Community Enhancement Program (CEP)

The Community Enhancement Program is a partnership between the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCUG) and Athens Downtown Development Authority to assist with funding an annual calendar of quality events using downtown Athens as a community stage. Qualified entities may apply for up to $15,000 in funding.

Program Guidelines

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

Intent

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.

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, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
  • 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, 2024, for the following fiscal year funding cycle.
  • An itemized budget, number of event attendees, and positive impact to downtown Athens must be provided as part of the application. The application must be completed 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 a report may disqualify the event from future funding consideration.

Interested in our Community Enhancement Program?

Please complete this form as thoroughly as possible. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are due no later than February 28, 2024. Please note that we will only accept forms submitted online. No paper applications will be accepted.

  • 1. Applicant Information

  • Can only be up to 50% of your total expenses
  • Enter the total of all expenses for the event.
  • 2. Event / Program Information

  • 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.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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