The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is pleased to announce that the application process for its Community Events Microgrant Program is now open.
In an effort to attract and support the creation of more live events in Downtown Long Beach, DLBA has implemented an easier and more transparent application process for its Community Events Microgrant Program. Ranging from $250 to $1,000, these grants are for individuals, groups, businesses, neighborhood associations, and nonprofits who want to hold events in Downtown.
“DLBA is excited to introduce this project. It is primarily motivated by the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), which align with our mission to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe and prosperous Downtown for all,” said Justine Nevarez, DLBA’s Community Outreach & Events Manager.
Nevarez and DLBA’s Special Events and Sponsorships Committee made the grant application changes after meeting with the Arts Council for Long Beach to gain some insights into their grant methods. They also studied the sponsorship process at the Port of Long Beach, which has been very successful with community-based events.
“The Community Events Microgrant application process had not been updated since it was first implemented in 2012,” said Nevarez. “We’re hoping the revamping of the program will serve as an opportunity to build more interest for the future, and potentially increase available funding. We want to share this updated process to one, let the public know this is a service we provide, and two, support the diverse community of Downtown Long Beach.”
“I appreciate that the process is standardized and has become more transparent and accessible to level the field for all potential event planners,” said Special Events and Sponsorships Committee Member Clay Wood, who owns the East Village pottery studio Clay on First. “Incentivizing planners to create more events in neighborhoods filled with small businesses like mine benefits not only the community, but the business owners as well.”
The application process is now open for events taking place between June 6 and Sept. 30, 2023. Community Events Microgrant applicants are encouraged to review DLBA’s service area boundaries to make sure their proposed event will take place within them and watch the info session video below. For complete application guidelines and to apply, please click here. The deadline to submit is Sunday, May 14, 2023.
We’re always on the lookout for Downtown businesses, events, community members and more to highlight in our Downtown Scene newsletter, on our website, and social media channels! If you have an event coming up or know of any Downtown-based amazingness going on that people need to know about, give us a shout by emailing our Communications & Marketing Manager, Asia Morris, at asiam@dlba.org. You can also submit an upcoming Downtown event to our events calendar at downtownlongbeach.org/events.