What makes your business or organization special? Do you have a skill to share or an art to teach? Apply to host a Cambridge Plays event!
- Receive up to $2,000 reimbursement for event supplies and staff time.
- We work with you to schedule the event and choose a location.
- Events must be between May 16, 2025 and August 31, 2025.
- Events take place in plazas, in parks, and on sidewalks in our commercial districts.
- We work with you to get all applicable permits and entertainment licenses.
Event ideas include:
- Flower arranging
- Hair braiding
- Napkin folding
- Greeting card making
- Salsa dancing
- Something else!
Requirements
- Events must be in person and outdoors.
- Events must be free.
- Events must be open to people of all ages and abilities.
- Events cannot be religious or political.
- You cannot sell anything to participants or in the public space.
- You must have experience hosting or managing similar events.
- You need to have enough program staff to manage the event.
- Hosts must comply with city and state local taxes, licenses, and permits.
- Hosts must complete an evaluation and submit photos after the event.
Eligibility
Cambridge Plays will prioritize existing businesses and nonprofits in Cambridge. Multiple city departments review each project to make sure there’s no duplication of funding. The maximum funding per event or series of events from the City will be no more than $2,000. If your event costs are greater than $2,000, please submit a complete event budget with all funding sources.
How to Apply
Deadline 1: Events May 16 - June 30, 2025 – Applications are due Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Deadline 2: Events July 1 - August 31, 2025 – Applications are Due Monday, June 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM. You may submit applications for Deadline 2 at any time. However, we will not review them until June 16.
- Draft your program narrative. What is the objective of your program? Why do you want to offer this free program to the Cambridge community? What experience do you and your organization have providing similar programs?
- Create your budget. Click here for a budget template. You may use your own template or use one we provided. If your event costs are greater than $2,000, submit a complete event budget with all funding sources.
- Prepare your W-9 form. Click here for a blank W-9.
- Complete the Cambridge Plays application. Include your completed W-9 form, budget, and program narrative with your application form.
Questions?
Please contact the Sarah Jane Huber at shuber@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4624.
