Salt Lake City

Mayor's Office

Erin Mendenhall | (801) 535-7704

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  3. ACE Fund

ACE Fund

ARTS, CULTURE, AND EVENTS (ACE) FUND

The 2023 ACE Fund is now open for applications! See details and links to apply below.

Since 2012, the Office of the Mayor has provided ACE funding to support and grow neighborhood and community events in Salt Lake City. ACE sponsored events contribute to Salt Lake City’s unique and vibrant culture and bring communities together to celebrate and learn. Awards range from $500 to $10,000, both large and small events are encouraged to apply!

To be eligible for ACE Funds, events must take place in Salt Lake City and should support the City’s overall vision and goals, including those that:

  • Support city-wide economic development,
  • Bring arts, education, and technology opportunities to all communities,
  • Promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural identity,
  • Protect the local environment and build a sustainable city,
  • Create neighborhood and community unity,
  • Support the health and wellness of city residents

View the list of the 2022 ACE Fund Recipients.

Important Dates

Application OpensNovember 1, 2022
Application Information and Q&A SessionNovember 9, 2022 at 6pm
Sorenson Community Campus
Black Box Theater
1383 S 900 W Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Application Information and Q&A SessionNovember 16, 2022 at 4:30pm
The Shop
Hosted by the Utah Black Chamber
350 E 400 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Application Information and Q&A SessionNovember 21, 2022 at 6pm
Neighborhood House
1050 W 500 S Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Application Information and Q&A SessionNovember 29, 2022 at 6pm
Salt Lake City Public Library
210 E 400 S Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Application ClosesDecember 13, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
Notified of Award StatusLate January, 2023

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Tier 1: Signature Events: $5,000 – $10,000

Tier 1 funding is for Signature Events, which are large-scale events with a significant footprint in the city, including a tangible economic development impact. Tier 1 events should have multiple sources of revenue, including multiple sponsors, and a manageable budget. Applicants for Tier 1 funding should submit a detailed and strong application as this is a competitive process. 

To be eligible for this funding, events must be established and have been taking place for 3 years or more. These events must also be in-person, virtual events are not eligible for Tier 1 funding. Tier 1 applicants will be required to upload an event budget.

Tier 2: Small Recurring Events or Up & Coming Events: $500 – $4,999

Tier 2 funding is for Small Recurring Events or Up & Coming Events, which are smaller community-based events or brand new events that are seeking financial assistance to help cover the cost of basic operation, including permitting and other city fees. Virtual events are eligible for Tier 2 funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS

ACE funds are limited therefore this is a competitive application process. Applications that were awarded funding in the past are not guaranteed funding each year.

Applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to read the ACE Fund Guidelines and determine eligibility prior to beginning the application. Please note all application entries must be submitted online. If an applicant is unable to make an online submission, please call 385-443-0330 or email ACE@slcgov.com. 

Step 1 – Review the 2023 ACE Fund application questions for Tier 1 or Tier 2 (see below).

Step 2 – Begin the application for either:

  • Tier 1 – Signature Event Fund – Apply here.
  • Tier 2 – Up & Coming Event – Apply here.
  • Applications are available in English and Spanish. If you would like to submit your application in a language other than English or Spanish, please let us know – we will provide translation services.

Step 3 – Submit your application – once the application has been submitted, please ensure you have received a confirmation email.

REVIEW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

ACE funds are intended to support the cost of hosting an event in Salt Lake City and are not intended to support operating costs. Eligibility requirements must meet the following:

  • Event is held within Salt Lake City limits (Not to be confused with Salt Lake County).
  • Open to the public and not a private event (events may charge admission)
  • Organizer/event/applicant is in good financial standing with Salt Lake City Corporation and past vendors
  • Organizer/event/applicant is in good community standing (no history of complaints, etc.)
  • Event is primarily focused on programming which supports the city’s goals and vision
  • Current grantees must be current on any reporting obligations for past ACE funding cycles

    • What types of events that are not eligible for ACE Funding?

  • Private events not open to the public. Events that collect donations qualify for funding if the event has a significant programming (arts, culture, neighborhood awareness, etc.) element.
  • Events held outside of Salt Lake City limits.
  • Events that receive funding from the City’s General Fund budgeting process or a non-competitive process.
  • Events, organizations and event applicants that have a history of sustained complaints from previous years from residents, event vendors and City staff.
  • An event or organizer who has not met the City’s Special Event Permit deadlines from previous years.
  • An event or organizer whose past event debts have not been reconciled with the City and/or event vendors.
  • An event with a primary focus on fundraising. (While ACE funding is available to organizations/groups hosting events that charge admission, funding is not available to support events with a primary focus on fundraising. Events receiving ACE Funding must have a significant programming (arts, culture, neighborhood awareness, etc.) element
  • In addition, repeated violations of City Special Event and Salt Lake County Health Department requirements will negate an event organizer’s eligibility to receive ACE funding.

    • Are there costs to holding my event on City or public property?

    There may be. Applicants are encouraged to complete a City Special Event Permit application form (Event Permits). This will help determine any costs for City services. Applicants who apply each year for the same event with the same scope can include fee information from the previous year. If you have questions about City services or about applying for a City Special Event Permit, please email EventPermits@slcgov.com.

    Applicants hosting an event on public property for over 50 people are required to submit a City Special Event Permit application at least 30 days before the event. The City encourages applying for a Special Event Permit as early as possible. To learn more or to apply for a City Special Event Permit, visit Event Permits.  Please note, the City’s Special Event Permit Office will need time to review and approve Special Event Permits. 

    What happens if we cancel our event after we receive ACE funding?

    In the event a recipient chooses to decline ACE Funds that have already been allocated or decides to cancel the funded event, all funds must be returned immediately. The funds will be redistributed at the discretion of the ACE Fund Committee.

    Our organization is hosting multiple events this year. Do we need to complete an application for each event?

    If the event is considered a series of events, for instance a concert, poetry or film series or multiple gallery openings, you can submit one application for the series. If the events are unique and have different activities, you must submit an application for each individual event.

    I'm not sure yet when our event is going to take place. Can we apply now?

    Yes, but all applicants should have an anticipated date, time, and location. We realize event date(s) may depend on availability of location.

    Our event received $5,000 last year. Are we guaranteed the same amount this year?

    No. Each ACE Fund application is carefully considered each year, and prior recipients are not given preferences in the evaluation process. 

    This is the first year for my event. May I apply for Tier 1 funds?

    No, first-year events will only be considered for Tier 2 funding.

    What types of events can the ACE Fund support?

    • Community and neighborhood
    • Arts, cultural and technology
    • Mental health and wellness
    • Environmental and sustainability
    • Conference – however the application must demonstrate how the event is accessible to the broader community. Conference registration fees will be considered during the review process.

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    For questions or more information, please contact:

    ACE@slcgov.com or call 385-443-0330