Who We Are:
The Newark Alliance leverages the collective strength and collaboration of its members to support Newark's economic growth while addressing other city impacts, including environmental, social, and more. Our ongoing efforts aim to transform the city into a vibrant destination for residents, visitors, workers, and students.
- For detailed information on the Newark Alliance and its initiatives in economic development and social impact, please visit: www.newark-alliance.org
- To learn about the Greater Newark Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit: www.newarkhappening.com
- For insights into how the Newark Downtown District supports Downtown Newark through a variety of services, visit: www.downtownnewark.com
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 $500 to $2,500, 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 expected 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 are eligible to receive only one sponsorship award per individual, business, or organization per calendar year, except for the World Cup cycle. Applicants who receive a World Cup award may still apply to another cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please be sure to read all of the following guidelines carefully before applying. For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Deadline to Apply
There will be six application cycles throughout the year. Applicants should apply during the cycle that best aligns with their event, noting that only one sponsorship award will be granted per individual, business, or organization, with the exception of the World Cup cycle.
Cycle 1: Early Spring
- Eligible Event Dates: March 15 – April 30, 2026
- Application Closes: February 13, 2026
- Award Notifications: March 13, 2026
Notification
Applicants will be notified of the results of their submission approximately 4weeks after the application deadline.
Eligibility
The event must take place in the City of Newark and occur during the time frame of the selected application cycle.
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.
- Provide evidence of additional sponsorships, donations, etc.
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
Promotional Requirements
- Submit your event to the Newark Happening Calendar.
- Tag @NewarkAlliance60 and @NewarkHappening on any Instagram promotions and event recaps.
Reporting Requirements
All sponsorship recipients must submit a Post-Event Report Form within 15 business 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.
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 $500 to $2,500, 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 expected 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 are eligible to receive only one sponsorship award per individual, business, or organization per calendar year, except for the World Cup cycle. Applicants who receive a World Cup award may still apply to another cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please be sure to read all of the following guidelines carefully before applying. For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Deadline to Apply
There will be six application cycles throughout the year. Applicants should apply during the cycle that best aligns with their event, noting that only one sponsorship award will be granted per individual, business, or organization, with the exception of the World Cup cycle.
Cycle 2: Late Spring
- Eligible Event Dates: May 1-June 12, 2026
- Application Closes: March 15, 2026
- Award Notifications: April 15, 2026
Notification
Applicants will be notified of the results of their submission approximately 4weeks after the application deadline.
Eligibility
The event must take place in the City of Newark and occur during the time frame of the selected application cycle.
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.
- Provide evidence of additional sponsorships, donations, etc.
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
Promotional Requirements
- Submit your event to the Newark Happening Calendar.
- Tag @NewarkAlliance60 and @NewarkHappening on any Instagram promotions and event recaps.
Reporting Requirements
All sponsorship recipients must submit a Post-Event Report Form within 15 business 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.