The Community Event and Activation Grant (CEAG) program is accepting applications. Funded by the City of Manchester as an approved use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this program aims to help Manchester recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With guidance from the Department of the Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Final Rule, this program calls to action community-based projects that address public health, public safety, the economic recovery of impacted sectors, educational disparities, and more. Up to $10,000 per grant is available to organizations, individuals, and neighborhood groups. A total of $1,000,000 is funded through the end of December 2026 and allocation must take place by the end of December 2024.

Please note: Community Event and Activation Grants cannot exceed $10,000 and require a minimum 25% match of private funding, in-kind donations, and/or volunteer hours. Grant funds are not paid in advance. Upon completion of the project, grantees will submit one reimbursement request to the Planning and Community Development Department Community Improvement Program.

HOW TO APPLY: Download the application here. Applications are due February 15, 2023. Please make sure to use the 1/2023 version of the application as older versions will not be accepted.

Funding is competitive, please note that submission of an application does not guarantee funding. 

Please submit complete applications to PCD-ARPA@manchesternh.gov with the subject line “CEAG Application”, or by mail to City of Manchester, Planning and Community Development, Attn: CEAG Application, 1 City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101.

For questions, please email PCD-ARPA@manchesternh.gov or call (603) 792-6721. We invite you to share the program flyer with your networks. Información en español disponible aquí. 

Applications accepted through February 15, 2023

Eligible small businesses can receive up to $10,000 to help them recover from COVID-19

Today, Mayor Joyce Craig and the City of Manchester announced the relaunch of the Manchester Small Business Grant and Program Assistance. This grant initiative was developed as a resource to help small businesses recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first iteration of the program, launched in 2020, provided grants to 53 Manchester businesses, created 16 jobs and retained 38 employees.

Small Business Grant and Program Assistance, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) recommendations approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2021, provides up to $10,000 to support small businesses with fixed business costs, including rent, utilities, and payroll, accrued during the pandemic, costs associated with transitioning to e-commerce business platforms, outdoor space upgrades, and other technical assistance needs.

“Over the past two years, small businesses across Manchester have experienced significant challenges as a result of COVID-19, from decreased revenues to staffing shortages,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and we must do everything we can to help them succeed. This program not only gives our small businesses a boost, but helps them plan for the long term sustainability of their businesses.”

Deo Mwano Consultancy, the Greater Manchester Chamber, The City’s Planning and Community Development Department and the Economic Development Office are partnering on the administration, marketing and outreach for this program. While these funds are available to all eligible small businesses, there will be an emphasis placed on outreach to minority owned businesses.

“We learned a lot working in collaboration to launch this program a year and half ago. The success we experienced came from putting the right inclusive and equitable measures that reflected the experiences of all business owners in our community,” said Deo Mwano, CEO, Founder and Managing Principal, Deo Mwano Consultancy. “We met the businesses where there were at a time things were very difficult. We provided resources that made the process much easier to navigate the challenges with certain federal requirements. This time around, we are excited there are more resources to go out to the businesses."

“Now more than ever, it’s essential to support our small, local, and minority-owned businesses. The City’s Small Business Grant and Program Assistance will be influential in the recovery efforts of local businesses as they respond to the negative impacts of the COVID-19,” said Jodie Nazaka, Director, Manchester Economic Development Office. “While the need for this program existed before the pandemic, we know that small and minority-owned businesses were among those hit the hardest. In response, we need to do all we can to help our business community rebound to pre-pandemic levels.”

Eligible businesses can apply online.

Completed applications can be emailed to PCD-ARPA@manchesternh.gov with the subject line “SBGPA Application”, or mailed to City of Manchester, Planning and Community Development, Attn: SBPGA Application, 1 City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101

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Residents can apply for grants up to $10,000 for community-based projects and events

Today, Mayor Joyce Craig and the Planning and Community Development Department announced the launch of Manchester’s Community Event and Activation Grant program, the first of its kind in Manchester. 

Part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) recommendations approved by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2021, the Community Event and Activation Grant (CEAG) program, provides up to $10,000 to support and increase the number of community-based projects and events in an effort to help Manchester recover from the negative effects of COVID-19.  

“This is a great opportunity for our community,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “This program allows individuals, organizations, and neighborhood groups to apply for up to $10,000 for community-based projects and events. After two years of uncertainty as a result of COVID-19, Manchester residents are ready to celebrate the strength and resiliency of our community. Our residents know best what our city needs to thrive, and with the CEAG program, we’re empowering them to be proactive and make a positive impact.”

Applicants can apply for up to $10,000 per grant for community-based projects and events that contribute to economic development and tourism and support a vibrant and healthy community. All applicants are required to provide a 25% match for each project or event, which can include direct funding, in-kind donations or volunteer hours.

Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, public art installations, outdoor seating or bike racks and events such as concerts in the park, a neighborhood block party or sporting event. 

The CEAG program is funded in multiple rounds, and the first round application is due on March 31, 2022. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible to expedite the application review process.

Completed applications can be emailed to PCD-ARPA@manchesternh.gov with the subject line “CEAG Application”, or mailed to City of Manchester, Planning and Community Development, Attn: CEAG Application, 1 City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101

Email PCD-ARPA@manchesternh.gov or call (603) 792-6725 with any questions.

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