Community Events Microgrant Program

Do you have a vision for an awesome event in Downtown? We want to help make it happen!

In an effort to attract and support the creation of more live events in Downtown Long Beach, the application process is now open for events taking place between April 1 – Sept. 30, 2024. Community Events Microgrant applicants are encouraged to review DLBA’s service area boundaries to make sure their proposed event will take place within them. The deadline to submit is March 1, 2024 at midnight.

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Microgrant FAQ’s

Why must my event have the support of a Downtown representative?

It’s important for us to know that you have a connection to the Downtown community, and that you’re working with people from the immediate neighborhood or larger Downtown area where your event will take place. To run a successful event, it’s important to involve nearby business owners, residents, elected officials or other partners. This also gives us a channel to familiarize ourselves with your work and how you’re engaged with Downtown.

What is a Downtown representative?

A person from the City of Long Beach (such as an elected official), a ratepayer, a partner of a ratepayer, or a business with an active Downtown business license.

What if I don't know anyone in Downtown?

You can schedule a 15-minute call with DLBA Community Outreach & Events Manager, Justine Nevarez, at JustineN@dlba.org, to chat about your idea for an event. Based on your idea, we’re happy to provide some broad recommendations for Downtown representatives that might be interested in supporting or getting involved with your event.

If you’re not sure where to start, try browsing these DTLB businesses, as well as DLBA’s list of Board Members; if any of these representatives are related to your idea, try reaching out to them!

If you can’t get a hold of anyone before the deadline, we encourage you to prepare for the next grant cycle.

If I am awarded a grant and I need to cancel my event, can I put the funds toward a different event?

Awards are non-transferable but we encourage you to reapply for a future Community Events Microgrant cycle!

If I am awarded a grant can I change the date, time, location, or name of the event?

Yes, if the venue is still in Downtown Long Beach. Please notify DLBA Community Outreach & Events Manager, JustineN@dlba.org, as soon as possible if you need to make any changes.

Can my organization apply for multiple grants in one grant cycle?

If you have multiple events you’re planning in Downtown, you can apply for a grant for any of them, however only one grant per organization per cycle will be awarded.

However, if you’re planning a series of the same event, such as a monthly Roller Disco, that would be the one exception.

Where are the DLBA boundaries?

Your event must take place within the following boundaries to be eligible for a grant:

The 710 freeway to Alamitos Avenue, and the Waterfront to 10th Street. Please note, the Queen Mary and Port of Long Beach are outside of these boundaries. To see a map, click here.

Do I have to own a business in Downtown to apply?

No, you do not need to own a business in Downtown to apply. 

Do I need a business license? 

No.

How is this different from a sponsorship? 

It’s interchangeable, DLBA’s Community Events Microgrant and events sponsorships both provide one-time funds for events in Downtown Long Beach.

What is DLBA looking for as a sponsor?

Please review the guidelines for more information. To reiterate, we’re looking for inclusive events that are free and open to Downtown residents, businesses, and visitors. Take a look at our social media to see what kinds of events we are involved in.