Special Events Permit Grant Program

The Special Events Permit Grant Program offers financial and technical assistance to help high profile special events in Alameda meet their special event permit requirements. Grant awards are in the form of no-cost City services or reimbursement for specific costs associated with City permitting requirements.

Because this program focuses on funding costs associated with the City of Alameda Special Event permit process, it is only applicable to events which require a special event permit.

Note: The City also provides grants for cultural arts events in Alameda through the separate Cultural Arts and Arts Programming Grant Program. Please visit the Cultural Arts and Arts Programming Grant webpage for more details.

The Special Event Permits Grants program will begin accepting applications for events taking place between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027 on Monday, January 12, 2026. All applications are due by Friday, February 27, 2026.

The program guidelines and application are available for download at the links below.  Please review the program guidelines in full before submitting a grant application.

FY 2026-27 Special Event Permit Grant Program Guidelines(PDF, 234KB)

FY 2026-27 Special Event Permit Grant Application(PDF, 862KB)

 

January 12, 2026: Grant application period opens

February 27, 2026: Grant application window closes

Week of April 6, 2026: Grant awards announced

July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027: Events must take place in this timeframe, extensions are not allowed

Note: We highly recommend submitting your application as early as possible in the application window, so that staff can assist with any questions or missing elements. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be eligible for funding.

Yes! Award of this grant does not constitute or guarantee issuance of a Special Event permit. All applicants must separately apply for and receive a Special Event permit prior to their event.

 

Stay Up to Date!

Please email AGehrke@alamedaca.gov to get on our list for regular updates and announcements about this program.

Other Alameda Funding Opportunities

Questions?

Please email Agehrke@alamedaca.gov with any questions.

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