Event Sponsorship and Program Grants

The City of Palm Springs offers Event Sponsorship and Program Grants Funding as part of its annual funding cycle to support activities that provide public benefit within the community. This funding initiative is administered at the municipal level and is contingent upon the availability of funds and approval by the City Council. The program is designed to strengthen community programming and events that align with the City’s strategic priorities, while also reinforcing partnerships with nonprofit organizations that serve residents and visitors. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide financial assistance to qualified nonprofit organizations hosting events or implementing programs within the City of Palm Springs. These activities must deliver measurable public benefit, such as cultural enrichment, education, community engagement, or general welfare improvements. The City places emphasis on funding initiatives that are consistent with its strategic plan and may prioritize organizations with a demonstrated history of partnership and successful grant utilization. Funding is limited and varies annually based on economic conditions and available municipal resources. Awards are distributed through a competitive application and review process. Grant funds are restricted to event- or program-related expenses and must not be used for political advocacy or exclusively religious purposes. Religious organizations may apply only if their proposed activities include a clear educational or cultural component. All awarded funds must be fully expended within the designated fiscal year timeframe ending June 30, 2027. Eligibility is restricted to verified tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that meet multiple compliance requirements. Applicants must be in good standing with the City of Palm Springs, the California Secretary of State, the Internal Revenue Service, the California Franchise Tax Board, and the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Organizations must demonstrate that they provide charitable, educational, or public welfare services and must maintain appropriate regulatory compliance throughout the application and funding period. The application process requires submission of a completed funding application along with supporting documentation via email. Required materials include a board of directors list, IRS tax-exempt certification letter, most recent IRS Form 990, a completed Form W9, and a final report for prior City funding if applicable. Applications must be submitted electronically to the designated City email address. Incomplete or late submissions are not accepted, and all requirements must be satisfied at the time of submission. The application deadline for this funding cycle is May 31, 2026. Following submission, applications undergo administrative review based on eligibility criteria and alignment with program goals. Award notifications are expected to begin between July and August 2026. During this period, applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation within 30 days of notification. Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement and provide proof of insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation coverage where applicable, before funds are disbursed. This funding opportunity follows an annual cycle aligned with the City’s fiscal year. Eligible projects must occur between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, and all funds must be expended within that timeframe. The program may be modified or discontinued at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Questions regarding the program or application process may be directed to the City’s grants and sponsorships email contact.