About the Special Events Funding Application (SEFA)
The deadline to apply for Special Event funding for FY24 has passed. Please check back in January 2024.
To create a more efficient and transparent process, the Bureau of Communications & Special Events launched the Special Events Funding Application (SEFA) process. The SEFA will be utilized by eligible events that wish to apply for special event funding.
The City's fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. Events eligible for the upcoming round of funding must take place in Fiscal Year 2024 (between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024).
Submission of a SEFA application is not a guarantee of City funding or support.
Deadline
Proposals and budget forms are due via email to the Office of Special Events on or before February 3, 2023 by noon. The online SEFA Summary Form is also due by that date and time.
Event Eligibility
Qualifying events:
- Events
that take place between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Events held outside of
the funding year cannot apply. No exceptions.
- Events
that are open to and of interest to the general public, and serve at least 1,000 people.
- Events
that are located in the City of Rochester.
- Events
that are free or feature a free or low cost component ($20 or less).
Ineligible events:
- Parades
(these are 1st Amendment-protected events that the City already
supports with police and equipment).
- Block parties.
- Trade
shows, conventions, conferences, workshops,etc.
- Indoor
ticketed concerts, shows, theatres, theatrical performances, exhibits etc.
- Annual
luncheons, conferences, holiday parties, etc.
- Class
or family reunions.
- Sports
tournaments, school or athletic leagues, etc.
- First-year events (exceptions may be one-time occurences like historical celebrations)
Application
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns, please email Kara Osipovitch in the Office of Special Events.