Special Event Sponsorship
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno Special Event Sponsorships are awarded to permitted events hosted in the City of Reno. The events may be anywhere within the Reno city limits. Sponsorships will be used to off-set City services billed in conjunction with the performance of the special event.
A Special Event is any planned gathering of 75 or more persons which is to assemble or travel in an organized manner on any street, park or other public property; or,
Any planned activity conducted by a person for a common or collective use, purpose or benefit which directly or indirectly involves the use of, and has an impact on, city street(s), park(s), or other public property or facilities which reasonable requires city management, regulation, or resources to protect the health, safety, welfare, or property of the city or its residents, coordinate multiple used of public property, control traffic, or address other substantial governmental interests at or around the activity.
Examples of special events include, but are not limited to:
- Parades;
- Street fairs and festivals;
- Live commercial music events;
- Athletic or sporting events (e.g. races, runs);
- Circuses or carnivals;
- Community celebrations and observances;
- Commercial shows, trade shows, and business promotions;
- Commercial promotional or fund-raising activities.
A competitive application will demonstrate economic, social, or cultural impact as well as a plan to reach in the following ways:
- Engages participants through a variety of means
- Event times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public
- Collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve future special events
- Demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community
- Contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods
ELIGIBILITY:
- Event permitted July 1st 2025-December 31st 2025
- Special Event Permit Application must be submitted PRIOR to your sponsorship application
- Payment for Special Event fees charged by the City must be paid in FULL to be eligible for sponsorship
- Your account with the City of Reno must be up to date and have no outstanding balances to be considered
- Held within City limits
Special Event Sponsorship applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1. The Event: All answers in this section address overall merit including overall benefit to the Community including tourism, open space activation, and cultural impact.
2. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to engage the community effectively. Answers should include evidence that the organization understands the economic impact or community engagement.
3. Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations: These questions will seek to learn your target audience, communication plans, and what resources will be dedicated to marketing and promoting your event.
4. Financial: This section will address the specific budget for the event or project. Show realistic numbers for costs related to the event.
FUNDING:
Committee discretion for allocation of up to $200,000 for events permitted in Reno. Limits per event will be set and determined by the Sponsorship Committee.
Sponsorship funds will not be dispersed until final billing for Special Events fees charged by the City is complete.
TIMELINE:
Sponsorship is eligible for events occurring between July 1st 2025-December 31st 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a semi-annual basis.
DEADLINE:
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY March 31st, 2025 FOR CONSIDERATION.
*If you need assistance, please reach out to Rachel Macintyre MacintyreR@reno.gov if you have any questions.
*If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at Arie Zamorano - (775) 348-6907, zamoranoa@reno.gov or Luci Ramos - (775) 348-6904, ramosl@reno.gov.
*Si desea asistencia en español o para asistir a un taller de becas en español, comuníquese con el personal al Arie Zamorano - (775) 348-6907, zamoranoa@reno.gov o Luci Ramos - (775) 348-6904, ramosl@reno.gov.