Providence Tourism Council Fund

Providence - the Creative Capital, is a vibrant city known for its thriving arts community, diverse neighborhoods, great hotels, renowned culinary scene, and plenty to do—making it an ideal place for your next event or production.

Before applying for a grant, please review the guidelines, timeline, and application details by clicking through the sections below.


Proposals should aim to:

  • Attract visitors to the city
  • Boost the local economy
  • Benefit residents
  • Promote Providence through marketing and exposure


Note: All applicants must review the guidelines and eligibility criteria below. The program or event to be funded must start at least 60 days after the grant cycle deadline.

  • Grant Objectives & Current Priorities

    The goals of the Providence Tourism Council Cultural Fund are to:

    • Promote Providence as a year-round tourism destination
    • Increase awareness of programs and events in the City of Providence through marketing and public relations efforts.
    • Attract visitors from outside the city for tourism and economic activity 
    • Engage both residents and visitors through events, ongoing attractions, illumination and other creative installations that activate downtown and neighborhoods

    In addition to the above goals, current priority areas for the PTC fund include programs and projects that:

    • Contribute to the night economy
    • Celebrate the city’s cultural heritage assets
    • Activate and boost commercial activity in neighborhoods
    • For 2025/26 - create a draw for visitors around Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, incorporate illumination strategies, or add value to visitors coming to Providence during ‘26 FIFA World Cup and/or the U.S. 250th Anniversary


  • Types of Projects We Fund

    Performances

    • Theater
    • Music
    • Dance
    • Comedy

    Festivals & Cultural Events

    • Cultural & Community
    • Arts, Design, Literary
    • Public City-Wide Celebrations
    • Nightlife & Entertainment
    • Children & Family
    • Conferences

    Attractions

    • Tours 
    • Museums & Exhibits
    • Parks & Zoos
    • Group Activities

    Markets

    • Food & Beverages
    • Small Makers & Arts
    • Local Retail Districts

    Placemaking Initiatives

    • Public Illumination installation 
    • Wayfinding

  • Eligibility

    Please consider the below criteria before applying:

    • Projects must take place in Providence, RI
    • Projects must occur at least 60 days from the grant deadline
    • A project can include one or more events or activities
    • New or existing projects are welcome
    • All project sizes are considered—budget accordingly
    • Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply. 
    • Any previous grant reports need to be completed within 90 days of the event to be considered for future funding.
    • Organizations may be considered for funding more than once a year but the programming must be distinct.

    We do NOT fund:

    • Full event & program budgets
    • Events or programs that have already happened prior to the 60 day window as noted above
    • Starting new organizations (unless directly tied to programming)
    • Fundraising walks/runs
    • Individual applicants
    • Construction or renovations
    • Cash reserves, endowments, or capital campaigns
    • Academic work or book publishing
    • Sub-grants (unless from a state or regional event agency)
    • Degree-based professional training

  • Deadlines & Review Process

     Applications are reviewed five times per year and must be submitted by following deadlines:

    • February 1
    • April 1
    • June 1
    • September 1
    • November 1

    Review Process & Eligibility

    • Events must begin at least 60 days after the deadline of the cycle you're applying to.
    • There is no rolling application review—all applications are reviewed after each cycle deadline. 
    • Applicants will receive a response within 45 days of the grant deadline.
    • Late or incomplete applications, or ones submitted after your event, will not be considered.


  • Evaluation Criteria

    The following criteria is taken into consideration when evaluating projects:


    Expected Attendance:

    Does the project demonstrate strong potential to attract attendees from both Providence and beyond? Please note projected attendance.


    Project Description:

    Is the project clearly defined, uniquely appealing to visitors, and aligned with a key tourism category (cultural, business, culinary, entertainment, recreational, or educational)?


    Tourism & Economic Impact:

    Will the project have a significant impact on the local economy (hotels, restaurants, shops, vendors, performers, etc.), and is there a strategy in place to enhance this impact (e.g., hotel blocks, local vendor use, venue partnerships, communications)? 


    Marketing Strategy:

    Is there a detailed marketing plan that demonstrates how you are reaching target audiences with a focus on reaching out-of-city and out-of-state visitors?


    Community & Cultural Impact:

    How does this project impact the local community and strengthen our local cultural offerings?


    Public Relations & Generating Awareness:

    Does the project offer unique PR opportunities or align with the City of Providence’s strategic priorities around the Creative Capital, economic development and the cultural economy?


    Budget:

    Is there a detailed budget — showing all income sources, expenses to the nearest dollar, and clear use of PTC grant funds. Grants that do not have a complete revenue and expense budget will be declined.

  • Reporting Requirements

    • If funded, a grant report is required within 90 days after the event or program completion.
    • Any previous grant reports need to be completed within 90 days of the event to be considered for future funding.
    • Delays in reporting will adversely affect and/or disqualify future applications.