The Cycle 3 Fiscal Year 2025-26 Grant Application Period is Now CLOSED
SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORSHIP GRANT PROGRAM (SESP)
The City of Vallejo Special Event Sponsorship Grant Program is an application and award process for event support, with a primary goal of fostering events that attract visitors, boost destination vitality, enhance community culture and provide a community benefit. The amount of event support provided will depend on how well the event aligns with the program guidelines and eligibility requirements, as well as the availability of funding.
Grants for up to 25% of the projected budget or 100% of the city permit fees (whichever is greater) will be awarded to eligible organizations.
Who is eligible?
- Have a principal place of business, as well as an address, in Vallejo
- Proof of 501(c)3 non-profit status, IRS Letter of Determination
- In good standing with the California Secretary of State, Active Status
- Registered with the CA Attorney General office, Current Status
- Proof of General Liability Insurance, including SAMS coverage when working with minors
- Current Vallejo Business License
- The event must occur in Vallejo no later than December 31, 2026.
Application Timeline
- Application open – January 13, 2025, to March 23, 2025
- Grant awardees announced by July 2025
Review Process
Each proposal will be reviewed by an independent panel of local residents who are representatives from the following organizations:
- Solano Community Foundation
- San Francisco Foundation
- Center for Volunteer and Non-Profit Leadership
- Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation
The reviewers will score the proposals based on the categories in the Evaluation Matrix. The results of each review will be used to rank the proposals. The review panel will produce a recommendation for awardees to be presented by staff to the City Council.
The final amount allocated for the sponsorship program will be announced following the adoption of the City’s 2025-26 budget in June 2025.
The Vallejo City Manager’s Office administers the Special Event Sponsorship Program. All applications received on time will be reviewed by a committee composed by 4 members of the community and 2 staff member. For detailed information regarding the program, including eligibility, fund use restrictions, evaluation criteria, application instructions and checklist, contact [email protected] or call 707-648-8616.