About Signature Event Grants
The City of Bellingham seeks proposals for new signature events from parties interested in and capable of producing a special event or a unique public experience. Proposals are reviewed by the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Tourism Commission, and approved by Bellingham City Council.
Signature Event Grant Winners
Ideas funded by prior signature event grants include Ski to Sea (pictured at the top of this page) Northwest Tune-up, SeaFeast, and Bellingham Exit.
Grant Application is Currently Closed
The grant application process seeks to identify a qualified producer or operator with the experience, industry contacts and innovative vision for launching an annual Spring event that will encourage commerce, maximize national and regional exposure, enhance the existing quality of life for residents and become self-sustaining. Responders to this RFP are encouraged to offer big, bold, creative ideas.
All proposals for the last round were to be received no later than NOON on September 6, 2024. Late submissions were not accepted.
Funding Commitment
The anticipated commitment is up to three years for purposes of providing seed money necessary to launch a new event. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year and approximately $70,000 is available for the two following years for one or more signature events.
Eligible Expenses
Marketing and operational expenses are eligible. Marketing expenses includes activities designed to increase tourism, including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism and funding marketing of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists.
Operation includes, but is not limited to, typical expenses associated with managing and operating an event such as supplies, equipment rentals, venue costs etc.
