TIER 3: Small community based events that are seeking financial assistance to help defray the cost of basic operation, including permitting and other city fees. First time events. (Note: First time events are only eligible for Tier 3 funding)

TIER 2: Events with an established presence in the community. Tier 2 events should have a sustainable funding model including multiple sources or revenue/sponsorship.

TIER 1: 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. Tier 1 events will be asked to submit a thorough application, as well as participate in an interview process.

• Event is held within Salt Lake City limits
• Open to the public (events may charge admission)
• Organizer/event/applicants in good financial standing with Salt Lake City Corporation and past vendors
• Organizer/event/applicants in good community standing (no history of complaints, etc.)
• Event is primarily focused on programming which supports the city’s goals and vision (see above); fundraising events not eligible

• Private events not open to the public.
• 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.

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. 

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.

Yes. Organizations hosting multiple events must apply for each individual event.

No. Funds will only be granted to events that are already scheduled. All applicants should have a set date, time and location for their event.

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

No. First-year events will only be considered for Tier 3 ACE funding.