2024 Activation Grant - Downtown Memphis Commission

Current phase:

July 2024 -December 2024

Application Deadline - see events page

The DMC’s Engage Downtown Grant offers funding for events/activations that recruit people into Downtown; utilize public, outdoor, or highly visible space; and provide unique or uniquely joyful experiences in Downtown Memphis.

There is no restriction on the type of activation/event we are looking to fund. Activations can be music, art, fashion, fitness, community-related, or something else altogether! All we require is that proposed activations enhance our Downtown experience. We want to find new ways to bring more people into Downtown and to continue to support events that showcase the true community spirit and soul of Downtown Memphis.

Our grants range between $250 and $1200 depending on scope, concept, and engagement opportunity. We give extra points for events that are free, inclusive, large-scale, and unexpected.

We believe in building a Downtown for everyone and want to empower creative people with inspiring ideas, even if the idea is for a first-time event! We are looking to partner with you to make our collective Downtown more vibrant, interesting, and fun.

Remember – at least a portion of your event/activation has to take place outdoors or be highly visible to be eligible for the Engage Downtown Grant. Downtown outdoor space includes parks, plazas, sidewalks, streets, alleys, and riverfront space.

Also, if you are hosting a big-budget event - this grant isn't for you! But we might still be able to assist.

If your expenses are expected to be more than $15,000 total - please reach out to our VP of Marketing - Milton Howery III at howery@downtownmemphis.com.

Question Title

* 1. contact info

Primary Contact Person's Full Name

Name of the Event

Address of Primary Contact

ZIP/Postal Code

Email Address

Mobile Phone Number. Enter with dashes please - like this: 901-575-0540 (must be able to recieve text messages on this number)

Question Title

* 2. Title and Description of the event - please include any entertainment, food, drink or activity details; please include anything that makes your event distinct or unique:

Question Title

* 3. Date of Event (If multiple dates, use a different line for each date). Write dates like this: 11/12/2024

Date

Question Title

* 4. Location of Event - see neighborhood map here.

Use ONLY the following: North District, Core District, South District, or Medical District (use MAP linked above to determine):

Address of Event:

Question Title

* 5. Is this event free to the public?

Yes

Question Title

* 6. Will your event have a rental fee for the location? If so, how much is that fee?

Question Title

* 7. Will your event have a live music component? If so how much are you budgeting for live music?

Question Title

* 8. Will your event have any other entertainment or talent costs? If so how much are you budgeting for this item? (Please make sure your description includes this)

Question Title

* 9. What amount do you have budgeted for promotion/advertising?

Question Title

* 10. What is your total budget (expenses only) for this event?

Question Title

* 11. What is your expected revenue (if any) for this event?

Question Title

* 12. What age range is your target audience?

Adults only - 21+

Kids and family

All ages are encouraged

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 13. Please list all members of your event team, their role in the event, and their cell/mobile phone number.

Lead Contact:

Other Contact:

Question Title

* 14. I confirm that all information given is correct.

yes!