Special Events Funding and City Event Services Program - Applications Open Now for 2025 Events
The City of Tacoma is now accepting applications for funding to produce public-benefiting special events in 2025. This marks the fourth year applicants will engage in a competitive process to receive funding for community events and the first year event organizers can apply for non-monetary support. The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC), a council-appointed group of community members, acts as the review and selection panel with applicants measured on equity, merit, capacity, and community impact.
The City Event Services Program standardizes the distribution of City of Tacoma services and non-monetary support for community special events equitably for events that benefit communities in Tacoma. More information on the City Event Services Program can be found on Tacoma Venues & Events website.
Applications will be accepted from September 10 to October 18, 2024, for events to be produced in 2025. Applicants are encouraged to address how they represent and focus on underrepresented segments of the community.
Full guidelines and funding application are available here.
Resources for Applicants
Tacoma Venues & Events has created SkillShops, an innovative series of workshops designed to empower event organizers with essential skills and resources to successfully plan and execute events in Tacoma. Available as a free resource, past SkillShops can be viewed online and include “Event Permitting Basics,” “Funding & Grant Writing,” and “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Events.”
As part of the City of Tacoma's dedication to anti-racism and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA), applicants also have access to resources such as the Equity in Events toolkit, developed to support event organizers in creating welcoming and inclusive experiences for all. The toolkit provides practical guidance on how to incorporate DEIA principles into event planning, prepare for Special Events funding applications, and ensure that community events reflect and engage Tacoma's diverse population.
To learn more about the Equity in Events toolkit and SkillShops, visit TVE’s website.
During the application period, staff will provide assistance to ensure all prospective applicants are able to create a successful application. Informational virtual Q&A sessions will be held on Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, October 2 at 2 p.m. Staff will also be available to answer questions and for one-on-one consultations. Email communityevents@tacomavenues.org for questions or to set up a meeting. For complete information, visit the Special Events website.