Which events can receive an ACE grant?
The 2027 Arts, Culture and Entertainment grants support community events held inside Salt Lake City during the 2027 calendar year. An applicant may be based elsewhere, but its event must take place within city limits and serve the city’s goals, such as cultural activities or neighborhood connections. The guidelines give free events priority, while ticketed events can also be considered.
Official sources: 2027 ACE grant guidelines · Current 2027 ACE program and application links
How much funding is available, and how much can an organizer request?
The city lists $300,000 for the program, with individual awards between $500 and $10,000 and typical grants of $1,000 to $5,000. Applicants must state a specific request and an estimated event budget; the guidelines say a request should not exceed half that budget. This is competitive supplemental funding, and a previous award does not assure another one.
Official sources: 2027 ACE grant guidelines · Current 2027 ACE program and application links
What restrictions should organizers check?
Online events are ineligible, and private events and fundraisers are generally excluded, with exceptions described in the guidelines for some donation-collecting events with substantial community programming. The city also generally excludes conferences, galas, medical-service events, service projects, film productions and political rallies; it does not intend these grants to pay organizational overhead or nonlocal performers and staff. Outstanding event debts, previous permitting problems or sustained complaints can affect eligibility, and organizers with unused funding for a postponed event cannot seek additional funding until that money is used.
Official sources: 2027 ACE grant guidelines · Current 2027 ACE program and application links
When and how does an organizer apply?
Applications must be submitted online by November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.; the published program and guidelines do not identify a time zone. The city’s program page links the application and guidelines, which call for a set event date, time and location, a budget, a proposed use for the grant and an explanation of the audience and community benefit. Applications are available in English and Spanish, and the guidelines direct people needing an accommodation or another language to ACE@slc.gov.
Official sources: 2027 ACE grant guidelines · Current 2027 ACE program and application links
Where can applicants get help before the deadline?
An online session is scheduled October 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. On October 29, the Sprague Library branch at 2131 S. 1100 East will host a session between 6 and 7 p.m. The October 22 session at the Main Library is now past. The October 2 announcement links the virtual meeting and lists ACE@slc.gov for questions.
Official sources: October 2 announcement · Current 2027 ACE program and application links
When would funding be awarded, and is a permit included?
The city expects to announce recipients near the end of December 2026 and distribute payments around February 2027. A grant does not guarantee an event permit; the guidelines require a separate city special-event permit application at least 30 days ahead for events on public property with more than 50 people. Applicants remain responsible for meeting the permitting process and its other requirements.
Official sources: 2027 ACE grant guidelines · Current 2027 ACE program and application links
What must a recipient do after receiving an award?
Recipients must submit finalized event information before payment and complete an evaluation within 60 days after the event. They must notify the grant coordinator of major changes. Canceled events must return the money, although the guidelines allow funds to be held for the same event postponed to the following year.
Official sources: 2027 ACE grant guidelines · Current 2027 ACE program and application links