The Imagine Fund Grant Program supports the development of NEW events in Hastings with the potential to draw visitors from outside a 50 mile radius.  It is administered by the Hastings/Adams County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Awards are discretionary, based upon available funds and anticipated effectiveness of the proposed event.

Application Deadlines
There will be two application deadlines per year on the third Monday in August and the third Monday in February. Early submissions (at least two weeks) are encouraged as CVB staff will have time to review applications and suggest changes before the applications are reviewed by the grants committee.  

Submission
Applications should be submitted online. To see/fill out the application form  CLICK HERE.

Timing
As a general rule, proposals must be for events occurring within 1 year of the application deadline, except for proposals that represent exceptional opportunities with committed funds and detailed planning already in place.

Planning
Detailed and clearly articulated plans and events held between October and April of every year will be given special consideration. It is understood that some proposals for events in the early stages of development may lack confirmed details and funding, but these plans should contain a timeline and articulate a clear plan for executing the event.

Outreach
All proposals must contain an effective and significant community engagement strategy designed to attract the larger public’s attention and participation. At least a portion of the marketing expenditures should target audiences outside of Hastings.

Budget
A detailed budget plan must be submitted with a proposal. Additional funding sources are encouraged but not necessary for a successful proposal.   Budgets must be submitted with your application form as a separate file, in one of the following formats: PDF, XLS, DOC and TXT.

Grant Size
Generally, grants range between $200 - $5000 but proposals beyond that range which represent exceptional opportunities in terms of creativity, statewide exposure, attendance and conscientious planning will be considered by the committee.

Proposal Requirements
In addition to some basic contact information the following questions are included on the application form:

• Event Abstract (limited to 100 words)
Brief description of event including proposed dates

• Event Description (limited to 750 words)
Description of the event including proposed marketing activities outside of Hastings.

• Impact Statement (limited to 750 words)
Description of anticipated impact on the local economy including but not limited to the anticipated number of attendees, overnight stays and local vendors.

• Description of Planning Committee/Governing Organization, Event Oversight and Evaluation Procedures (limited to 750 words)

It is recommended that you write the answers to these questions in a separate word file and then ‘copy and paste’ them into the form.

Please call or email Kaleena Fong at the Hastings/Adams County CVB with questions about your event or the grant program:
Phone: 402.461.2370
Email: Kaleena@visithastingsnebraska.com