Festivals & Cultural Events Fund Program

The Festivals & Cultural Events Fund Program aims to support and promote mid-size festivals and cultural events in the Pittsburgh region that drive tourism, provide cultural enrichment, and contribute to the city’s vibrant community life.

ELIGIBILITY
FUND DETAILS
POST-EVENT
REPORTING
CONTACT

Program Overview

VisitPITTSBURGH is proud to relaunch the Festivals & Cultural Events Fund. Designed to support festivals and cultural events that boost tourism, enrich local culture and strengthen Pittsburgh's vibrant community, the fund aims to help mid-size events grow in scale and impact, attract visitors and enhance the city's reputation as a premier destination for festivals and events.

The Festivals & Cultural Events Fund will be selecting a total of (4) events for funding in 2025.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the funding, events must meet the following criteria:

  1. Projected Visitation:
    • The event must have a projected attendance of over 3,500 attendees.
  2. Growth Potential:
    • The event must demonstrate potential for growth over the next three years, whether through expanding capacity, increasing regional or national attendance, or enhancing the cultural and community impact of the event through demonstrated economic stimulation.
  3. Post-Event Reporting:
    • Grantees must submit a comprehensive post-event report that includes:
      • Visitor attendance data (final attendance numbers vs. projections, including zip-code data)
      • Detailed budget and spending report on how the funds were used to grow the event (e.g., security, marketing, infrastructure, etc.)
      • Documentation of VisitPITTSBURGH branding and how the VisitPITTSBURGH logo was integrated and used in marketing materials, signage, and event-related communication.

Fund Details:

  1. Fund Amount:
    • Funding allotments are $15,000 per event.
    • Applicants must provide a detailed plan for how the grant will be used to improve and grow the event.
  2. Eligible Uses:
    • Event-related marketing and advertising (print, digital, broadcast)
    • Production costs (sound, lighting, stage, equipment rentals)
    • Security services, staffing, and event logistics
    • Venue costs and infrastructure improvements (e.g., tents, signage, portable restrooms)
    • Artist fees and performer compensation
    • Community engagement and programming
    • Sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly practices at the event
    • Travel and accommodations for out-of-town guests (where applicable)
  3. Application Process:
    • Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.
    • Required Materials:
      • Completed application form.
      • A detailed event plan including proposed dates for the event, projected attendance, budget, marketing strategy, and a plan for growth over the next three years.
      • A letter of support from local government or relevant community organizations.
      • Evidence of past event success or potential for significant impact (if applicable).
  4. Selection Criteria:
    • Visitor Impact: Projects that demonstrate potential to attract visitors from more than 100-miles away to the Pittsburgh region and boost local economy.
    • Cultural or Artistic Significance: Events that enhance Pittsburgh's cultural landscape and contribute to the city's reputation as a cultural destination.
    • Growth Strategy: Events that show a clear, actionable plan for growth over the next three years.
    • Community Involvement: Events that foster community engagement and contribute to a positive public image of Pittsburgh.
    • Visitor Measurement Plan: Have a clear plan on how the event will measure out-of-town visitation (surveying, zip codes from ticket sales, etc.)
  5. Fund Timeline
    • Application Submission Period: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding has been allocated.
    • Notification of Award: Determination will be made within 30 days of receiving the application.
    • Post-Event Report Deadline: A full post-event report must be submitted within 30 days following the event date. Failure to complete a post-event report within a timely manner may exclude an event from future funding.
  6. Event Support Timeline
    Once a festival or event receives funding, VisitPITTSBURGH will provide ongoing support leading up to the event in the following ways:
    • Kickoff Call with the VisitPITTSBURGH team
    • Regular check-ins to cover milestones: budgeting, event planning, logistics, marketing, communications, etc.
      - Agendas created in advance of call based on event needs.
    • Awarded organization will be required to complete a post-event survey within 30-days after event.

Post-Event Reporting Requirements:

Grantees are required to submit a post-event report that includes the following:

  1. Event Visitation:
    • Total attendance figures, including breakdowns by geographic origin (local vs. out-of-town visitors).
    • Relevant demographics, such as age groups or cultural backgrounds, if available – to better understand who is interested visiting Pittsburgh and why.
  2. How Funds Were Spent:
    • A detailed breakdown of how the grant funds were used to grow the event (e.g., security, production, marketing).
    • Any discrepancies between the projected and actual use of funds, with explanations.
  3. VisitPITTSBURGH Branding:
    • Proof of VisitPITTSBURGH logo use in all promotional materials (e.g., posters, brochures, websites, social media platforms, event signage).
    • Visual evidence of the logo displayed on-site during the event (photos, banners, stage, etc.).
    • A brief narrative on how VisitPITTSBURGH’s partnership was acknowledged during the event and how it contributed to the success of the event.
  4. Impact Assessment:
    • A narrative on the cultural, social, and/or economic impact of the event in the community.

Reporting Timeline:

  • The post-event report is due within 30 days of the conclusion of the event.
  • Failure to submit the post-event report may result in ineligibility for future funding.

Program Contact Information:

For more information or to apply, contact the VisitPITTSBURGH Strategic Initiatives Team:

Email: elaine.zedack@visitpittsburgh.com
Phone: 412-325-0312
Mailing Address: 120 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Final Notes:

The VisitPITTSBURGH Festivals & Cultural Events Fund is an exciting opportunity to elevate events that bring visitors to Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Organizations are encouraged to apply, build new partnerships, and contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of Pittsburgh.