West Hillsborough News

Nonprofit organizers of fine arts, historic, natural/recreational, culinary, lifestyle, or creative industries events have until July 22 to apply for up to $100,000 in matching Special Events Partnership Grants (SEPG) from Hillsborough County.

The Cultural Assets Commission  is accepting applications to grow and support special events  that encourage placemaking and community-building outcomes aligned with the County's economic and community prosperity goals. Events supported by this program should communicate the authentic story of Hillsborough County, activate public spaces, and enrich the lives of residents.

The program is not for maintaining an event as it currently exists. This program is intended for new, emerging events or significantly expanding the impact of existing events.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be legally incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation, with a designated tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) of the United States Internal Revenue Code
• Be able to obtain all permits

Eligible projects must:

• Be a one-day event, a multiday event occurring on consecutive days, or a related series of events over an extended period of time
• Be inclusive (no limits on who may purchase tickets or attend)
• Take place in Hillsborough County
• Be held in a publicly visible and accessible location
• Not already be receiving Hillsborough County funding through certain County programs offered by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County or through other direct County funding arrangements

Examples of eligible events include art, film, music, and local food festivals; river celebration events; celebrations of local authors; and local community historic events. Examples of  ineligible  events include trade shows, conventions, conferences, workshops, and classes; annual lunches, galas, conferences, and holiday parties; class or family reunions; sporting events; pageants; events organized around political or religious purposes; festivals or events based solely on alcohol, drugs, or sexually oriented content; and charitable fundraisers.

The application period for this funding cycle ends at 5 p.m. on July 22, 2022. Eligible events must occur between Oct. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023.

Full information on the grant program, guidelines, and applications are available at  HCFLGov.net/SEPG.

^{Source: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/newsroom/2022/06/27/special-events-partnership-grant-program-accepting-funding-applications-through-july-22}