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 2025 grant cycle is now open! Applications are due April 18th, 2025 at 12 noon for events happening 7/1/25 - 12/31/25.
See how to submit your application below!
Grant Details
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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.
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Preference is given to events/projects whose aim is district-wide impact, evidenced in a broad level of partnership and/or participation from businesses within the CEID, offering economic benefit to existing businesses, and catalyzing long-term impact through sustainability. We aim to help existing events expand their reach and also to help launch new events.
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.
(3) Three or more businesses or organizations must collaborate to plan and execute an event or project in the CEID and apply together.
At least three (3) of the businesses or organizations applying must have a storefront or be physically located within the boundaries of the Central Eastside Enhanced Service District, which is comprised of Zones 1-7 (use the link to determine).
Please see the application for a complete list of guidelines and requirements.
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April 18th, 2025 Applications due by 12 noon
May 9th, 2025 Awards announced
May 12th, 2025 Payment processing begins
December 31st, 2025 - Grant events and projects must be completed
February 2nd, 2026 - Grant reporting is due 30 days after project completion and no later than 2/2/25.
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Please follow all requirements and complete all portions of the application as described. Submit the completed application by the deadline listed. Submit as one PDF to Brianna Woods brianna@ceic.cc.
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Upon receiving the submitted applications, each 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, returning their scorecard to the CET Director of the Enhanced Services District, who will compile 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 gift amount. Denial of a grant application request should not be viewed as a reflection of the event’s merit.
The committee reviews, scores, and evaluates each request based on the criteria below.
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After the committee has determined grant awards, all applicants will be notified via email.
All recipients of the Better Together Grant agree to adhere to the requirements in the award packet linked below.
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Unsure if your project or event aligns with the purpose or meets the grant requirements? Interested in discussing your idea and getting input in advance?
Please contact Director of the Enhanced Services District, Brianna Woods at brianna@ceic.cc