WPBCC MICRO GRANT POLICY + APPLICATION - Wicker Park & Bucktown Chamber of Commerce

WPBCC MICRO GRANT POLICY + APPLICATION

2024 MICRO GRANT POLICY

WPBCC Micro Grant Mission:
To support and sponsor marketing, events, projects, and promotions for local chamber member businesses partnering together

Goal of Grant Program:
To co-fund marketing programs that demonstrate a quantifiable benefit to multiple businesses
To foster business growth and collaboration within the WPBCC commercial corridors
To strengthen companies within the business district of the WPBCC

Who is/what activities are eligible to apply?
Any chamber member business that will partner with one, or more, additional chamber member(s) to provide marketing, events, projects, or promotions within the WPB chamber district

What grant funding can be used for:
Yes - Group marketing, events, projects, and promotions
Yes - Free or For profit events with a total budget of $5,000 or less

What grant funding can not be used for:
No - Singular businesses
No - Nonprofit or organization fundraisers
No - Large events with a total budget of more than $5,000 (refer to SSA Community Grant)

What makes an attractive proposal?
• Multiple business benefactors
• Ability to translate to an annual happening
• Promotions that:
*Reach a large audience
*Serves an under-represented or underserved business district
*Fills a void in foot traffic in the neighborhood
*Fosters positive business interaction
*Promotes the area as a vibrant business district
*Fits the mission of the WPBCC in general

Application Process:
• Applications are due no later than 2 months prior to the launch date of the event
• Complete applications will be reviewed by the WPBCC within a month of the date they are received
• Once applications have been reviewed, the WPBCC reserves the right to request additional information by email

Pre + Post Event Requirements:
• If applicable appropriate permits, aldermanic/city approvals (Please supply copies)
• WPBCC logo included in any print or web materials having to do with the event sponsored
• If funding is awarded, it will be paid out in two installments: 50% of the funding awarded will be paid prior to the event date/start of programming, and the final 50% of the funding awarded will be paid after the event
• A post-event report is suggested, including Samples, Attendance and Revenue Data

Fields marked with an * are required.

Lead Business

Event/Program Information *

Organization *

Contact

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2 *

Participating Businesses

Participating Business & Address *

Event Details

Event Date(s) *

Event Location(s) *

Amount of support desired (please provide both dollar amount and percent of total budget) *

The committee will only be authorized to approve up to $500 in grant monies per request. Each grant request must have a matching amount of funds contributed by the participating businesses. Grants not to exceed the lesser of (a) $500 or (b) 50% of the overall budget of the event.

Submission of completed grant applications are encouraged to be received at least 3 months prior to the launch date of the event. Businesses are eligible for 2 grants per year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a grant is declined, such business may apply for a new grant related to a different event. Funds not used within a fiscal year do not carry over to the following year. The WPBCC continues to be interested in supporting the marketing of various events in the business district. Please feel free to submit proposals that fulfill the criteria above, but may also expand on this current policy.

Cost (total budget amount for event, project, etc.) *

Submit your event or project budget.

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