EVENT SUPPORT GRANT

ArtsAVL and the City of Asheville are piloting an additional category to the Event Support Grant: Rolling Mini-Grants. These grants follow the same Event Support Grant eligibility requirements, priority considerations, and allowable expenses guidelines, with the following exceptions:

• Maximum awards for ESG Mini-Grants are $2,500.
• For profit businesses are eligible to apply if they are located within the proposed event’s physical footprint (such as a street festival where the business is located).
• Organizations may submit a Mini-Grant application any time between September 8, 2025 and November 15, 2026 Applications must be submitted at least 45 days (60 days is preferred) prior to the event.
• Events may take place between October 22, 2025 – December 31, 2026.
• To expedite the approval process, the Mini-Grant application also includes the required questions for a City of Asheville outdoor special event permit application, allowing for review of your
• application for a OSE permit as well as the Mini-Grant at the same time.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

• The event producer must be a non-profit 501c organization or for profit business in operation for at least one year at the time of application.
• At the time of application, the applicant must maintain a physical presence in Buncombe County by conducting business and providing services within Buncombe County.
• For profit business applicants must be physically located within the proposed event’s physical footprint.
• All events supported must be admission-free and open to the public, permitted under the City’s Outdoor Special Event office, and conducted in person within Asheville’s outdoor public spaces.
• Religious organizations or churches are NOT eligible for Event Support Grants unless the programs are presented outside regular church services, engage the larger community, and do not contain religious content.
• Program must take place between October 22, 2025 – December 31, 2026.
• Final performance report must be submitted within 60 days of the event date.

PRIORITIES

Proposals that increase exposure to the arts, promote a high quality of life for residents, and spur economic activity in the local economy through arts programming will receive priority.

ALLOWABLE EXPENSES

Grant funds are restricted for the following City fees and charges, also outlined in the Non-Profit Fee Calculator or For Profit Fee Calculator. Please review the City of Asheville Outdoor Special Event Guide for details on fees. For assistance with determining allowable expenses and completing the worksheet, applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application appointment with Jon Fillman, COA Office of Special Events Community Event Manager at the link provided in the worksheet.

• Application Fees & Alcohol permit Fees
• Property Use Fees
• Street Closure Permit Fees
• Temporary Use Permit Fees (Structural/ Electrical/ Fire)
• Transit Impact Fees
• Barricade & Cone Rentals
• Parking Closure Fees

Please note: No other City fees or non-City fees will be supported by grant funds.

Update for 2025-2026: Grant funding will no longer be dispersed on a reimbursement basis upon execution of the event. The COA will invoice ArtsAVL directly on behalf of the grantee for the final confirmed expenses. ArtsAVL will pay the approved expenses up to the total approved grant amount. Any expenses incurred above the grant amount will be the responsibility of the organization, and you will be billed by the COA for the overage.

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

• The event producer must be a non-profit 501c organization in operation for at least one year at the time of application.
• At the time of application, non-profit organizations must maintain a physical presence in Buncombe County by conducting business and providing services within Buncombe County.
• All events supported must be admission-free and open to the public, permitted under the City’s Outdoor Special Event office, and conducted in person within Asheville’s outdoor public spaces.
• Religious organizations or churches are NOT eligible for Event Support Grants unless the programs are presented outside regular church services, engage the larger community, and do not contain religious content.
• The program must take place between January 1- December 31, 2026.
• Final performance report must be submitted within 60 days of the event date or last date in a series.

PRIORITIES

Proposals that increase exposure to the arts and promote a high quality of life for residents within the community through arts programming will receive priority.

ALLOWABLE EXPENSES

Grant funds are restricted for the following City fees and charges, also outlined in the Non-Profit Fee Calculator. Please review the City of Asheville Outdoor Special Event Guide for details on fees. For assistance with determining allowable expenses and completing the worksheet, applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application appointment well in advance of the grant deadline of October 14. Appointments may be scheduled with Jon Fillman, COA Office of Special Events Community Event Manager at the link provided in the worksheet.

• Application Fees & Alcohol permit Fees
• Property Use Fees
• Street Closure Permit Fees
• Temporary Use Permit Fees (Structural/ Electrical/ Fire)
• Transit Impact Fees
• Barricade & Cone Rentals
• Parking Closure Fees

Please note: No other City fees or non-City fees will be supported by grant funds.

Update for 2025-2026: Grant funding will no longer be dispersed on a reimbursement basis upon execution of the event. The COA will invoice ArtsAVL directly on behalf of the grantee for the final confirmed expenses. ArtsAVL will pay the approved expenses up to the total approved grant amount. Any expenses incurred above the grant amount will be the responsibility of the organization, and you will be billed by the COA for the overage.