ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The City of Elk Grove has awarded approximately $350,000 in sponsorship grants to 44 nonprofit organizations as part of its Event Sponsorship Grant Program, a city-supported initiative aimed at bolstering events that foster community connection.

Now in its 13th year, the grant program is funded by the city’s general fund and supports events held within Elk Grove city limits. Applications, which closed on Feb. 21, were open only to nonprofits in good standing with state agencies.

 A multi-departmental review ensured events met established eligibility criteria and aligned with city goals.

“We are one of the only cities in the nation that has this program; it’s pretty amazing,” said Jodie Moreno, Elk Grove’s Community Events Program manager. “I feel so fortunate that we are able to give this funding to so many nonprofits so that they can have their events in Elk Grove.”

This year, 62 eligible applications were submitted, requesting a combined total of over $850,000 in cash and in-kind support, including police services and waste management. 

Of those, 44 events were recommended for funding, 11 of which have never received funding.

The year prior, 32 nonprofits were awarded funding for 41 community events. 

Among the highest grant awards were $49,410 for the Western Festival, $37,100 for the Dickens Fair organized by the Old Town Elk Grove Foundation, and $29,950 for the Running of the Elk by the Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation. Other notable awards included $28,840 for the Run 4 Hunger event hosted by the Elk Grove Food Bank, $23,900 for the Holiday Parade of Lights by the Elk Grove Lions Club, and $20,500 for the Gobble Wobble Thanksgiving Day Walk/Run by Chicks in Crisis.

The Western Festival, which has not been held since the COVID-19 pandemic, is hopeful for a return next year.

“Western Festival, fingers crossed, will come back next year,” Moreno said.

Council members praised the nonprofits for their work in creating inclusive and vibrant community experiences.

“We rely on you,” said Council Member Darren Suen. “The partnership with you is so important. You are organizing and making the effort to put these events forth; we really appreciate that and it really makes me proud to be part of this city.”

Vice Mayor Sergio Robles emphasized the cultural impact of the events. 

“Thank you to all of the nonprofits that work extremely hard because you guys are bringing culture, you guys are bringing diversity. And it is making our city more beautiful,” he said.

Council Member Kevin Spease reflected on the longstanding tradition of volunteer-driven events in Elk Grove. 

“These community events, while there are even more now, are a fabric of who we are as a community and I am glad to see that we are able to support them,” Spease said.

Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen highlighted the introduction of new, culturally significant events, including the Holi Festival, a Hindu celebration of colors and spring. 

“We know Elk Grove is beautifully diverse, and we know that comes with a connectedness knowing that we are reflecting the needs and values of our diverse residents,” she said.