Cultural Events Fund
Supporting Cultural Events in Taos – For Locals and Visitors Alike
Taos MainStreet and the Taos Destination Stewardship Network are proud to launch the Taos Cultural Events Fund - a pilot program providing financial and programmatic support to grassroots cultural events that welcome locals and visitors to engage in the spirit and diversity of Taos. The Fund also welcomes applications from legacy events that have taken place in the past and are ready to be revived.
Cultural Events Fund Workshop
December 4th, 2025
TCA Auditorium
5:30 - 7:30pm
Dinner will be served at 5pm
PROGRAM GOALS
Pilot Program Goals: Born from community voices, the Cultural Events Fund reinvests tourism dollars to celebrate what makes Taos extraordinary: its people, stories, and living traditions. The program uplifts local organizers and creative visionaries who bring culture to life in our shared spaces, inspiring connection, pride, and a sense of belonging for both locals and visitors alike.
FUNDING & ELIGIBILITY
What is a “Cultural Event”? A gathering or activity that:
Celebrates, preserves, or showcases traditions, beliefs, arts, history, and customs of a specific community.
Fosters understanding, appreciation, and pride in shared cultural heritage.
Encourages cultural exchange between diverse audiences.
Who Can Apply?
Individuals, nonprofits, businesses, or informal community groups. Applicants do not need to be a nonprofit, but must demonstrate capacity to manage the event responsibly.
Eligibility Criteria
Take place in Taos County
Occur between December 2025 and May 2026
Be open to public participation (not private or members-only)
Celebrate or showcase Taos traditions, arts, history, or customs
Align with the Taos Destination Stewardship Plan goals, values and principles
Serve or benefit the Taos community while also welcoming visitors
Funding Support
Event-related expenses (coordinators, materials, venue, marketing, etc.)
Award Range: $1,500-$5,000, although more or less will be considered based on demonstrated need and impact.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications opens
December 4th, 2025
Step 1: HIGHLY ENCOURAGED Workshop with Zoom option. Please RSVP above!
A highly encouraged interactive workshop will be offered to all interested applicants. Workshop attendance will be favored in application evaluation
Introduce applicants to the fund and application process
Familiarize organizers with Destination Stewardship values and principles
Share quick tips, tricks, and tools for hosting successful events in Taos
Provide a platform for experienced event organizers to share lessons learned
Step 2: Full Application
Opens December 4th, 2025
Submit through the online application portal
Applications reviewed by an independent committee using a scoring matrix
Awards announced End of 2025
Funds distributed in January 2026
POST-EVENT REPORTING
Recipients will be required to submit a short report including:
Attendance data (estimates and visitor origins if possible)
A summary of how funds were used
Photos, stories, or other materials that capture the event’s impact
WHY IT MATTERS
The Cultural Events Fund and workshop will strengthen Taos’s cultural landscape by supporting organizers at every stage of event planning, ensuring cultural integrity through stewardship values, expanding access for community members and visitors, and building capacity for sustainable, meaningful cultural events.
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information or to apply, contact our Executive Director, Charles Whitson:
Email: director@taosmainstreet.com