Special Events and Community Arts Program - Community Arts with a 501c Designation Grant

The City of Naperville's Special Events and Community Arts Program provides funding for community-focused events and artistic initiatives through the SECA Fund. Eligible projects must occur in Naperville between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Attendance at a mandatory workshop is required, and applicants must comply with specific funding limitations to ensure resources are utilized effectively.

Note: SECA applicants must attend one of the in-person workshops - this is mandatory.
The City of Naperville encourages celebrations of community that focus on the heritage, diversity, and character of Naperville. In support of these activities, the City of Naperville established the Special Events and Community Arts (SECA) Fund in 2004 as “a separate fund used solely for the funding of social and artistic events and entities, providing cultural experiences for the Naperville community and its visitors.”

Eligibility

Be recognized as a tax-exempt non-profit organization according to Section 501 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code.Unless your project falls under the Community Arts Individual Artist/Group CategoryEvent, project or initiative located in NapervilleBegins on or after January 1, 2025. No project may extend beyond December 31, 2025.Attendance at mandatory SECA WorkshopMust not promote religion or religious organizations Must not be a social service activity (i.e., transitional housing, job placement, crisis intervention programs) Plan to reduce dependence on SECA FundsCompliance with City requirementsLimitations on the Use of SECA Funds:Funds shall not be used as a subsidy for an individual’s salary, payroll, and all other administrative-related expenses.Commercial storage rental space is not eligible for SECA funding.Funds must be used within the fund cycle for which they were granted (CY25 is January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025)Reimbursement requests may only be submitted after the event has occurredEvents/Projects must occur in NapervilleFunds shall not be used to subsidize academic study

Ineligibility

Cannot be a taxing bodyLimitations on the Use of SECA Funds:Travel-related expenses are not eligible for reimbursementRequests for reimbursement for costumes must include a photo of the costumeFood and beverage purchases with the exception of professional catering, are not eligible for funding; including grocery store, fast food and other restaurant purchasesGood faith effort to purchase goods and services in Naperville and work with the Naperville Convention & Visitors BureauGood faith effort to incorporate recycling into events.