The Washington State Department of Commerce (WSDOC) announced a $3.5 million grant program to help already established festivals and events in small communities.

The application period opened at 8 a.m. on June 8 and will remain open until July 1 at 5 p.m.

According to WSDOC, the program “supports ‘legacy’ events, festivals, civic and holiday celebrations, cultural and heritage events, music festivals, and street and arts fairs — those that have taken place for five or more years — in communities with populations of 100,000 or less.”

“Grants are designed to either restart and stabilize these legacy festivals and events that were suspended in 2020 and 2021, recover from disruptions and losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or both. Covered expenses include deposits on infrastructure (security, temporary fencing, staging, lights, sound equipment, etc.) and staff and labor costs. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000. Award amounts are based on need and demonstrated losses,” WSDOC said in its announcement.

To provide technical assistance to organizations, the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA held a series of informational seminars across the state.

Applicants do not have to attend a seminar to apply for the grants.

The application portal for the grants can be found online at commercegrants.com.

For more information, contact WFEA at bruce@wfea.org or call 360-808-3204.