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Purpose
Annual grant program to help fund events occurring in Lawrence that strengthen the city’s Unmistakable Identity as a welcoming, arts- and culture-focused community while generating economic and tourism benefits.
You can view the complete UEG guidelines HERE.
Guidelines Summary:
Core Goals (what your event must show)
- Economic impact: Boosts local spending, brings in visitors, and ideally increases hotel stays and sales tax revenue
- City identity: Reinforces Lawrence as a unique and vibrant arts- and culture community
- Inclusion & engagement: Reaches diverse audiences, especially BIPOC communities, and helps people feel their culture is represented
- Sustainability: Promotes environmental awareness and/or sustainable practices
Key Eligibility & Funding
- Open to Kansas-registered for-profit and nonprofit organizations
- One application per organization per year
- Event must take place within Lawrence city limits
- Grants range from $500 to $15,000 per event
What Funding Supports
- General event costs, with a priority on marketing and promotion, such as:
- Advertising (digital, print, radio, etc.)
- Design, video, and web content
- Promotional materials
What Makes an Application Competitive
- Ability to attract out-of-town visitors, especially:
- During off-peak months (Dec–March)
- On weekdays
- Evidence of other funding or partnerships (cash or in-kind)
- Alignment with city goals (economic, cultural, inclusive, sustainable)
Requirements if You Receive Funding
- Sign a city agreement and submit an invoice
- Register a city vendor account
- Submit a post-event report within 1 month of event (attendance, impact, spending, etc.)
- Acknowledge the City of Lawrence and eXplore Lawrence in promotions (logos required)
Process & Timing
- One application cycle per year (apply in fall for the following year)
- Reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, with final approval by the City Commission
- Applications and meetings are public
Important Limitation
- A single organization may receive either an Unmistakable Events Grant (events), or a Community Arts Grant (arts projects or programming) but not both.
You can view the complete UEG guidelines HERE.