The Block Party Fund
Apply for a chance to receive funding and permitting support for a block party in your neighborhood!
We’re eager to support events that foster vibrant, connected communities. Share with us how your block party will engage your community and transform your block into a lively, welcoming place for neighbors to connect.
Submit your idea using the form below. Proposals must utilize a San Francisco street as a public gathering space and Block Party hosts must obtain an SFMTA street closure permit.
We’ll review proposals on a rolling basis and aim to respond within 2-4 weeks.
The application is currently closed, keep an eye on this page for updates on our next application cycle!
Good Applications Come In All Shapes And Sizes, But The Thread Between Them Is A Desire To Find Fun Ways To Connect With Your Neighbors.
Building a better community can be as simple as a stack of pancakes. It can be as big as a bounce house. It can be as delightful as a dog parade. As tasty as a taco truck. Whatever sort of block party you’re dreaming of, The Block Party Fund is here to transform that dream into something your neighbors will be talking about for years to come.
FAQs
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Fill out the form linked above!
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A vivid imagination, a willingness to knock on your neighbors doors (required!), and a passion strong enough to haul out a few folding tables.
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Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, though the sooner the better! A deadline will be announced later this summer to ensure that block parties happen before the rain returns.
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We’ve included a template in the application to make it easy.
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Block parties need to happen in the 2026 calendar year. You should assume planning will take at least a month (SFMTA requires applications be submitted at least 30 days before the event).
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We’ll review proposals on a rolling basis and aim to respond within 2-4 weeks.
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Yes, though you’ll need a point person to submit the application and coordinate.
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Most grants range from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the size and needs of the event. In some cases, larger grants of up to $4,000 may be awarded for events with greater scope or demonstrated budget needs. We encourage applicants to request only the amount necessary to support their event.
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Selected applicants will receive their grant payments by check or ePayment via bill.com.
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Almost anything you need to plan and execute a joyful block party.
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The city has guidelines that we’ll be happy to walk you through.
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Yes. All grant funded events are required to have event liability insurance. If you already have a policy that covers your event, you can use that. If not, you can purchase affordable single-day event insurance through The Event Helper. Feel free to include the cost of insurance in your event budget!
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We have a short post-event survey you’ll need to complete once your block party has happened. We’ll want to see pictures, attendance numbers, and hear how your event brought people together!
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Yes. Grant funds may be considered taxable income. Individuals who receive total grant payments that meet or exceed the IRS reporting threshold during a calendar year will be issued a Form 1099. If you are applying as an individual rather than through a fiscal sponsor or organization, you may receive this form. We recommend consulting a tax professional if you have questions about how this may affect your personal tax situation.
