The Go Local, Go Different Fund focuses on smaller-scale, community-based investments that support local businesses, entrepreneurship, workforce participation, placemaking, and local economic vitality.
All funded activities must demonstrate a clear public benefit and a meaningful connection to Santa Fe’s local economy.
Program Structure
To balance support across different types of initiatives, the Go Local, Go Different Fund offers two tracks:
Track A: Community & Economic Development Projects
- Supports programs and initiatives that build long-term community and economic value, such as business support activities, workforce development efforts, entrepreneurship programming, placemaking initiatives, and sector-based collaborations.
- Funding requests may be up to $10,000.
Track B: Event & Activation Sponsorships
- Supports public-facing events and activations that increase foot traffic, promote vendor participation, encourage local spending, and contribute to Santa Fe’s cultural and commercial vitality.
- Funding requests may be up to $5,000.
Funding is competitive and subject to availability.
FY26 Launch Application Cycle
Because the Go Local, Go Different is launching mid-fiscal year, the initial application cycle will follow the timeline below:
- Application period: January 6 – February 5, 2026 (closes at 12:00AM MST)
- Funding decisions: Late February / early March 2026
- Eligible activity period: March 2026 – June 30, 2026
- All funded projects and events must be completed, and all funds expended, by June 30, 2026, in accordance with the City of Santa Fe fiscal year.
- Retroactive funding will not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to propose activities that can be realistically implemented within this timeframe. Projects that cannot be completed by June 30 may be deferred to a future cycle.
Future Fiscal Years and Application Windows
Beginning in future fiscal years, the Go Local, Go Different Fund will operate on two standard application cycles per year, each open for approximately one month, aligned with the City’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) in July and October.