SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Downtown Syracuse Foundation, Inc. is accepting applications for grants through the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund with $135,000 available.
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.
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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.
“Cultural festivals are a celebration of Syracuse’s rich diversity and great neighborhoods. They are unique events that improve quality of life and strengthen our local economy. They are a big part of what makes city living special,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said. “I appreciate the Common Council’s commitment to the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund and encourage eligible event organizers to submit applications for funding.”
Those interested in applying can visit the following website to learn more and download the application: https://downtownsyracuse.com/events/syracuse-cultural-festivals-fund
