Community Event Grants

The City of Saratoga recognizes the value of community events and their role in bringing residents together, building community, and establishing an identity for the City. The City established the Community Event Grant Program which gives local event organizers the opportunity to seek funding for their community events. 

Eligibility & Criteria

  • Event must be located in Saratoga
  • Event must be free and open to the public
  • Event should be volunteer-led
  • Event should concentrate on Saratoga's character, diversity, or history
  • Event should celebrate community, not limited to a small group
  • $1 million liability coverage for event is required

Grant Funding

Grant funding may be used for:

  • City-related fees (such as park rental or permit costs)
  • Contract services
  • Event materials
  • Permits
  • Supplies

Grants are issued upon a reimbursement basis, with the exception of City fees. Funding sources in addition to the grant are encouraged.

Application Process

The application period for Fiscal Year 2019/20 has closed. Applications for Fiscal Year 2020/21 will be available in January 2020.

Insurance Coverage

All event organizers who receive funding through the Community Event Grant Program and Street Closure Grant Program must obtain event liability insurance coverage in the amount of at least $1 million. The insurance coverage will name the City of Saratoga, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers as additional insured. Event organizers must provide a "Certificate of Insurance" with "Additional Insured Endorsement" to the City prior to holding the event.

Street Closure Grant

The Saratoga City Council also sets aside funding to help a local organization pay for the cost of closing down Big Basin Way for a community event. This Street Closure Grant is separate from the Community Event Grant and is awarded to only one organization. This year, the City Council has reserved the Street Closure Grant for the Chamber of Commerce.

Grant Reimbursement Requests

Grant funds are issued on a reimbursement basis. Grant recipients should submit a reimbursement request along with copies of invoices/receipts after the event. Reimbursement requests should be consolidated into 1 request.