Now accepting applications
EVENT INCENTIVE GRANT
Photo Credit: Jason Hill, courtesy of 8 Seconds Rodeo
Help keep Portland eventful and vibrant.
Showcase the best Portland has to offer.
The Event Incentive Fund is accepting applications for events taking place before Dec. 31, 2025
GRANT OVERVIEW
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted at least 60 days before the event is scheduled.
Grants available up to $100,000.00. The expected average grant is $50,000.00
For questions, please contact Amanda Park at parka@prosperportland.us
PROGRAM INFORMATION
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The Event Incentive Grant provides funding to encourage new events to Portland. The program is instrumental in addressing the concerns and needs of large-scale event producers such as:
Access to an incentive that is competitive to other cities
Offset some of the risk of entering an unknown market
Acknowledgement of the increase in economic activity in the host city attributed to the event
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Recruit “new-to-Portland" events that enhance key leisure and creative industries (e.g. Athletic and Outdoor, Food, Wine, maker’s/ small businesses)
Increase the number of large events taking place in Portland
Increase hotel occupancy and or vehicle rental rates in Portland
Support reputation and rebranding of Portland
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Event producers will submit their application online. All eligible events will be considered for funding on a rolling basis. Grant will be determined based on alignment with program priorities and the funding that is available.
Applications will be scored according to funding priorities and scores will be entered into a funding calculator.
If funded, the applicant will enter a grant agreement with Prosper Portland. In order to receive the grant funds the entity must comply with local, state, and federal registration requirements as well as submit a signed W-9.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
Currently, funding is available for events that will take place before December 30, 2025.
Funding available: Maximum of $100,000 per qualifying event. The anticipated average grant size is $50,000.00.
Funding can be used in the following ways:
Planning
Marketing
Permitting
Operations
Event Accessibility
Funding is determined based on eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.
HOW TO APPLY
Review eligibility and program priorities
Review application requirements
Prepare responses, data, and documentation required, such as:
Attendance data from past similar events
Out-of-state event attendee data from past similar events
Letter of recommendation from a host city office/bureau or host city DMO (destination marketing organization) where the event has been held previously
Event production cost
Applications should be submitted at least 60 days before the event.
Funding decisions will be announced 21 days from application submission.
For questions about the application process, please contact Amanda Park at parka@prosperportland.us
APPLICATION RESOURCES:
Link to application preview. Please note that applications must be submitted online using the digital application form linked here.
ELIGIBILITY AND FUNDING PRIORITIES
ELIGIBILITY
• Event takes place before Dec 30, 2025
• The event is open to the public (all ages not required; ticketed events are allowed)
• The event is not one of the following: farmers markets, conferences, conventions, or
political/religious events
• Event producer has secured 60% of the total event budget
• 10% attendees from out of state demonstrated in previous events
• Estimated attendance at or above 10,000
• The applicant must submit at least one reference from a host city office/bureau or host city DMO (destination marketing organization) where the event has been held previously
• Demonstrate success in getting national/ International media attention for previously held events
• The event contributes positively to Portland’s economy and the city’s reputation
FUNDING PRIORITIES
• Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in Portland
• Events with multi-year contract opportunity
• Multi-day events or events that encourage overnight stays
• The proposed event has not received funds from Prosper Portland
• Located in the central city or encourages foot traffic to downtown Portland and the central city
• Engagement with local businesses and/or local community
• Events that draw over 10,000 attendees (priority for larger event attendance)
• Events draw over 10% out-of-state attendance (priority for higher percentage out-of-state)