Program Terms
Qualifying events may receive up to $250 reimbursement per event plus a $500 bonus for events demonstrably attracting or serving diverse audiences (see "Qualifying for a Bonus" below). Each business may host eight events per program period and receive a maximum $7,500 in reimbursement over the year.
Program Periods
- Summer Period: July 8 - October 31, 2025
- Winter Period: November 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026
- Spring Period: March 1 - June 30, 2026
Qualifying for a Bonus
To qualify for the $500 bonus, events must meet one or more of the criteria listed below and/or receive City staff approval.
- Community Partnerships. Partner with local nonprofit or community organizations through co-branded marketing, donating a portion of event proceeds, or collaborative programming. Examples of qualifying events include a coffee shop partnering with Community Choices for a sensory friendly music session, a restaurant donating a portion of event proceeds to a local veterans group, or a bookstore collaborating with Books for Prisoners for a poetry reading/book drive.
- Cross- Promotion. Partner with minority-, women-, or other socially disadvantaged owned-businesses through joint marketing efforts, special discounts or promotions, or co-hosted events. Examples of qualifying events include a restaurant offering discounts at a minority-owned retail shop for event attendes, a coffee shop featuring products from a women-owned bakery during a book club, or a bookstore cross-promoting with a minority-owned clothing store.
- Inclusive Programming. Event demonstrates a commitment to diversity by hiring minority, women, or socially disadvantaged artists, using multilingual marketing materials, offering accessibility accommodations such as ASL interepreters or wheelchair access improvements, or by aligning the event with broader cultural celebrations. Examples of qualifying events include a restaurant hosting Hispanic musicians or using multilingual marketing materials for an event during Hispanic Heritage Month or a bar providing a sign-language interpreter during a comedy performance.
Event Requirements
- Maximum $10 cover charge ($20 for artists traveling 50+ miles)
- Must be held at a business within designated downtown boundaries
- Maximum three events reimbursed through this program per day
- Events cannot overlap with other Soundcheck events or City and 40North programming downtown, including but not limited to, Friday Night Live, The Beat on Market Street and summer concert series on the Downtown Plaza
- Event must be promoted online (social media or newsletter) with reference to City of Champaign event support and link to VisitDowntownChampaign.com (e.g., this event supported by City of Champaign Sound Check grants, VisitDowntownChampaign.com)
- Trivia and karaoke events do not qualify for reimbursement under this program
Business Requirements
- Maximum eight events per business per program period (~2 events per month)
- Maximum $7,500 reimbursement per business per year
- Own or operate a business within program boundaries
- Current with all City taxes, fees and licenses, in good standing with State of Illinois
- Registered as a City vendor (W-9 on file)
Eligible Expenses (with documentation)
- Artist/performer fees
- Sound equipment rental
- Marketing and advertising costs
- Temporary staging or seating
- Accessibility equipment or services
- Other event-related expenses as approved by City staff