March 18 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Stacy Allsbrook, Las Vegas Centennial, 702-229-4733 or sallsbrook@lasvegasnevada.gov
Nancy Katz, R&R Partners, 702-318-4213 or nkatz@rrpartners.com

Thousands of dollars available for Las Vegas Centennial grants to local organizations

Las Vegas is marking its 100th birthday next year and is inviting everyone to join the celebration by awarding thousands of dollars in educational and event grants for official Las Vegas Centennial programs. Founded last year, the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration Executive Committee has committed to funding grants for local organizations that present events that celebrate Las Vegas' history. Money for the grants is being raised through the Centennial's partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment which is selling sponsorships to raise funds.

"We are excited to offer these grants so that everyone has an opportunity to get involved in the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration," said Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who chairs the Centennial Celebration Executive Committee. "There are so many different groups and organizations that have contributed to Las Vegas being the grand city that it is today. It is our hope that every aspect of Las Vegas' history will be represented throughout 2005. The Las Vegas Centennial Grant Program provides a way for people to participate and share their particular story."

Patricia Marchese, director of Clark County Parks and Community Services, who is coordinating the Las Vegas Centennial Grant Program, said two different types of grants - Copper and Silver - will be awarded to encourage participation by local civic, charitable, education, ethnic and faith-based organizations. "We recognize there are many types of organizations who might want to get involved, and have taken that into consideration in developing the Las Vegas Centennial Grant Program," she said. "We want everyone to be able to participate. Grants will be awarded for both small neighborhood projects and large citywide events. The common thread will be some aspect of Las Vegas history."

Copper grants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, will be awarded for projects defined as small community events that focus on neighborhood and community celebrations and participation. Silver grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, will be awarded for projects defined as medium to large community events that will attract 5,000 attendees or more and are co-sponsored by the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration.

Beginning March 18, the grant application will be available on the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration Web site, www.lasvegas2005.org, and at the Centennial office, 400 Stewart Ave., 2nd Floor. For information or assistance, call 229-2005.

The deadline for applications is Saturday, May 15, 2004. A sub-committee of the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration and other volunteers will review all grant applications and recommend proposals for approval to Centennial staff for full board approval. Applicants will be notified of their grant status in June with funding awards disbursed shortly thereafter.

Funding criteria for the Las Vegas Centennial grants will include:

• Projects must occur within the designated Las Vegas Centennial year, from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2005.
• Applicants must be a local non-profit 501c3 organization or government agency.
• Non-profit organizations may sponsor grant applications for events and projects produced by organizations that do not have non-profit status.
• Applicants must demonstrate evidence of financial need.
• Events and projects must demonstrate and celebrate the Las Vegas Centennial and/or portray the history of Las Vegas.
• Events and projects must celebrate and commemorate the history and culture of Las Vegas through one or a series of special events and programs.
• Events and projects must create opportunities to encourage ethnic, faith-based, educational, civic organizations and individuals to participate in the Centennial Celebration.
• Applicants must demonstrate the capability to attract participants to events and programs and to involve public, ethnic communities and/or neighborhood participation.
• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete the project or event.
• Events and projects must meet community standards that are suitable for all ages.
• Applicants must provide invoices for use of Centennial grant dollars upon completion of their event or project.

The Las Vegas Centennial Celebration was formed to develop a yearlong program to celebrate Las Vegas' 100th birthday throughout 2005. Its mission is to educate, celebrate and commemorate by sharing stories of the city's rise from a small town to a big city and its uniqueness and citizens; create large and small celebrations to acknowledge Las Vegas' 100th birthday; and leave a lasting legacy throughout the city and in the hearts of residents and tourists. For information, visit www.lasvegas2005.org.

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