Milwaukie Community Events Fund

ESPAÑOL

The Milwaukie Community Events Fund is a pool of money made available to help members of the Milwaukie community put on events that celebrate the diversity of the city. 

Eligible events must be open to the public at no charge, take place in the city limits of Milwaukie, and must create opportunities for people to learn about and celebrate cultures other than their own. Awards are usually between $250 and $2,000, but may vary at the discretion of the review committee.

Applications are due to events@milwaukieoregon.gov by Jan. 31 and July 31 each year. There is a 2-week grace period after the application deadline, but applications received in this period will receive a scoring penalty. Applications are reviewed by the Equity Steering Committee. Award announcements are made in February and August. Applications can also be submitted in person at city hall, 10501 SE Main St.

Events are not limited to large festivals. Smaller events, such as dancing or cooking classes, will also be considered. If you are unsure whether an idea is eligible for funding, or if you need this information in another language, contact the city's events team at 503.786.7519 or email events@milwaukieoregon.gov.

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Two people at Milwaukie Pride
A sign reading "A world without us and them"
Performers at Juneteenth 2023
Dancers at First Friday

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a community event?

Community events are organized social gatherings or activities that bring people together and build community relationships. Events in Milwaukie are open to everyone and offer free admission which means organizers do not charge a fee for entry but can accept donations. To be eligible for an award from the Milwaukie Community Events Fund (MCEF), events should provide an opportunity to share and celebrate underserved communities. 

Category: MCEF FAQs
How do I apply for the Milwaukie Community Events Fund?

Complete the application at the bottom of this page and turn it in to events@milwaukieoregon.gov. Applications are reviewed twice each year. The deadlines for applications are January 31 and July 31. Applicants can apply for multiple events or for the same event in multiple years. In this case, they should show how the money will be used to expand or enhance the event.

Category: MCEF FAQs
Who can receive money from the Milwaukie Community Events Fund?

The fund is intended to celebrate the diversity of Milwaukie. People from historically underrepresented communities including, for example, women, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, and LGBTQ+ people, may be considered.  

Applicants must also plan to hold their event within Milwaukie city limits, make admission free to the public, and demonstrate how the money will be used to produce their event.

Category: MCEF FAQs
Who decides who gets the money?

The city’s Equity Steering Committee meets in February and August each year to review applications.

Category: MCEF FAQs
What can this money be spent on?

The money may be spent on a variety of event costs, including food, performers, restrooms, insurance, among many others. If you have specific questions, please contact 503.786.7519 or events@milwaukieoregon.gov.

Category: MCEF FAQs
How is the money distributed?

There are two ways for the money to be paid out. One is as a direct donation to the person or group organizing the event. The other is for the city to make purchases directly on behalf of the organizers. Please contact 503.786.7519 or events@milwaukieoregon.gov with questions about this.

Category: MCEF FAQs
Does the city require some feedback or a post-reporting process from applicants after the event?

The Equity steering committee decided to not require any formal reporting process but may ask recipients to complete a follow-up survey to help us improve communication and fund distribution process. 

Category: MCEF FAQs

Supporting Documents

PDF icon Milwaukie Community Events Fund Application (105 KB)