Downtown Development Board (DDB) Grants

Property owners, residents, and businesses located in the DDB district and events or projects that will occur in the DDB district are eligible to apply for grants. Grant funds must be used for events and projects intended to attract residents, tourists, businesses, and their employees in order to increase positive awareness of and revitalize the DDB District. Grant requests must comply with state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and the DDB ordinance, bylaws, policies, and current work plan. Grant requests will be considered in two categories: Special Events and Business Assistance. Each category will be allocated a funding amount during each annual budget process. A map of the DDB District can be found here. 

Am I Eligible?

The entire Clearwater Downtown Development Board Grant Request Policy and Procedure is linked here.

The DDB seeks to ensure an economically vibrant downtown that explores opportunities for organizations and special event organizers to collaborate and combine efforts with the DDB to maintain consistent downtown activation. Toward this end, the DDB looks to partner with organizations or downtown stakeholders to produce events designed to market and promote the unique attributes of Downtown Clearwater. Special events will be considered in the following two categories:  

Community Event with estimated attendance of 300 or more or High Impact Event with estimated attendance of 2,000, must be an established event organizer with 2+ years of experience operating large-scale events or Micro Grant for events on the 400-600 Block of Cleveland Street and Station Square Park.  

Community Event Funding

1. Funding request not to exceed $15,000 
2. Estimated attendance of 300 or more 
3. Event must be free and open to the public 
4. Applicants’ contribution is 20% of total event estimated cost. 

High Impact Event Funding

1. Funding request not to exceed $30,000 
2. Estimated attendance exceeding 2,000 (over the entirety of the event) 
3. Event must be free and open to the public 
4. Applicants’ contribution is 20% of the total event estimated cost  
5. Must be an established event organizer with 2+ years of experience operating large-scale events. A large-scale event is defined as an event exceeding 2,000 people in attendance. 
6. Any event organizer that is requesting a High Impact Funding in an amount that exceeds $30,000 will be required to submit a memo as part of the application providing proof that their respective special event will add quantifiable value and a favorable community benefit outcome to the downtown. The DDB at sole discretion may approve a grant amount that exceeds $30,000 for High Impact events with proven success records, as determined by the DDB. 

Special events grants will be used to cover direct production costs for the following: 

1. Venue rental: The cost of renting the space where the event will be held. 
2. Entertainment: Costs associated with performers, speakers, or other entertainment booked for the event (excluding travel accommodations). 
3. Marketing and Promotion: Advertising, marketing materials, and promotional activities related to the event. 
4. Décor and Design: Costs associated with setting up the event space, including decorations, lighting, and staging. 
5. Audio-Visual Equipment: Rental of sound systems, projectors, screens, and other equipment needed for the event. 
6. Printing and Stationery: Costs associated with printing tickets, programs, brochures, and other event materials. 
7. Security: Costs associated with security measures, such as security personnel or security systems. 
8. Insurance: Costs associated with event insurance coverage to protect against potential liabilities. 
9. City Fees: Including vehicle mitigation fees to the police department or other less expensive alternatives acceptable to the police payable to third parties. (if the event is on private property, city fees are excluded from reimbursement)

(Micro-Pop-up Grant policy can be found here) 

1. Maximum grant funding is $5,000 to cover eligible DDB expenses as stated in the Policy and Procedures
2. Events must be located on the 400, 500, or 600 blocks of Cleveland Street, or Station Square Park.
3. A final report is required within 30 days of completion.
4. CRA Executive Director or designee is authorized to issue grant funds without board approval.
5. This grant cannot be combined with other City or CRA sponsorship programs. 

Applicants must submit a completed grant funding request form at least 60 days prior to their event for review by the CRA and Special Events staff. The application must include: 

1. A completed DDB on-line application.
2. The applicant must provide an invoice for payment and W-9 form.
3. A budget outlining the total project cost.
4. A map layout of the event.
5. Proof of Special Events Division of the City of Clearwater tentative letter of approval.
6. Merchants have been informed and given the opportunity to participate in the event.
7. If approved, the applicant will receive an award letter detailing the approved request, proposed activities, timeline, budget, and reporting requirements. 

Contact Information:

Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency

Vickie Shire, CRA Program Manager  

100 South Myrtle Ave.  

Clearwater, FL 33756 

Office: 727-441-7127 

Email: vickie.shire@myclearwater.com 

The DDB welcomes your funding request. The applicant will complete a grant funding request form at least 120 days before the DDB meeting, at which time it is to be submitted and reviewed by CRA and Special Event staff. CRA Staff will provide direction to the applicant on the DDB’s funding priorities. Any first-time “event” applicants must schedule a meeting with CRA and Special Event staff prior to filling out an application. 

Applications for special events funding must be accompanied by the following: 

• Proof of Special Events Division of the City of Clearwater tentative letter of approval 
• Budget outlining the total project cost, requested amount from the DDB, applicant 20%, and any additional third-party contributions, including event revenue. 
• Map layout of event 

Please Note: 

Applicants applying for the Community Event Grant Funding and the event is held within the DDB boundary cannot apply for Parks and Recs Community Sponsorship Program. Any event organizer that is requesting High Impact Funding in an amount that exceeds $30,000 will be required to submit a memo providing proof that their respective special event will add quantifiable value and a favorable community benefit outcome to the downtown. Event organizers will ensure that local merchants are informed about the event and given the opportunity to participate if they choose to do so.

DDB Grant Funding Application

Outdoor Café Grant Program