Program Description & Eligible Projects
Eligible events include events located within the boundaries of the Downtown Davenport, Iowa Self Supporting Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). Please see map for district borders. This grant program is administered via the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP).
Our grants range between $250 and $1500 depending on scope, concept, and engagement opportunity. We give extra points for events that are free, inclusive, and unexpected.
What we are trying to accomplish:
- Empower creative people with inspiring ideas to create activations that draw more people into downtown and enhance civic pride.
- Activate public spaces with that bring the community together.
There are no restrictions on the type of event/activiation we are looking to fund. It can be music, art, fashion, fitness, community-related, or anything else you dream up. We just want to bring more people into the downtown and showcase the true spirit and souls of Quad Citizens.
The only requirement is that at least a portion of your event has to take place outdoors or be highly visible within the SSMID. We have a ton of great outdoors spaces that include parks, plazas, streets, alleys, riverfront, and retail spaces with open doors and activated sidewalks.
Events must adhere to permitting and City of Davenport application requirements. All public events utilizing public space must adhere to City of Davenport event policies and be approved through the City of Davenport event application process.
There are limited funds available for this program. There will be three grant application review periods. Applicants are encouraged to submit an application or share ideas with DDP staff as early in the planning process as possible.
2024 Application Deadlines
- January 15, 2024
- May 15, 2024
- September 15, 2024
As you select your event date, please consider these major events. You may want to avoid competing with these existing events or align your event with them.
One other note: Only grants with total costs less than $15K will be considered – this grant is designed to help smaller activators realize their events. If you are looking to host a larger-scale event, or your expenses are expected to be more than $15,000 total - please reach out to our Program Director - Alisha Espey at aespey@quadcitieschamber.com to discuss other potential partnership opportunities.
Form of Assistance & Rules
The grant provides assistance in the form of grant funds that are paid to approved applicants after private investment, completed event, and payment to contractors. The maximum grant award is $1,500. Your total grant request cannot be greater than 50% of the total qualified event costs. For example, if the total event cost is $800, the maximum grant awarded would be $400.
Applications will be reviewed by the DDP Business Promotions Committee. The committee will report its actions or recommendations to the Board of Directors. Approved applications that change event scope, date or focus after approval must submit a revised application to the committee or the grant may be rescinded. Events have 1 year from date of grant approval to be completed.
All grant requests must be submitted no less than 60 days prior to the event date. Any requests received less than 60 days from the event will not be considered (the City of Davenport requires an event application be filed at least 12 weeks prior to the event.)
DDP Recognition
Grant recipients must recognize the Downtown Davenport Partnership as a sponsor of the event. This may include but not be limited to: DDP logo and/or name included on social media posts and events, printed materials, printed banners and traditional media. This should be done with respect to other sponsors and their level of investment with the event.
Grant Requests Criteria
The Downtown Davenport Event Grant application is open to anyone looking to produce and event within the downtown SSMID. Requests will be reviewed and considered by DDP’s Business Promotions & Events committee based on the following criteria:
- Economic Impact
- How many visitors will the event bring to downtown and what’s the potential economic impact for downtown businesses?
- Cultural Impact
- DDP will prioritize support for events that foster social inclusion, community empowerment, and enhance civic pride. Events that have a strong social cultural impact or capacity for outreach to underserved populations will be highly favored.
- Collaboration
- Preference will be given to events that collaborate or partner with multiple downtown businesses ororganizations.
- Location
- Outdoor events/events that can be seen from the stree-level are given preference.
- Event Uniqueness
- Does the event fill a need downtown? What is the timeline of the event, does it compete with or enhance an existing event?
Reimbursement of Funds & DDP Mission
At completion of the event and upon proof of payment to contractors, grant dollars will be awarded via a check from the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Proof of payment must be submitted within 90 days after the event or granted funds may be forfeited. An extension period may be considered upon written request.
The mission of DDP is “to administer and operate programs for the general improvement and redevelopment of Davenport’s Central Business District and to enhance its aesthetic appearance and economic future for the community and all the citizens of Davenport.” The Downtown Davenport Partnership is an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
For more info, please visit www.DowntownDavenport.com
For Questions and Application Submission
If you have any questions or are ready to submit a completed application, contact Alisha Espey, aespey@quadcitieschamber.com