Exhibit A – Cotati Cultural Event Grant
What is the Cotati Cultural Event Grant? What is the purpose of the program? The Cotati Cultural Event Grant is the City of Cotati’s community grant program. Its purpose is to encourage organizations and groups to host new and multicultural events in Cotati that promote an equitable, compassionate, and healthy community, that honor diversity as a source of strength. Funding comes from the City of Cotati’s General Fund and is non-guaranteed annually.
What will the grant fund?
The grant can be used to fund new or ongoing cultural community events in Cotati.
How much can we apply for?
Applicants can apply for up to $5000, which is the maximum grant award. Up to $10,000 in awards may be granted in each annual cycle of funding, dependent upon budget availability.
The amount of the grant award will be determined by the amount available. Funding for the Cotati Cultural Event Grant is limited; not all applications will be awarded.
Who can apply?
Any local organization or non-profit or individuals or small groups who are partnering with an organization or non-profit with event experience is eligible to apply for the grant. Grants will not be awarded to groups who propose events that promote hate, discrimination of any kind, or political lobbying.
What is the grant cycle time frame?
Applications will open in August and close in November. All applications are reviewed in December and awards will be announced in January. Awards will be sent out in two payments.
The first half will be sent out in late January or February following the announcements, and completion of required paperwork. The second half will be sent out approximately 30 days prior to the event. The performance period will be from April to November of the year awarded.
How will grants be selected?
Applications will be reviewed, evaluated, and ranked by an internal staff committee. The committee will recommend projects to the City Council, who will make the final decisions on which grants will be awarded.
Can grants be awarded to the same applicant more than once? To provide a diverse use of funds, applicants can only receive one award per cycle. Groups may submit multiple applications per cycle, but only one per group may be awarded.
Can applicants apply for on-going funding?
No. Each event can be awarded one time. Applicants can apply for multiple events, but each event is only eligible for one award. Applicants who are not selected for an award may apply multiple times.
When must the event take place?
Each awardee must host their event during the performance period each year, between April and November of the year awarded. Special circumstances may be approved to host an event outside of the performance period and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if an awardee cancels their event after receiving a grant? If a grant recipient does not follow through with the proposed event after being awarded, the awardee will be responsible for returning all grant funds to the City and may be ineligible to receive additional grant awards.
If awarded, will the City of Cotati waive permit and other fees associated with the event? Awarded applicants should include applicable City fees with their application. Waivers may be considered for City permits addressed in the application, to be approved by the City Council on a case-by-case basis.
How will awardees be notified?
Grant awardees will be notified via email, phone, or post when selected. The City will communicate with the primary contact listed on the application.
Applicants not selected to receive grant funds will be notified as well.
How will the grant funding be dispersed?
Checks will be mailed to the awardees at the address listed on the grant application.