Community Enhancement Program

Community Enhancement Program (CEP)

The Community Enhancement Program (CEP) is a partnership between the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACC) and Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) that allows the ADDA to host an annual calendar of quality events using downtown Athens as a community stage. CEP funds are made possible by the ADDA. These community events are intended to enhance the image of the community and provide benefits to the downtown community, its visitors and citizens.

Program Guidelines

*These are guidelines only; the ADDA reserves the right to determine events to recommend to ACC for funding.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a qualified non-profit organization or a qualified unit of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government or the Athens Downtown Development Authority.
Event must be held in downtown Athens, Georgia.
Events must be at least 50% free and open to the public.
Event must take place between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
Event must recognize in all advertising, marketing, and promotional materials that funding is made possible by a grant from the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

Priorties

Diversity of events
Attendance and impact of events

Funding Request

Requests must be made by February 28, 2026, for the following fiscal year funding cycle.
Requests must be made on the online application form below. An itemized budget, number of event attendees, and positive impact to downtown Athens must be provided as part of the application. Application must be complete and all required information provided in order to be considered for funding.
Funds may be requested within 30 days of the event.
$15,000 is the maximum amount for a funding request. Requested funds cannot be more than 50% of the event budget. Priority will be given to events that would not be possible without CEP funding.
After the event is held, a report must be submitted that documents how the CEP funds were used, and compliance with program guidelines. Failure to submit report may disqualify the event from future funding consideration.

Begin the CEP Grant Application Below

Thank you for your interest and if you have any questions, please contact us.

Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
1. Applicant Information
Applicant Name*
First Middle Last
Applicant Phone*
Applicant Email*
Applicant Mailing Address
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Non-Profit Tax Identification Number:
Requested Amount
Can only be up to 50% of your total expenses
Total Expenses for Event
Enter the total of all expenses for the event.
2. Event / Program Information
Event / Program Name
Legal Name of Entity Request Funds
Purpose of Event / Program
Who will benefit and how?
Please attach a line item budget showing how all requsted funds will be spent
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Please show documentation of ALL funding sources and including any matching funds, showing exactly how requested funds will be spent. The entity making the request for CEP funds must either be a qualified non-profit organization and able to furnish a federal taxpayer identification number, or be a qualified unit of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government or the ADDA.
Please List all other sources of Additional Funding for Event / Program
Please List Start and End Date(s) for the Event / Program
Location of Event / Program
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Estimated Number of Attendees
What percentage of your event will be free and open to the plublic?
Please identify the specifc portions of your event will be free and open to the plublic
Application Authorization*
I hereby make application to the Athens Downtown Development Authority for CEP Grant for the above project.
I verify that the information in this application and its attachments is valid and correct. I verify that I have reviewed and understand the rules and regulations set forth in the Athens Downtown Development CEP Grant Program Guidelines, and I agree to be bound by the same.
Date of Authorization*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
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Community Enhancement Program