ABOUT THE GRANT

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Main Street Eureka Springs Community Microgrants support individuals, informalgroups, or established organizations who want to create new, engaging, community-centered activities in Eureka Springs and do not otherwise have existing funding sources.

With values that include sustainable development, community collaboration, inclusivity, and preserving the unique charm of Eureka Springs while supporting entrepreneurs, our goal with this grant program is to activate welcoming, sober, public spaces and encourage local residents to bring creative, educational, and social ideas to life. These grants are designed for community members who have an idea and need a little financial support to make it happen.

Microgrants will be awarded on a quarterly basis and typically range from$100 – $400. Applications received after the deadline of one cycle will be reviewed in the following cycle should the applicant select that option on the application form.

2026 APPLICATION, REVIEW, and AWARD DATES

Cycle 1 – for activities that take place after July 15th and completed by October 15th

- Application Opens: May 15th

- Application Submission Deadline: June 15th

- Application Under Review: June – July

- Applicant Notified of Decision: by July 15th

Cycle 2 – for activities that take place after December 15th and completed by March 15th

- Application Opens: October 15th

- Application Submission Deadline: November 15th

- Application Under Review: November – December

- Applicant Notified of Decision: by December 15th

PROGRAM PRIORITIES

We prioritize projects that:

- Activate Main Street Eureka Springs’ space or take place in public third spaces, such as:

• Public parks

• Libraries

• Community centers

• Auditoriums

• Museums

• Other publicly accessible civic spaces 

- Introduce something new, unique, or underrepresented in Eureka Springs

- Are led by individual residents, not groups or organizations with existing funding sources (if you are an organization without existing funding sources, your application will be considered)

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

- Individuals 18 years or older

- Residents of Eureka Springs or benefits Eureka Springs

- Informal community groups (must designate one responsible individual)

- Organizations without existing funding sources

- First-time organizers strongly encouraged 

Existing groups/organizations may apply only if the project is individual-led and not otherwise fundable through the group’s/organization’s existing funding streams.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM POLICIES

1. Sober Events Requirement

- All funded activities must be sober events (no alcohol or controlled substances).

- This supports the expansion of sober programming in Eureka Springs and protects the integrity and insurance considerations of Main Street Eureka Springs.

2. Public Space Requirement

- Funded activities must take place in a publicly accessible space.

- Grants generally do not fund programming held in private businesses (e.g., bars, retail stores, private studios), even if open to the public, unless the applicant provides a strong justification for the location.

- Priority for locations includes: Main Street Eureka Springs’ space; public parks; other public facilities (library, community center, museum, auditorium, etc.)

3. Ownership of Purchased Materials & Equipment

If grant funds are used to purchase durable goods (e.g., chess sets, art supplies, sound equipment, games, etc.), ownership will be determined as follows:

Default Policy: Durable items purchased with microgrant funds become the property of Main Street Eureka Springs.

- These items may be:

• Stored onsite

• Loaned back to the original grantee for continued programming

• Made available for future community use if the original project concludes 

- This ensures that community-funded assets remain community assets.

- Applicants who believe ownership should remain with them must include a written justification in the Budget section of this application. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of Main Street Eureka Springs.

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS

- Events serving primarily as business promotion

- Fundraisers for existing organizations

- Political campaign activity

- Religious worship services

- Events involving alcohol or substance sales/consumption

- Projects hosted in private commercial spaces

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES (not comprehensive)

- Materials and supplies

- Equipment (see ownership policy)

- Space rental (if public facility)

- Marketing and printing

- Artist/facilitator/subject matter expert stipends

- Catering

- Permits (if required)

INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

- Alcohol

- Capital improvements

- Personal income beyond approved stipends

- Ongoing operational expenses unrelated to the proposed project

REVIEW CRITERIA + SCORING RUBRIC

Applications will be evaluated based on:

- Alignment with program priorities

- Feasibility

- Community benefit

- Activation of public/third spaces

- Responsible budget

SCORING RUBRIC (The review committee will use the following to score each application.)

ELIGIBILITY CHECK (Required – Pass/Fail)

☐ Event is sober (no alcohol or controlled substances)
☐ Event takes place in a public third space
☐ Not hosted in a private business (pending justification)
☐ Applicant is an individual or eligible informal group or organization without existing funding sources

If any box is unchecked → Application is ineligible

SCORING (100 Points Possible)

1.      Alignment with Program Priorities (20 points)

Activates public space; community-centered; aligns with microgrant goals.

Score (0–20): _______

2.      Activation of Space (15 points)

Effectively uses Main Street space (preferred) or other public third space.

Score (0–15): _______

3.      Community Impact & Accessibility (20 points)

Builds connection; accessible; benefits local residents.

Score (0–20): _______

4.      Innovation / Adds Something New (10 points)

Introduces something new or fills a gap in Eureka Springs.

Score (0–10): _______

5.      Feasibility & Readiness (15 points)

Clear plan, realistic timeline, strong logistics.

Score (0–15): _______

6.      Budget Clarity & Responsibility (10 points)

Clear, reasonable, cost-conscious request.

Score (0–10): _______

7.      Durable Goods / Community Asset Plan (5 points – if applicable)

Responsible ownership plan for equipment/materials.

Score (0–5): _______
☐ Not Applicable

8.      BONUS POINTS (Up to 5 Points – Optional)

☐ First-time organizer
☐ Intergenerational programming
☐ Recurring program with sustainability potential

Bonus Points (0–5): _______