EVENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS
(OCTOBER 1, 2022-SEPTEMBER 30, 2023)
While we continue to take all precautions to protect public health during the ongoing pandemic, DC is open! Events play an important role of making DC a wonderful place to live, visit and provide economic impact to local businesses and entrepreneurs. As such, they are a critical part of our economic recovery. In FY23, Mayor Bowser will continue to provide resources to support events that benefit DC communities. See below for an overview of programs and initiatives. Information about forthcoming programs will be posted here as it becomes available.
Special Event Relief Fund (DMPED)
Mayor Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) launched the Special Event Fee Relief Fund, a $1.5 million investment to support events that celebrate the culture of the District of Columbia and support local communities. The Special Event Relief Fund allows organizers of festivals and outdoor special events to apply for financial assistance to cover up to 100% of services incurred by the event from the following agencies (paid through direct payment from DMPED to the agency):
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
Department of Health (DOH)
Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)
Department of Public Works (DPW)
Department of Transportation (DDOT)
Fire and EMS Department (FEMS)
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
STATUS: OPEN
To be eligible for the Special Event Relief Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:
The outdoor event must occur between October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023.
Event must have at least a component that is free and open to the public.
Event must celebrate the culture of DC or be able to demonstrate that the event will have a significant economic impact on the District.
The main purpose of the event should not be to generate revenue or serve as a fundraiser for an organization.
The event must be committed to fostering an inclusive experience.
The event cannot be religiously affiliated in a way that excludes other faiths or forms of belief, or lack thereof.
The applicant must be the event organizer.
All eligible events will need to meet the following requirements:
All events must be approved for a DCRA Special Events License. More information can be found here.
If the event requires street closures of any kind, the event must be approved by the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) Mayor’s Special Events Task Group (MSETG). More information can be found here.
The application can be accessed here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis between October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023, based on the availability of funds. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days in advance of the event for events occurring November 15, 2022 and later.
For any inquiries regarding the Special Event Fee Relief Fund, please contact specialeventfund@dc.gov.
Encore PROGRAM (octfme)
The Encore Program will support our creative community, specifically supporting DC event producers and organizers by getting them back to work doing what they do best, hiring DC talent and creating events and activities that contribute to the vibrancy of our great city. The Encore Program will subsidize event production costs at venues covering each quadrant of the city, giving event organizers the opportunity to apply to produce outdoor events with reduced costs.
STATUS: CLOSED
To learn more and for a complete listing of details for the Encore Program, please visit theencoredc.com.
Outdoor Venue Activation Grant (DMPED)
The Outdoor Venue Activation Grant Program will address the negative economic impact due to COVID-19 on the entertainment/event businesses, and the loss of jobs and income for those event producers and independent contractors. The Program will mitigate the revenue losses by creating new business opportunities and subsidizing the cost of event production at outdoor venue locations in the District.
STATUS : CLOSED
Point of Contact:
DMPED Grants Team Phone: (202) 727-8111 E-mail: dmped.grants@dc.gov
Streets for People (OP)
Streets for People will provide grants to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to activate public spaces in the Central Washington area. The program aims to catalyze economic recovery and support local businesses by attracting workers, residents, and visitors to a vibrant area of activated blocks, sidewalks, streets, and parks.
Opening: Winter 2023
EVENTS DC COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM (EVENTS DC)
For Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, Events DC is pleased to provide funding for the program of $500,000 during two grant cycles ($250,000 in the first cycle and $250,000 in the second cycle). The grant program provides financial support to qualifying non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting children through sports, performing arts or cultural arts in the District of Columbia.
STATUS: OPEN
Grant applications timeline:
Applications for the second Fiscal Year 2023 semi-annual grant cycle are due no later than February 1, 2023; applicants will be notified of their award status by April 15, 2023.
To learn more and for a complete listing of details for the Events DC Community Grant Program, please visit https://eventsdc.com/community/community-grants.
CULTURAL INSTITUTION GRANTS (EVENTS DC)
The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is seeking proposals from qualified organizations for its Fiscal Year 2023 Cultural Institutions Grant Program.
STATUS: OPEN
Opened: November 4, 2022
Closing: December 16, 2022 @ 3:00 PM EST
Pre-response conferences: November 16, 2022, at 6:00 PM EST
November 17, 2022, at 9:00 AM EST
Date of Grant Awards: on or before February 17, 2023
Interested parties can view a copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) by accessing the Event DC’s E-procurement website at www.wcsapex.com and opening APEX BID #22-S-001-801.
To learn more and for a complete listing of details for the Cultural Institution Grants, please visit https://eventsdc.com/cultural-institution-grants .