Special Event Grants
Hayward has funding opportunities available for local community events that enrich the City’s cultural, social, and economic vitality. Our grants support nonprofit organizations in planning engaging events that attract visitors, involve residents, and contribute to our city's vibrancy. Apply today to bring your event vision to life!
Special event grants are available annually to local community-based nonprofits that are corporations, associations, or agencies with a 501 (c)(3), 501 (c)(6), or other nonprofit status under the Internal Revenue Service Code. For-profit entities and individuals are NOT eligible. Grant applications are required annually. Previously awarded grant funding is NOT a guarantee for future funding.
For funding applications to be considered the event must meet the following requirements:
Event must take place with the City of Hayward city limits, events taking place in unincorporated Hayward are not eligible for funding.
Event must take place during the fiscal year (July – June) in which the funds were awarded.
Event must be open to all Hayward residents & community members, free to enter and comply with applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Events that promote, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, immigration status, or sexual orientation, are NOT eligible for grant funding.
The event must NOT be organized around election or political campaign.
Event organizers/applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a legally registered 501c(3) organization, 501c(6) business entity, or other nonprofit status.
Be the primary organizer, manager, and financial administrator for the event.
Must comply with all other applicable state, county and local laws for conducting the event including, but not limited to, acquiring all necessary event permits, licenses and waivers.
Must be in good standing with the City of Hayward and not have any outstanding debt(s).
Organizers of previous events may be disqualified from eligibility if:
Did not adhere to all special event permitting conditions or satisfy the requirements of any previously awarded City of Hayward-issued grant
The event compromised the safety or security of the public or public systems or negatively impacted the surrounding neighborhoods and/or businesses.
Eligible Uses of Grant Award:
Grant funds may only be used to pay costs incurred in connection with the special event, including costs charged by the City including police services, and permits; and other event costs such as private security, promotion and portable restrooms, and event fencing.
Available Funding Levels:
City of Hayward funds will be distributed based on the Special Event Tier of awardees. Hayward has five tiers, with four eligible for the Special Event Grant.
TIER I Special Event — Organized activities that have a stationary footprint requiring the closure of streets or public squares or plazas, often involving amplified noise, food, beverage, merchandise, or other entertainment and have a greater impact on the community, which may involve the closure of multiple city blocks; closure that inconveniences numerous residents or establishments; excessive noise; attendance of 500 or more people; and significant event infrastructure that requires inspection and permitting by the Hayward Fire Department. Examples include festivals, markets, and ceremonies. GRANT AMOUNT: $10,000 (deadline to apply 120 days prior to the event)
TIER II Special Event — Organized activities that have a stationary footprint requiring the closure of streets or public squares or plazas, often involving amplified noise, food, beverage, merchandise, or other entertainment and have a low-impact. These events close only one city block and/or an off-street venue; have fewer than 500 total attendees; affect a minimal number of residents or establishments; and have no significant event infrastructure. GRANT AMOUNT: $5,000 (deadline to apply 90 days prior to the event)
TIER III Special Event — Organized activities that have a stationary footprint requiring the closure of streets or public squares or plazas, often involving amplified noise, food, beverage, merchandise, or other entertainment and have minimal-impact. These events take place in off-street venues and do not close roads; have fewer than 200 total attendees; affect a minimal number of residents or establishments; and have no significant event infrastructure. GRANT AMOUNT: $2,500 (deadline to apply 45 days prior to the event)
TIER IV Special Event — Parades, races, and walks following a set course that involve full or partial closure of City streets, sidewalks and/or greenways. GRANT AMOUNT: $2,500 (deadline to apply 120 days prior to the event)
Submit an Application:
The grant application period opens in June and closes in May of the following year or when the annual grant funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. Due to limited funding, we recommend applications be submitted as soon as possible and no later than the deadlines provided above.
To complete your application please have the following information prepared:
- Verification of nonprofit status
- Description of the event: include the target audience, activities, entertainment, vendors, food, beverages, participating organizations, etc.
- Proposed event budget, including what you intend to use your grant funding for
- Details about your plans to market your event
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated according to the eligibility requirements, level of request, and ability to enrich the City’s cultural, social, and economic vitality. Prior-year performance, public feedback, and demonstrated fiscal responsibility will also be considered.
