Apply today!
Applications for the 2026 CPF are open now.
This year, we are particularly seeking applications for small-scale activity series, markets, and activities related to the global soccer tournament. Applications close promptly at 11:59pm on Monday, March 2.
Through the Community Programming Fund (CPF), the City of Bellevue offers grants to support community-driven programs and events in outdoor public spaces across the city. By investing in community-led efforts, the CPF aims to strengthen the experience of visitors, workers, and residents in Bellevue’s mixed-use neighborhoods, encouraging people to gather, stay longer, and return more often.
Program Highlights
- Individual grants of up to $10,000, or $20,000 for markets
- Focus on small-scale activity series, markets, and activities related to the global soccer tournament
- Up to $200,000 available in 2026 for programs in public spaces throughout Bellevue
- Open to individuals, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and small businesses
Key Dates and Application Details
Please note that this year, the program will only have one application deadline in early March. We strongly encourage you to read the grant guidelines, prepare your application, and submit for review as soon as possible!
| Application opens | January 13, 2026 |
| Application closes | March 2, 2026 |
| Award notifications | April 2026 |
| Eligible program/activity dates | June 1 - December 31, 2026, with priority for programs taking place through September 30 |
2026 Documents and Resources
- Program Guidelines: Full program guidelines, rules, and conditions, including what we're looking for and how applications will be reviewed.
- Application Questions: Allows you to prepare your application before starting the SurveyMonkey form.
- Budget Worksheet: Allows you to prepare your budget worksheet for upload to the SurveyMonkey form. This document works best when you download and open it in Word on your desktop.
- Insurance Requirements: Insurance requirements for entering a contract with the city, including options for temporary event insurance.
2025 Grant Cycle
Thank you to the 2025 Community Programming Fund grantees for helping make the program’s first year a success. The team was please to support a wide variety of activities across Bellevue, with a particular focus on the Grand Connection. Among the funded programs, we supported:
- 36 programs at 16 locations
- 26 programs which were completely new to Bellevue, plus 5 in new locations
- Almost $50,000 for live performance activities and $40,000 for festivals
- More than $50,000 in support for programs and activities taking place outside of downtown
- 10,000 community member attendees
Explore the full recipient list to see the variety of programs supported through the 2025 CPF.
You can also view the 2025 year-end retrospective to learn more about the grant cycle, funded activities, and how we think about program outcomes.