Special Service Area event Grant PrograM

Intends to assist events that energize downtown including Collins and Cass Street merchants.

Providing funds directly to Businesses

The Joliet City Center Partnership created the Special Service Area (SSA) Event Grant Program to assist events that energize downtown including Collins and Cass Street merchants, provide cultural enhancement of the SSA, and brand Joliet as a place of vitality, community, culture and entertainment. The desired outcome is a comprehensive offering of diverse, high-quality events that provide compelling reasons to come downtown. The funding of this and other event support work demonstrates the CCP’s commitment to investing funds in support of events and programs that create retail activity, cultural vitality, and positive exposure for the SSA.

The grant funds are designated for events that:

Create retail activity and a positive economic impact to special service area merchants.
Are well attended
Are unique events that are different than what is offered by other communities, and which serve to distinguish the special service area in Joliet. They enhance and support the special service area brand and bring national or regional attention to the area.
Invite a diverse audience to the special service area.

Assistance Available and Requirements

Applications should be provided at least three months prior to the event date. The grant application will be reviewed by the Marketing Committee and approved by the CCP board according to the evaluation criteria and the amount of money available at the time of review. The board reserves the right to decline any application for any reason. Once approved, it is the responsibility of the grantee to provide an invoice for the approved grant amount as well as a competed W9 form. If the event is canceled or moved outside of the SSA, the CCP should be informed immediately and be reimbursed within 60 days. This program provides grants of up to $1,000 per event for ticketed events and up to $1,500 for free admission events. Grants can be used for up to 50% of the event’s budget.

important notes

The following statement and/or CCP logo must be incorporated on all printed material and/or television/radio marketing: “Funding provided in part by the Joliet City Center Partnership”. Failure to include statement or logo will result in loss of grant funds.

Need Help?

Contact the City Center Partnership by email or phone.