Grant Details

The Better Together Grant Program invests in business-led projects that strengthen the Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID). We fund events, activations and placemaking initiatives that increase foot traffic, support local businesses and create memorable experiences that encourage people to explore the district and return in the future.

Our goal is to help businesses develop projects that contribute to a vibrant, connected and economically resilient Central Eastside. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate meaningful collaboration, create measurable economic benefits and have the potential to grow or become recurring district traditions.

Eligible projects must:

• Be led by a business with a physical storefront or business location within the Central Eastside Industrial District

• Take place within the CEID

• Be open to the public; ticketed events are eligible

• Be completed by September 1, 2027

• Engage at least three businesses or organizations with physical locations in the CEID as active collaborators

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Create a clear economic benefit for Central Eastside businesses

• Increase visitation and foot traffic within the district

• Demonstrate meaningful participation from collaborating businesses and organizations

• Activate public spaces or create memorable district experiences

• Intentionally purchase goods and services from businesses within the CEID

• Leverage additional partnerships, funding or in-kind support

• Have the potential to grow, continue or become an annual tradition

• Create lasting value or strengthen connections among Central Eastside businesses and the broader community

Collaboration may include co-hosting, cross-promotion, shared programming, providing a venue, contributing staff or materials, offering financial or in-kind support, hiring local vendors, or intentionally purchasing goods and services from other district businesses.

Up to $40,000 will be awarded during the 2026–2027 grant cycle. Individual grant awards may not exceed $8,000.

The following limitations apply:

• Each lead applicant may submit only one application per grant cycle.

• Returning or recurring projects are eligible but may not receive funding in consecutive grant cycles.

• The same project may receive Better Together Grant funding no more than three times in total.

• Previous recipients are ineligible if they have outstanding reporting requirements or have not used prior grant funds in accordance with their grant agreement.

• All funded projects must be completed by September 1, 2027.

• Application deadline: October 20, 2026

• Award notifications: By November 1, 2026

• Projects starting date: January 1, 2027

• Project completion deadline: September 1, 2027

• Final report due: Within 30 days of project completion

• Review the Applicant Eligibility Checklist before continuing. Only applications that meet all eligibility requirements will be considered.

All grant applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on October 20, 2026 to admin@centraleastside.biz.

Please include in the subject line “BTG Submission - Insert Your Business Name.” Follow all requirements and complete all portions of the application as described. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

View the 2026/27 Application here.

Download editable version here.

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.

After the committee has determined grant awards, applicants will be notified via email.

Recipients must accept the award and sign the grant agreement by December 4, 2026.

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 admin@centraleastside.biz prior to submitting your application.