Grant Request Form

Downtown Canton Partnership Event Grant Program
The Downtown Canton Partnership is offering a grant program for events that take place in downtown Canton, specifically within the boundaries of the Special Improvement District.

The purpose of the Downtown Canton Partnership Grant Program is to support local organizations that host events that draw increased economic vitality in the Downtown Canton region. The Downtown Canton Partnership is interested in providing financial assistance to events with the intent to support our Downtown Canton business locations including restaurants, retail spaces, museums, galleries, theatres, and cultural locations through the increased visitation of the Downtown Canton area, as well as our various event spaces such as Canton Centennial Plaza. The deadline for submission for the first release of funds is Friday March 21, 2025 at 5:00pm! Applications submitted after this late will not be reviewed.

Eligibility

Any organization that hosts a community-wide event within Downtown Canton (as defined by the boundaries of the Special Improvement District), may apply for this grant, the only exception is for political events. Private ticketed events, including non-profit fundraisers, may still apply by providing detailed information on how your event directly contributes to the economic vitality of downtown Canton. Any event approved for our grant must include the Downtown Canton Partnership logo on all relevant marketing materials. All grants must be paid to established organizations. Grants cannot be made out to individuals. If an event is canceled for any reason, the grant amount must be returned to the Downtown Canton Partnership in full.

Factors that contribute to event funding:

·         Typically, events that are free and open to the public receive more funds than private, ticketed events. Events that have a greater economic impact on Downtown Canton will also be given priority.

·         The number of people that will come to downtown Canton, along with information on how attendance will be tracked.

·         The projected economic impact the event will bring to Downtown Canton, including but not limited to people visiting restaurants, bars, retail, galleries, or other cultural destinations while attending the event.

·         If this event is established, the success of similar events in previous years will be considered.

·         If the event is established, how will this year’s event be different from past years and draw a crowd of similar or greater size.

·         How the funds will be allocated to support the event.

·         Whether the applicant has been awarded a grant previously within the previous calendar year.

Approval Process

All organizations and events are subject to review and approval by the Downtown Canton Partnership Board of Directors, or the appropriate committee thereof. The grant program will consider applications in the spring for all events that year. If funds are remaining, a second application process will be opened later in the year. All applicants will be notified of the decision within a reasonable time frame. Applications must be submitted prior to the cut-off date. Any late submissions will not be considered unless previously approved during the allocated grant cycle.

Grant funds are awarded for the year and project indicated in the application and are not intended to be a commitment of support for funding in future years for the same or different projects.

The Downtown Canton Partnership Grant Funds are meant to assist with events but should not represent 100% of an event’s budget. These funds cannot be more than 50% of an event’s overall revenues.

While not common, the Downtown Canton Partnership reserves the right to request organization provide proof of matching funds before approving any grants.

The Downtown Canton Partnership reserves the right to approve a different grant amount than the organization requested.

Annual grant eligibility, applications, and committee review processes are subject to change. Please confirm and review the current grant eligibility and application details prior to submission each year.

Organization Name*
Event Name*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Applicant Name*
Applicant Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Applicant Email*
example@example.com
Organizational Status (Non-Profit, Corporation, Individual, etc)*
Projected event location in Downtown Canton*
Date of event*

MonthDayYear
Date
Briefly describe your event*
History of your event? (How many years has the event happened? Where has it been held previously? What was your previous attendance?*
Estimated attendance for this year's event?*
Requested amount of funding?*
Event type?*

Open to the public as an entertainment event?Ticketed event or social gathering of existing supporters?
Describe the economic impact your event will have on Downtown Canton. For example, will this event draw new people/visitors Downtown? What impact will this have on local restaurants, retail shops, and galleries?*
What is your marketing plan for this event?*
Primary contact information (If different from Applicant information)
Any additional information we should take into consideration?
Please upload your organizations W9 Form here*

Cancelof
Please upload your event budget any any marketing materials here*

Cancelof
Please add any event-related expenses here. (Property Rental Fees, Security, Materials, Supplies, Equipment, or any other expenses you are incurring)*
Expected Revenue Generated from the event?*
Please add any additional sources of sponsorship and funding along with the committed amount from each*
Will your event sell Alcohol?*
Will your event sell food or have food trucks present?*
Submit your event for listing on downtowncanton.com

We advertise all events happening in downtown Canton on our www.downtowncanton.com website. In order to be eligible for the 2025 grant you must submit your event for listing at https://form.jotform.com/241927948195068 **Please note that a specific graphic size is required that must be accurate. Please email Msturdivant@cantonsid.org if you have any questions!** Submission is mandatory to receive our grant in this cycle.

Application Agreement

By adding your name and application date the applicant affirms the information provided is true and complete to the best of their knowledge. The applicant also understands submitting the application does not guarantee approval of sponsorship or funds requested. Furthermore, the applicant understands the requirements of the Downtown Canton Partnership and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions. All applications must be complete; incomplete applications will not be judged.
Applicant name/ submission date*
Have additional questions? Please reach out to the Downtown Canton Partnership Communications & Marketing Director, Mike Sturdivant at Msturdivant@cantonsid.org

If funds are still available for the Grant Program, the Downtown Canton Partnership can accept rolling applications throughout the year until there are no longer funds available. Awarded dollars from the Downtown Canton partnership must be used before the end of the awarded calendar year.
Should be Empty:

Downtown Canton Partnership Event Grant Program

Submit your event for listing on downtowncanton.com