The Hillsborough County Special Events Partnership Grant offers funding of up to $100,000 for arts and cultural events organized by nonprofit organizations. The grant aims to enhance cultural assets, promote community-building, and foster economic prosperity. Events supported by this grant should highlight the County’s unique story, activate public spaces, engage residents, and encourage increased patron spending and visitation. Additionally, the program seeks to leverage private sector financial support in alignment with the County’s economic development goals.

Eligible cultural assets are defined as elements that contribute to the County’s distinctiveness, including fine arts, historic resources, natural or recreational sites, and lifestyle, culinary, or creative industries. Applicants must demonstrate how their event supports these categories and achieves place-making and community-building outcomes.

Grant applications for FY25 Cycle 2 funding open on January 6, 2025, and are reviewed competitively by the Cultural Assets Commission. Funding is awarded as a sponsorship in three separate payments. Applications are evaluated based on criteria that include alignment with the program’s objectives, anticipated community impact, and contributions to the County’s economic development goals.

Interested organizations can access resources such as grant guidelines, a sample application, and an administration manual on the grant program’s webpage. These documents provide additional details on eligibility, application requirements, and the review process.