Durango, CO: **The City of Durango is accepting applications for the first round of the 2027 Local Event Marketing Grant, focusing on events held between January and April 2027.
The city’s Prosperity Office manages the program, and applications are open through Wednesday, Nov. 4. While this round prioritizes events taking place during the first four months of the year, organizers of eligible events occurring later in 2027 may also apply.
The early application round was developed in response to feedback from local event organizers. Under previous grant schedules, events occurring early in the calendar year had limited opportunity to apply for funding before their events took place.
“Event organizers told us that the timing of the grant was creating a real barrier for events happening early in the year,” said Prosperity Officer Mike French. “This new round is a practical response to that feedback. It gives organizers more time to plan and market their events while helping Durango build a stronger calendar of activities throughout the year, particularly during periods when additional visitation and economic activity can have an outsized impact.”
The grant program provides reimbursement-based funding for eligible marketing and promotional expenses. The program exists to support the incubation and expansion of local events, bolster year-round programming, stimulate the local economy, and promote a vibrant community.
2027 Round 1 key dates:
Applications open: Oct. 10, 2026
Applications close: Nov. 4, 2026
Award notifications: Dec. 2, 2026
Priority event period: January through April 2027
Reimbursement forms due: June 30, 2027
The grant is supported through the City’s Lodgers’ Tax Sustainable Marketing Fund, which strengthens local events and supports programming during times of year when additional activity benefits local businesses, residents, and visitors.
The grants are not for an event’s ongoing operational support. Instead, they help new events establish an audience and give existing events the marketing resources needed to expand. Considerations of whether an applicant is successful include whether the money helps expand an event’s reach, attract visitors, strengthen community participation, and implement long-term sustainability.
The program awarded more than $132,500 to 45 events in 2026, including eight new events. Those awards supported a diverse mix of community, cultural, recreational, culinary, arts, and other events throughout Durango.
Visitors are an important part of that equation. When an event gives someone a reason to come to Durango, that trip can generate spending at local lodging properties, restaurants, shops, attractions, and other businesses. During quieter times of year, that added activity can be especially valuable.
Organizations, businesses, and individuals may apply. Applications are evaluated based on the quality of the proposed marketing plan and use of grant funds, event feasibility, measurable outcomes, and community engagement and benefit.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and to review the application resources, examples, and frequently asked questions available on the City’s Local Event Marketing Grant webpage, https://www.durangoco.gov/1805/Local-Event-Marketing-Grant
Questions about the program or an event’s eligibility may be directed to the City of Durango Prosperity Office at [email protected]
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Media Contact**Tom SluisPublic Information Officer Phone: (970) 375-5090Email: Tom Sluis