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Request for Proposals (RFP)

2026 Downtown Activation Mini-Grants

Proposal Deadline: February 9, 2026

Mini-Grant Range: $250 – $1,000

Number of Awards: Up to 10 activations

1. Program Overview

The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) is seeking proposals for creative activations on State Street and downtown neighborhoods in 2026 that enhance vibrancy, invite community connection, and support downtown businesses and cultural life.

Through this mini-grant program, DSBIA will provide small project grants of $250–$1,000 to individuals, organizations, and businesses to pilot or expand activations such as (but not limited to):

  • Pop-up performances, music, dance, or theater
  • Interactive art, workshops, or maker activities
  • Family-friendly programming and games
  • Cultural celebrations and community gatherings
  • Wellness, movement, or fitness-related activations

All activations must be free and open to the public.

2. Support Provided

Selected applicants will receive:

  • Mini-grant funding of $250–$1,000
  • Marketing and promotional support through DSBIA channels (website, social media, newsletters, etc.)
  • Assistance with city permitting and logistics, as applicable
  • Troubleshooting support to help activations run smoothly

Up to 10 proposals will be selected for implementation in 2026.

3. Proposal Requirements

Proposals must be no more than (2) pages and should include the following:

  1. Name of Applicant / Organization
  2. Contact Information (email, phone)
  3. Title & Description of Activation (What you plan to do and how participants will experience it) (Confirm that the activation will be free and open to the public.)
  4. Proposed Location on State Street
  5. Preferred Date(s) and Time(s) in 2026
  6. Funding Request Amount (between $250–$1,000)
  7. Target Audience
  8. Promotion Plan
  9. Staffing Plan

In addition to the 1-2 page proposal, please include:

  • Three (3) references (name, affiliation, email, and/or phone)
  • Optional: Photos, video links, or examples of similar past work

4. Eligibility

Eligible applicants may include:

  • Individual artists, performers, and creatives
  • Nonprofit and community organizations
  • Small businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Informal groups with a designated lead applicant

All activations must be:

  • Free and open to the public
  • Publicly accessible and family-friendly
  • Feasible for implementation in a downtown public space and compliant with City of Santa Barbara rules and permitting requirements

5. Review & Selection Process

  • Proposal Deadline: Feb. 9, 2026
  • Review Date: February 13, 2026

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with the goal of activating State Street
  • Creativity and community benefit
  • Feasibility, logistics, and readiness
  • Inclusivity and public accessibility
  • Promotion and staffing plan
  • Reasonableness of the budget request

Up to 10 activations will be selected.

6. Submission Instructions

Submit your 1-page proposal, three references, and any optional photos/videos by Feb. 9, 2026 to: info@downtownsb.org  Subject line: "2026 State Street Activation RFP – [Your Name/Organization]"