The Tampa Downtown Partnership SSD unveils Events Grant program

TAMPA, FL (March 24, 2010) – Through its Special Services District operation, the Tampa Downtown Partnership is unveiling a new Events Grant Program.  The purpose of the program is to encourage new events to make downtown Tampa the site for their activities as well as support current events already taking place in downtown Tampa.

The new Events Grant Program is funded by the Special Services District (SSD).  The SSD is funded by an assessment placed on property owners in the downtown Tampa area.  A portion of the assessment goes to marketing and business development.  In years past the Partnership has committed a portion of the marketing and business development funds to create and operate a variety of activities for the public to engage in downtown.  The Partnership believes that these limited funds could be better served by encouraging a variety of groups to bring their activities to downtown Tampa or help existing events already in downtown Tampa with operational and/or marketing expenses during the current economic conditions.

Keith Greminger, chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership, states that “the Partnership is about economic development.  What could be a better way for the entire Tampa Bay region to engage in downtown Tampa than through public events and activities?”  Greminger points out that events bring people to downtown who ultimately visit downtown restaurants, cultural venues, retailers, and service providers.  “This investment in downtown events can bring to those who are contributing to the SSD – the downtown property owners – a strong economic return, including some job creation for Tampa’s citizens,” concluded Greminger.

Those interested in applying for funding will need to complete an application. An online copy of the application can be found on the Partnership’s Web site, www.tampasdowntown.com, in “The Partnership” section under “Services/Programs” in "Program Details."  Requirements, restrictions and suggested uses of funds are included in the description portion of the application.  The Events Grant Program is a first-come, first serve program. The maximum amount an organization can request is up to 20% of their total budget.  This program is not intended to be the only source of funding for the applying organization.  Applicants may not receive the full amount of their requested funds.

Each application will be reviewed and approved by the Special Services District Advisory Committee – a committee comprised of downtown property owners, commercial office tower representatives, downtown businesses and residents.  The Special Services District Advisory Committee meets on a monthly basis.  The committee has the ability to approve funds.  The Events Grant Program is a reimbursement program.  This means that an application for funding must be approved before to the event, and each approved organization will need to fund all expenses and present to the Tampa Downtown Partnership receipts for applicable expenses.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization.  It is a membership organization comprised of companies, organizations and individuals with a common goal of advancing downtown Tampa.  Through an annual contract with the City of Tampa, the Tampa Downtown Partnership administers the Special Services District.  In addition to Tampa's Downtown Guides and Clean Team, the Tampa Downtown Partnership works to promote downtown through a multitude of initiatives including marketing, business development, transportation, planning and beautification.  For additional information about the Tampa Downtown Partnership visit www.tampasdowntown.com.

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