The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority offers Special Event Sponsorships to support community organizations hosting events within its districts. These sponsorships aim to promote the DDA’s three distinct districts: Downtown, Depot Town, and West Cross Street.
APPLICATIONS DUE THURSDAY, MAY 1 2025 AT NOON.
Eligibility: Open to organizations hosting public, non-profit events within the DDA district. Religious or political events are excluded.
Funding:
Depot Town –
Up to $1,500 for highest scoring event
Up to $1,250 for second highest scoring event
Up to $1,000 for third highest scoring event
Downtown –
Up to $4,500 for highest scoring event
Up to $3,750 for second highest scoring event
Up to $3,000 for third highest scoring event
West Cross –
Up to $1,500 for highest scoring event
Up to $1,250 for second highest scoring event
Up to $1,000 for third highest scoring event
The Grants Committee and DDA Board can distribute funds to their discretion. If your event takes place in multiple districts, that will be considered during scoring.
Scoring Process: All events are reviewed by the DDA Grants Committee. The committee uses a scoring matrix that asks the following questions:
1. How well does this event integrate and impact local businesses?
2. Does this serve underrepresented groups or businesses in the DDA?
3. What is the projected attendance?
4. What are the other sources of funding to support the event?
5. Does this event take place in a free and public space?
6. Does the organizer have a proven track record of organizing successful
events? Has this event been successful in the past?
Events that take place in public streets that directly impact the DDA businesses are ideal for this funding. See the City of Ypsilanti Special Events page to rent your event space.
All applicants are encouraged to attend the Grants Committee Meeting to answer any questions about their event.
The top scoring events will be recommended to the DDA board for final approval. Attendance is not required, but recommended for both meetings.
The Special Event Sponsorship request form is linked here.
Please email your completed application to elize@ypsilantidda.org by May 1st, at noon.