SANTA CRUZ >> The city of Santa Cruz opened the application period for its special events grants Wednesday. Event organizers of all kinds are encouraged to vie for grants up to $2,500 for events planned between this July and June 30, 2026, that enhance the vibrancy, economic vitality and well-being of the Santa Cruz community.

Recipients of last year’s special events grant include the Santa Cruz Pride’s 50th Anniversary Parade, NAACP’s March for the Dream parade, Santa Cruz Dance Week, Shared Adventures’ Day on the Beach, Black Surf Santa Cruz’s Liberation Paddle Out and others.

According to the city’s special events grant guidelines, in order for an event to be eligible, the event must take place on public property within Santa Cruz city limits, not be for a religious or political purpose and not promote activities that have been unsupported or banned by the Santa Cruz City Council.

Other criteria that would make an event ineligible for the grant include if the event is a private function held on private property, is organized as a for-profit commercial venture or primarily as a fundraiser or charity event. An event would also not be eligible for the city’s special events grant if the organizer was entirely dependent on the grant for the event.

Applicants must declare all other funding sources that they have received or are trying to attain for the event outside of the city grant. The guidelines state that an event can be either new or one that has been held in previous years.

When evaluating grant applications, city staff give preference to first-time special events grant applicants that have not received financial support from the city in the past, those that commit to recording event attendance and events that raise the profile of the city and acknowledge its financial support at the event and through the event’s marketing materials.

Favor will also be given to events that benefit city residents, contain an educational component, have a large number of expected attendees, create money-making opportunities for local businesses, include more than one local community organization, address City Council priorities and the city’s general plan policies, and promote the pillars of the city’s health in all policies framework, which include equity, public health and sustainability.

The city website points out that applicants for the grant must complete a special events grant application alongside a special events permit application. Applicants must not have outstanding debt owed to the city of Santa Cruz and should be in good standing with the city regarding the fulfillment of special events requirements in the past. Grant recipients are required to submit a post-event report to the city within 30 days following the event.

The deadline for applications is April 16 and grantees will be announced June 2. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications can be submitted to eventpermits@santacruzca.gov or in person at the city’s Parks and Recreation office at 323 Church St.

For application information, visit cityofsantacruz.com.