’s cultural, community, and economic vitality. With a funding ceiling of $100,000, this grant is intended to support arts and cultural events that serve as catalysts for placemaking, community building, and economic development. The program emphasizes the importance of events that reflect Hillsborough County’s distinct identity—celebrating its historic, artistic, natural, recreational, and lifestyle assets. Events must aim to activate public spaces, foster civic pride, increase visitor spending, and align with the County’s economic goals. Eligible events must focus on promoting cultural assets, which are defined as elements contributing to the county’s uniqueness and character, including fine arts, historical features, natural or recreational spaces, and lifestyle or creative industries. In addition to showcasing these assets, applicants are expected to demonstrate how their event supports broader county objectives, including tourism, private investment, and enhanced quality of life for residents. Events must be open to the public and demonstrate the capacity to deliver economic and community benefits. The program is administered in two funding cycles per fiscal year, with FY27 applications opening on May 18, 2026. Funds are awarded competitively following a scoring process by the Cultural Assets Commission. Approved grants are disbursed in three payments, structured as sponsorship support. Applicants must follow defined program guidelines and adhere to contractual and reporting obligations once awarded. All applications must be submitted using the designated online platform. To qualify, applicant organizations must be nonprofit entities located in Hillsborough County and in good standing with the Florida Division of Corporations. Only nonprofit organizations are eligible; for-profit entities and government bodies do not qualify. Events must take place within Hillsborough County and should be designed to reach broad and diverse public audiences. Organizations must demonstrate administrative capacity, alignment with grant goals, and readiness to execute the event within the fiscal year of award. Grant funds are intended to support eligible costs related to event production and outreach. Funding may be used for expenses such as venue rentals, marketing, artist fees, logistics, and related services. However, grant funds may not be used for fundraising activities, capital improvements, political events, or items for resale. Successful applicants will be expected to comply with Hillsborough County branding and visibility requirements, including logo placement and acknowledgment in promotional materials. Events must be completed within the designated project period, and reporting requirements must be met to ensure compliance and accountability. The SEPG encourages applicants to design events that foster collaborative partnerships, demonstrate financial sustainability through private sector support, and build long-term cultural value. Applications are evaluated based on their artistic and cultural significance, community impact, alignment with economic goals, and feasibility. Organizations are encouraged to review the SEPG Manual and Sample Application to prepare a competitive proposal that meets program expectations.

Align proposal with cultural asset types and County economic objectives; demonstrate public benefit and private sector engagement