The Community Festival Program Grant, managed by the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Parks and Recreation through its Office of Special Events, has supported neighborhood-centered festivals since 1977. The program is designed to foster community unity and celebrate local culture by providing financial assistance to Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organizations that host public festivals. Its primary objective is to empower community-based events that enhance social cohesion, public enjoyment, and local heritage through accessible, free, and inclusive activities.
Grants are awarded in the form of reimbursements up to $1,000 for qualifying expenses associated with hosting a single festival event. The eligible festival must be a free, one-day gathering—although multi-day events are allowed, preference is given to those that occur in a single day. Only one grant is awarded per organization per year, and the funding cannot be split among multiple events. Reimbursable expenses include entertainment fees, rental of stages, tents, chairs, tables, port-o-johns, and audiovisual equipment. Non-reimbursable costs include alcohol, perishables, promotional items, and capital purchases.
To qualify, the applicant must be a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization based in Pittsburgh, with a minimum of three years in operation. Events must be open to the public without entry restrictions or admission fees. The festival season runs annually from June 1 through October 31. Grantees must also coordinate with the City’s Office of Film & Event Management if hosting in public spaces, ensuring proper permitting and adherence to municipal regulations.
Applications for the 2025 cycle opened on March 1 and closed on April 13, 2025. Awards are limited to 30 recipients selected by a committee based on factors such as community need, quality of application, and adherence to program goals. Selected organizations must submit itemized receipts within 30 days of the event’s conclusion to receive reimbursement. The reimbursement process may take up to three weeks following City Council approval.
Additional city services are available to support festivals, such as park shelter reservations, staging equipment, and the Citiparks Roving Art Cart, which is available for weekend rentals during the summer. While permit and shelter reservation fees may be waived, organizations remain responsible for other costs such as EMS and police presence. Questions can be directed to the Office of Special Events via email at cfpgrant@pittsburghpa.gov or by calling 412-255-2493. The next grant cycle is expected to open in early 2026.
Submit itemized receipts within 30 days post-event; confirm in advance whether costs are reimbursable; multi-day events accepted but not prioritized.
