Better Together Grant
The Central Eastside Better Together Grant supports a vibrant, dynamic community by catalyzing events and projects to increase foot traffic and highlight the District’s unique identity. Through funding arts and cultural events, public installations, and District-driven projects that boost co-creation, the grant fosters an engaging and inclusive environment that supports economic growth, and a strong sense of place.
The Spring 2026 grant cycle is now open!
Grant Details
-
The purpose of the Better Together Grant is to enhance community by catalyzing events and projects that activate public space, increase foot traffic, and promote our unique district identity.
Click here to take a look at upcoming events that are proudly sponsored by the Better Together Grant.
-
Preference is given to events and projects designed to create district-wide impact. This includes demonstrating broad partnership or participation from businesses within the Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID), offering clear economic benefits to existing businesses, and catalyzing long-term sustainability.
We aim to support both the expansion of existing events and initiatives, and the launch of new ones. Our goal is to fund proposals that are, or have the potential to become, annual traditions and signature hallmarks of the CEID.
Events and projects may include but are not limited to:
Placemaking Initiatives and Public Installations
Street Fairs, Block Parties, and other Community Gatherings
Markets & Festivals
We encourage creative, out-of-the-box ideas. Proposals consisting solely of printed collateral / promotional materials are not eligible for funding.
Grants will NOT be awarded:
To more than one request led by the same Project Lead in the same grant cycle
To the same project in two (2) consecutive grant cycles
To the same project more than three (3) times
If funds from a previous award were misappropriated, unused and not returned, or grant reporting requirements were not fulfilled
Please see the application for a complete list of guidelines and requirements.
-
Each event or project must meet the following criteria:
The event or project is open to the public (can be ticketed or not).
The event or project must clearly demonstrate a strategy to benefit existing local businesses in the CEID.
For the Spring 2026 cycle, events must take place between July 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026. No submission is guaranteed funding, so please plan accordingly.
A minimum of three (3) unique businesses or organizations and their designated representatives, must collaborate to plan and execute the proposed event or project. (A company supporting the event solely through a financial or product contribution is not considered a collaborator but a donor).
All businesses or organizations applying for the grant must have a storefront or be physically located within the boundaries of the (ESD). Please use this link to view the map and determine eligibility.
NOTE: Event organizers representing businesses or organizations without a physical location within the ESD boundary do not qualify for the Better Together Grant. However, they may still request an event sponsorship if the event is taking place in the CEID. Please contact Jenn Rhodes: jenn@ceic.cc
Please see the application for a complete list of guidelines and requirements.
In addition, if your project is selected as a recipient of the grant, agreement to the requirements listed in the Award & Agreement Packet will be required to receive grant funds.
-
3/25/26 — Applications due by 12 pm (Noon)
4/17/26 — Awards announced
12/31/26 — Grant events and projects must be completed
1/30/27 — Grant reporting is due 30 days after project completion and no later than 1/30/27
-
Please follow all requirements and complete all portions of the application as described. Submit the completed application by the deadline listed.
-
Submitted applications will be shared with the members of the Grant Review Committee. The committee is composed of business representatives within the CEID, representing current ratepayers within the Enhanced Services District. Committee members will independently review and score each grant, and then be compiled by staff in a summary score sheet.
The Committee will subsequently gather for a determination meeting. The Committee seeks consensus and votes on each request, which may be accepted, denied, or awarded at a lower amount. Denial of a grant application request should not be viewed as a reflection of its merit.
More details on the scoring criteria is found in the application.
-
After the committee has determined grant awards, applicants will be notified via email.
All recipients of the Better Together Grant agree to adhere to the requirements in the award packet below, including the completion the Grants Final Report Form.
-
Unsure whether your event or project fits the grant guidelines, requirements, and goals? A pre-submission call is strongly encouraged to confirm qualifications, review and clarify your project vision, and otherwise strengthen your application. Please contact Jenn Rhodes (jenn@ceic.cc) prior to submitting your application.
Event organizers representing businesses or organizations without a physical location within the ESD boundary do not qualify for the Better Together Grant. However, they may still request an event sponsorship if the event is taking place in the CEID.