The City of Edwardsville’s Special Events Grant Program is designed to encourage distinctive and creative projects that contribute to the economic impact of special events in the community. The program aims to support nonprofit organizations hosting free events that attract visitors to Edwardsville. The program focuses on various types of events, such as sports, music, history, food festivals, and cultural gatherings. These events draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, creating opportunities for community engagement and economic growth.

The Special Events Grant is a reimbursement program, meaning that it does not provide upfront funding but rather reimburses event-related costs that have already been incurred. The grants are not intended to cover the entire cost of an event, but they can assist organizations by reimbursing marketing expenses and municipal fees that are directly related to the event. Some of the eligible expenses include event advertising in broadcast, web, and print media, as well as costs associated with printing, designing, and distributing promotional materials. Additionally, grants can be used to cover municipal charges for public safety, public works, police, fire, and parks services provided by the City of Edwardsville.

The maximum amount of funding available through this program is $8,000. Applications for the 2025-26 round of the Special Events Grant Program are currently being accepted, with a deadline of March 1, 2025. Applicants must submit either an online or printed application form, which is available only during the eligibility period. The selection process will notify recipients by email once decisions have been made.

To apply, eligible nonprofit organizations must submit their applications with any necessary supplementary documents to James Arnold, the Economic and Community Development Coordinator. His contact details for submitting the application and for any related inquiries are provided in the grant instructions. Eligible applicants must be involved in marketing a free event designed to attract visitors to Edwardsville. This is a one-time reimbursement, so applicants should ensure that they meet the funding criteria before applying.

The program has a history of funding several successful events in the community, including the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium and Festival, the Edwardsville Futures Pro Circuit tennis tournament, and Edwardsville Unity Fest, among others. These events have contributed to making Edwardsville a vibrant hub for various cultural, sporting, and recreational activities.

This program continues to provide important funding opportunities for organizations that want to enhance the visibility and economic impact of their special events. By supporting marketing and municipal expenses, the City of Edwardsville helps ensure that these events can continue to thrive and attract more visitors to the region, fostering growth and community development.