Special Events Grant Program

The City of Edwardsville has become a thriving hub of unique special events, festivals and gatherings that draw tens of thousands of visitors throughout the year. Sports, music, history, car culture, food and more: City-hosted events offer something for everyone. The Special Events Grant Program was established to encourage distinctive and creative activities and to enhance the economic impact of special events held in our community. The grant is a reimbursement grant and not intended to cover the entire cost of an event. The program is designed to assist an organization by reimbursing event-related marketing and municipal fees incurred. 
Applications have now CLOSED for the 2026-27 Special Events Grant Program. Please watch for details in December about the 2027-28 program.

Over the years, there have been dozens of events and recipients of the City of Edwardsville's Special Events Grant, including:

  • The Edwardsville Rotary Criterium and Festival
  • The Edwardsville Futures Pro Circuit tennis tournament
  • Edwardsville Unity Fest
  • The Madison County Historical Society for its Living History Days
  • The Land of Goshen Community Market
  • Opera Edwardsville
  • Edwardsville Arts Center for the Edwardsville Art Fair 
  • The Edwardsville Children's Museum for its Nickel Plate Station railroad exhibit grand opening
  • Que and Brew
  • SIUE for its Cougarfest Block Party
  • Leclaire Parkfest, hosted by the Friends of Leclaire
  • Pickleball Palooza, hosted by the Lynne F. Solon Foundation

Special Events Grant Program Details and Application Process

Any nonprofit organization marketing a free event to attract visitors to Edwardsville may apply for a Special Events Grant. The maximum grant allowed is $8,000. The deadline to apply for the current round of grants is March 2, 2026. Recipients will be notified by email.

Grant funds are disbursed as a reimbursement. They may be used in a variety of ways, including for costs associated with event advertising and promotional campaigns in media such as broadcast, web and regional print distribution; for printing, design and distribution of promotional pieces; and for event-related municipal charges from the City of Edwardsville for public safety, public works, police, fire and parks services.

Submit an application online (form is available only during the eligibility period)

Submit a printed application (only valid during the grant eligibility period) by emailing it and supplementary documents to: Economic and Community Development Coordinator James Arnold at: jarnold@cityofedwardsville.com

Contact James Arnold with questions at 618-692-7533.