Those looking towards Downtown Long Beach as a venue for their next community event just got a chance for a break at the bank.
Downtown Long Beach Associates announced this week that it has created a new program that will provide financial support for approved event proposals taking place in the Downtown Business Improvement District, a move that the organization’s board members say will only add to the vibrancy of Downtown.
The grants, up to $2500 per event, are a way for the DLBA to sponsor events outside of the ten-or-so that the organization self-produces each year and will come from a $15,000 fund being set aside by the DLBA’s Marketing and Special Events Task Force (MSETF).
“We’re proud to provide sponsorships to the various special events and support the organizer’s efforts to create a thriving Downtown,” said DLBA Board Member and Chair of the MSETF Michelle Manire in a press release. “We recognize the importance of showcasing the unique character of Downtown’s many attractions and authentic neighborhoods and look forward to contributing additional support to events that enhance our Downtown.”
In addition to sponsoring this year’s Long Beach Zombiewalk—which received $5000 towards city costs last year—the DLBA is looking for proposals for events taking place through May 2013 within the business improvement district boundaries, which are from the waterfront to the south, 10th Street to the north, 710 freeway to the west and Alamitos Avenue to the east.
Applications will be reviewed by the MSETF and evaluated based on criteria such as experience, marketing and plan of action, and positive impact on the community. The highest-scored proposals will be recommended for sponsorships.
According to the Funding Guidlines included on the application, grant money can not be more than 45 percent of the total operating costs and can only be used towards equipment, production, marketing or city services necessary to put on the event. All proposals must also be supported by a Downtown business or commercial property owner.
Applications are currently being accepted for events that take place between November 2012 and January 2013. All applications for this time frame must be submitted to the DLBA office via fax at (562) 437-7850 or email at [email protected] by October 1, 2012. The next event period is February 2013 to May 2013, and those applications must be submitted by January 2, 2013.