New Festival & Event Funding Grant established to support events in Alton

The City of Alton invites organizations and businesses to apply to the new Festival & Event Funding Grant for events that take place within the city. The Festival & Event Funding Grant Program aims to support public events that enhance community vitality, strengthen cultural identity, stimulate economic activity, and activate business districts. Typical awards will range from $0 to $1,000.
In communities like Alton, affective events connect residents and visitors and strengthen the emotional core of the city. We want to support vibrant, connective events that will encourage feelings of trust and safety in our community and stimulate economic growth throughout Alton. We hope this grant will encourage businesses and organizations to host events that contribute to the culture of our community. For any grant award over $100, this is a reimbursement grant, which means that it is designed to cover eligible expenses after the event has occurred. The funds for this grant program are supplied by revenue from the Food & Beverage Tax. Events that support businesses that pay the Food & Beverage tax and that help drive increased revenues will be prioritized.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria to be considered for grant funding:
■ Must be a federally recognized non-profit organization, a payor of the Food & Beverage Tax, or brick and mortar retail based in the City of Alton.
■ For nonprofits, the organizational mission must be to conduct programs that benefit City of Alton residents and visitors and have the potential to enhance the culture and vitality of the City of Alton. Any business or organization with unpaid debts to the City of Alton is ineligible for this grant. (As per City Code Chapter 4 1-4-5).
For an event to be eligible to receive funding it must meet the following requirements:
■ Be open to the public.
■ Occur within the City of Alton.
■ Take place within the fiscal year.
■ Meet City ordinance and safety compliance.
■ Align with community and economic goals.
Allowable uses of grant funding include:
■ Event logistics (tents, staging, chairs, restrooms, entertainers)
■ City service costs
■ Marketing & promotion
■ Insurance & permitting
The first application deadline is July 15, 2026. After that date, application deadlines will occur quarterly on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 of each year.
The City Council will receive and review applications for their eligibility and completeness.
Interested organizations/businesses can apply to the grant through the fillable form in the forms and applications section of the City of Alton’s website at www.cityofaltonil.gov.
The City of Alton is excited for the opportunity to support events that benefit the culture, community, and economy of our city.