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 application for our Fall 2025 grant cycle is available now!
Applications are due October 1, 2025, at 12 noon, funding events happening between January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026.
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 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 the launch of new ones. Our goal is to fund events and projects 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:Community Gatherings & Placemaking Initiatives
Street Fairs & Block Parties
Markets & Festivals
Grants will NOT be awarded:
Multiple times to the same project in the same fiscal year (July 1st, 2025 - June 30th, 2026)
Multiple times to the same project for more than 3 consecutive years
To more than one project led by the same Project Lead in the same grant cycle
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.
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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.
Events must take place between January 1st, 2026 and June 30th, 2026. No submission is guaranteed funding, so please plan accordingly.
A minimum of three (3) businesses or organizations 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 Brianna Woods: brianna@ceic.cc
Please see the application for a complete list of guidelines and requirements.
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October 1st, 2025 Applications due by 12 noon
October 24th, 2025 Awards announced
June 30th, 2026 - Grant events and projects must be completed
July 3rd, 2026 - Grant reporting is due 30 days after project completion and no later than 7/3/26.
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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, 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