SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund has $135,000 available to help produce local events, and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation, Inc. is accepting applications from interested organizations. Festivals planned to be held between October 2025 and September 2026 are eligible for consideration and applications may be submitted for grant amounts between $3,000 and $10,000 […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund has $135,000 available to help produce local events, and the Downtown Syracuse Foundation, Inc. is accepting applications from interested organizations.
Festivals planned to be held between October 2025 and September 2026 are eligible for consideration and applications may be submitted for grant amounts between $3,000 and $10,000 per festival.
The City of Syracuse established the fund in “recognition of how festivals and event programming foster a vibrant community,” per the announcement.
Grant dollars are intended to support nonprofit community groups in delivering celebratory events that focus on a particular theme. The events must be free for the public to attend (with no ticket purchase necessary), take place in public spaces, and offer entertainment and/or activities for attendees.
Grants are intended to reimburse organizers for eligible expenses associated with awarded festivals and events. Applications should be submitted at least two months prior to the event or program date. The first round of applications is due at 11:59 pm on Aug. 19. Additional rounds of funding will be offered depending on the availability of money.
The Downtown Syracuse Foundation will evaluate applications based on various criteria including how the festival or event attracts visitors to public spaces; the extent to which it enhances the community’s awareness of cultural and artistic resources; and its capacity to foster appreciation for diverse cultures, traditions, and art forms.
Evaluators will place additional consideration on events that “create opportunities to celebrate the rich diversity of our region and highlight the artistic opportunities found within our city,” the announcement said.
The nonprofit Downtown Syracuse Foundation works to conduct research, identify best policies and practices, secure resources, and implement programs and projects to support the revitalization of downtown Syracuse.
Those interested in applying can visit the following website to learn more and download the application:
https://downtownsyracuse.com/events/syracuse-cultural-festivals-fund
