Rochester Downtown Alliance Taking ‘Start-Up Event Grant’ Applications

The Rochester Downtown Alliance is looking for new ideas for events, activities, or programs for the downtown area, and you can also land $3,000 in the process.

The RDA is now taking applications for their 'Start-Up Event Grant' on their website. The RDA is expanding in 2021 to include "COVID-19 safe activities and programs, as well as events, and looking to bring fresh ideas and energy to downtown."

Applicants can now propose an event, activity, or program, including public art or other "passive" attractions. Twenty percent of the funding is reserved for events that engage underrepresented communities in Rochester, or that are planned by minority-led/owned enterprises.

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Individual awards are up to $3,000, with $11,000 total in grant funds available.

The proposed event/activity/program must be COVID-19 appropriate and comply with all state and federal guidelines. Any proposed idea must be hosted within the 44 blocks of downtown Rochester to be considered for Start-Up Event Grant funding. Applications are due April 9, 2021.

Safety remains a top priority for events in the Downtown area, and several events are already planned for 2021 including sidewalk sessions, movies in the park, and even a roller disco. Thursday's Downtown could even look more like 'normal' this summer.

Check out some of the activities already planned for 2021 below! If you have an idea for a new event or program for the downtown area, you can apply for the RDA's 'Start-Up Event Grant' here.