Activation& Event Grant - Downtown Memphis Commission

Current phase:

January 2026 - June 2026

Application Deadline - January 23, 2025

The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) offers Activation and Event Grants twice each year to support events and activities that bring people to Downtown Memphis, increasing foot traffic and vibrancy.

Grants are awarded in January and July based on when the event will take place. Please review the timelines below to determine when to apply and when you will receive a decision.

Activation & Event Grant Purpose & Information

The DMC’s Downtown Activation & Event Grants offers funding for events/activations that recruit people into Downtown; utilize public, outdoor, or highly visible space; and provide a uniquely joyful experience in Downtown Memphis. There are no restrictions on the type of activations/events we are looking to fund. Activations can be music, art, fashion, fitness, community-related, etc. All we require is that the proposed activations enhance our Downtown experience. We want to find new ways to bring more people into Downtown and support events that showcase Downtown Memphis true community spirit and soul.

Funding Amount

Grants are eligible for amounts between $250 and $2,500, depending on scope, concept, type of event, or activation.

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: 01/02/2026

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. List all partner organizations, businesses, and sponsors associated with the event.

Question Title

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

yes!