Program Overview
Hamilton County included funding in the 2025 general fund budget to promote economic development in first ring suburban communities through the support of smaller, community-based events in Hamilton County. Grants are capped at $25,000 and eligible applicants are cities, villages, and/or townships.
Launch on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025
Close on Friday, February 14th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Small Event Grant Application
Event Eligibility Requirements
- The event must occur in 2025.
- The event must be a special event scheduled for one or multiple days over a defined period of time. Routine events occurring throughout Hamilton County are not eligible for funding. (i.e., a recurring monthly event is not eligible, but a special summer event series would be eligible. Please reach out if you have specific questions concerning this).
- The event must be open to the public. The event may be free or charge admission.
- The event must be held at an accessible location within Hamilton County.
- The event must be able to obtain all required permits and approvals.
- The event must create an economic impact for a location, local vendors, and/or local businesses that can be supported with documentation or credible testimony.
- If approved, grant funding is made on a reimbursement basis and requires invoices, proof of payment and all reporting to be sent/completed by the applicant before any reimbursements will be made.
Eligible Applicants
- Cities, villages, and townships outside of the City of Cincinnati but within Hamilton County.
Funds can only be used for the following purposes
- Equipment: Please note that all equipment items will be closely reviewed to ensure that they fulfill the purpose of the specific event.
- Marketing and promotion
- Entertainment and performers
- Permits and licenses
- Security and general liability insurance
- All expenses must pertain to Hamilton County (i.e. rental equipment must be utilized in Hamilton County, entertainment must perform/be displayed in Hamilton County)
Ineligible Expenses
The following expenses are ineligible for grant funding (list may not be inclusive):
- Alcohol
- Food and drink
- Fireworks
Selection Criteria
Selection of applications to recommend for funding will be primarily based on the following criteria:
- Economic impact the event will create for the individual community and the greater Hamilton County area, through factors including but not limited to:
- spending by attendees
- promoting local businesses
- event publicity and marketing
- NOTE: All figures and projections should be supported with credible and detailed documentation.
- Demonstration of financial need, explaining how County funding will secure and/or increase the desired economic impact of the event.
- Proximity of event to local businesses or business district.
- Collaboration with local businesses and/or business district.