The Clock Is Ticking: Apply Now for Simi Valley’s 2026 Community Event Grants
Sylvie Belmond 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Got a great idea for a community event in 2026? The city of Simi Valley is ready to help bring it to life.
Applications are now open for the city’s Special Event Support Program Grants—a $25,000 fund dedicated to supporting local nonprofit-led events that bring people together, celebrate local culture, and strengthen community connections.
The program, established as an administrative policy in 2014, was created to boost community engagement by helping nonprofits put on events that benefit Simi Valley residents. Each year, a funding amount is included in the city’s annual budget—typically $25,000—to support this mission.
In 2025, the city received twelve applications requesting more than $83,000 in event support. While the requests far exceeded the available funds, all twelve applicants received either full or partial funding. Past recipients have included a diverse mix of local groups and events, from the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce’s street fairs to the Happy Face Hill Music Festival, the Nottingham Festival, GiGi Fit Acceptance Challenge, Cops ‘N Cruisers Car Show, Every 15 Minutes, and more.
To ensure the funding delivers the greatest impact, the city council has directed the Special Event Support Review Committee to give preference to events where proceeds are used locally within Simi Valley and to those that offer significant community or public benefit. The committee is made up of representatives from each of the city’s four Neighborhood Councils and the Council On Aging.
The committee is scheduled to hear applicant presentations on December 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at city hall. Final funding recommendations will be submitted to the city council for approval in January 2026.
To apply, organizations must be IRS-recognized nonprofits with a board of directors that holds public meetings. They must also obtain a special event permit from the city—a free requirement—and agree to submit a final report detailing how the funds were used and what outcomes the event achieved.
The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Nonprofits can find the application and full program details at simivalley.org/specialevents or by contacting the city manager’s office at (805) 583-6701.
