Experience Newark Event Sponsorship Program 

Overview 

The Experience Newark Event Sponsorship Program is an initiative of the Newark Alliance that provides financial support to Newark-based nonprofits, community groups, small businesses, and individual residents who host events that strengthen community pride, celebrate Newark’s culture and diversity, and attract both residents and visitors to the city. 

Through micro-grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, the program helps cover key event expenses such as marketing, permitting, production, and local talent honorariums. Sponsorships are intended to complement other sources of support—applicants are encouraged to leverage additional sponsorships, donations, in-kind contributions, and volunteer services to maximize their event’s impact. 

The program prioritizes events that drive foot traffic into Newark’s commercial corridors, support local businesses, and create opportunities for cultural exchange and economic activity. Eligible event formats include festivals, cultural and holiday celebrations, arts and music showcases, public markets, neighborhood block parties, and creative placemaking activations. 

Funding is distributed in two installments: 75% upon approval and the remaining 25% after submission of a satisfactory post-event report, including event outcomes and documentation. 

Applicants will only be eligible to receive one sponsorship award per organization per calendar year.

Deadline to Apply 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis during the pilot phase, which runs from October 2025 through December 2025. To allow sufficient time for review and planning, applicants must submit their applications at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled event date. 

Notification 

Applicants will be notified of the results of their submission approximately 1-2 weeks after application submission. 

Eligibility 

The event must occur in the City of Newark. 

Applicants must:

• Operate as a Newark-based nonprofit organization or community group or be an individual Newark resident with a demonstrated history of community involvement or Newark-based for-profit small business (pilot phase only; full rollout may prioritize established events)
• Demonstrate capacity to plan, manage, and execute a public event, including budgeting, outreach, and logistics. 
• Provide evidence of appropriate permits and insurance. 

Event Criteria 

Events must be free or low-cost, open to the public, and designed to benefit Newark residents, businesses, and the cultural landscape. Preference is given to events that: 

• Increase visibility and revenue for Newark-based businesses 
• Drive foot traffic to downtown and commercial corridors 
• Engage local vendors, artists, and entrepreneurs 
• Celebrate Newark’s culture, history, and diversity while fostering neighborhood pride and civic participation 
• Include a promotional strategy targeting both local and regional audiences 
• Demonstrate clear community impact and potential for repeatability or long-term growth 

Application Requirements 

Applicants must submit: 

• Completed sponsorship application 
• Valid IRS W-9 form 
• Event budget summary (anticipated expenses and revenue) 
• Detailed marketing and promotional plan 
• Documentation of secured additional funding or sponsorships (if applicable) 

Reporting Requirements 

All sponsorship recipients must submit a Post-Event Report Form within 15 days of the event, including: 

• Event photos and video
• Key outcomes and attendance data 
• Overview of how funds were used
   

The remaining 25% of sponsorship funds will be disbursed upon satisfactory report completion.