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The City of Monterey will be accepting applications for the Special Event Support Program (SESP) from Thursday, February 1, 2024 through 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 29, 2024, for events scheduled during Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025). There’s a total of $100,000 to distribute through this program to qualified applicants. Program guidelines, criteria and the application are available at monterey.org/events/grant-program.  
 
The grant program focuses on not-for-profit events, events free to the public, and events that encourage educational opportunities for Monterey youth, cultural or arts experiences, provide recreational or social activities, promote economic vitality, and enhance community identity. The Special Event Support Program started in 2015 but was put on pause at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its impact on the City’s budget. The program has been reestablished and provides an opportunity to have special events considered for funding support by the City of Monterey. 
 
“We are excited to bring back this important program that supports so many wonderful events for our community throughout the year,” said Mayor Tyller Williamson.  
 
In 2019, we assisted 28 organizations in funding a total of 41 events including the Monterey County Pops!, Monterey Firefighters Association, Monterey Jazz Festival, Tuba Christmas, and the Old Monterey Business Association’s 4th of July Parade.