How much funding does Start-Up Event Grant provide?

Start-Up Event Grant provides Up to $5,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Start-Up Event Grant?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Start-Up Event Grant

Rochester Downtown Alliance

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Community Services Grants Community Development Grants

Funding Amount

Up to $5,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Start-Up Event Grant

Funder: Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA)

Overview
The Start-Up Event Grant funds new events, fresh ideas, and exciting programs that encourage community and business engagement in downtown Rochester. This is a partial reimbursement-based grant where funding is distributed half upfront and half post-event.

Award Amount

Up to $5,000 per grant award

Geographic Scope

Events must take place at indoor or outdoor venues within the Downtown Rochester Special Services District (SSD)

Eligibility

Any individuals, businesses, community groups, and organizations may apply

No cap on how many years an applicant can receive funding

First-year recipients: May use RDA grant as sole source of funding (includes events previously done but never funded by this grant)

Second-year and beyond recipients: Must demonstrate ability to find matching funds to their RDA grant

Focus Areas & Priorities (2025)

Interest in partnering with RDA in event execution

Events that engage/support current downtown businesses by increasing foot traffic and driving commerce

Activations of unique and unused spaces

Events anticipating large attendance with high community impact

Events taking place on evenings and weekends

Events kept free and open to the public

Winter month events

Evaluation Criteria

Does your event meet grant requirements?

Is the budget achievable and realistic to the timeline?

Does your event align with RDA grant priorities?

Do you demonstrate interest in partnering and evidence of capacity to execute the event?

Is your event unique/new that adds variety to downtown?

Does your event drive foot traffic and increase commerce downtown?

Does your event involve, represent, or invite a range of cultures, ages, and backgrounds?

Timeline & Application Cycle

Rolling application cycle - no deadline; apply anytime

Applications recommended 3-6 months prior to event for adequate planning time

Grant team meets once a month

10 business days for application response

72 hours post-interview meeting for award notification

What's Supported

New events and fresh ideas

Community engagement programs

Public-facing activations

Contact Information

Email: info@downtownrochestermn.com

Phone: 507-216-9882

Address: 311 Broadway Ave South, Suite A2, Rochester, MN 55904

Additional Resources

Application Guide available

Event Planning Guide for new planners

RDA Grant Mentorship/Education program

Past recipients list available

How to Apply

Application Process

The application has two stages:

#### Stage 1: Online Application Submission

Submit the following required documents:

1. Event Budget
- Show both expenses and anticipated revenue
- Include in-kind contributions
- Include requested amount from RDA
- Include permitting expenses

2. Marketing Plan
- Outline how you'll promote the event

3. Visual Materials
- Inspiration photos
- Site plan or drawing of event layout

#### Stage 2: RDA Grant Team Interview

Selected applicants invited to in-person interview
Meet with RDA Grant Team to discuss event proposal
Private conference room setting with organizer team and RDA team
Panel asks follow-up questions about event details

Timeline for Review

1. Application received
2. Grant team reviews (meets once a month)
3. Allow 10 business days for application response
4. If selected, invited to in-person interview
5. Within 72 hours post-interview, receive award notification

Recommendations

Apply at least 3-6 months prior to your event
Include professional rendering from licensed design firm (highly recommended)
Demonstrate clear partnership interest with RDA
Show realistic budget and timeline
Highlight how event serves underrepresented communities

Apply with Grantable Learn more

What Rochester Downtown Alliance actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

Grants in 2024: 1
Total given: $7,000
Median grant: $7,000

By dollars: Minnesota 100%. Top recipient cities: Rochester, MN.

Example grants

My Town My Music LLC · Rochester, MN

The rochester thaw music festival

$7,000

IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

Deadline

October 15, 2026

Semi-annual

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Start-Up Event Grant

Overview

Start-Up Event Grant

How to Apply

Application Process

Timeline for Review

Recommendations

What Rochester Downtown Alliance actually gave

Example grants

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

Categories

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Anaconda Community Foundation Grant

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Barry Community Foundation - BCF Community Grant

Community Chest Grant Program

Ready to apply for Start-Up Event Grant?