Micro-Grant Support for Vibrant Small-Scale Events

Downtown Brookings is accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout the year to provide micro-grant funding to businesses in Downtown Brookings to help fund marketing for events and/or projects that build a stronger sense of community and vitality.


Additional Information

Micro-grants run between $50-200 based on the type of activity you plan with your neighbors and applications are accepted at any time. Funding is awarded on a first come, first serve basis until funds run out.

At least three Downtown Brookings businesses must participate in the event to be eligible. The event must take place within the Downtown Brookings neighborhood. A business can only apply for funding once per year but can be a participant in additional events.

Funding is to be used for marketing and advertisement of the event only. Funds cannot be used for purchases of food, alcohol, decorations, miscellaneous supplies, political activities, or non-event marketing.

Each project is reviewed by a committee of Downtown Brookings board members. 

To receive full reimbursement of allotted marketing funding, the applicant must provide receipts of eligible purchases and a one-page report of event outcomes, attendance estimates, and impacts within 30-days of the event conclusion. A W-9 form may be needed.


Eligible Projects 

We strongly encourage creativity! Some projects or ideas that could be funded include:

  • Workshops: Educational, project-based, or creative learning opportunities

  • Events: Book readings, craft nights, sip and shops, shopping or dining crawls, art walks, VIP nights, cook-offs, and other small events based around community and exploration. 

  • Give back opportunities: Neighborhood clean up, donation drives, or non-profit fundraising events.

  • Other: Eligibility to be determined on a case-by-case basis


To Apply

Micro-grant applications are accepted through email or mail. We welcome questions you may have regarding the program. Please email Kirsten Gjesdal with any questions you may have at director@downtownbrookings.com.

To apply, please click this link to download an application PDF.