Community Grants

AKFA Community Grants Program

The Abbot Kinney Festival Association (AKFA) has a long history of giving back to the community. In 2009, it formalized this tradition by establishing the AKFA Community Grants Program, which is funded by festival proceeds from the sales of sponsorships, exhibitor booths, event-run concessions, commemorative merchandise, and advertising. While new in this formal format, the AKFA has invested well over $200,000 into the community of Venice since its inception.Below is a list of Venice nonprofits who received the first round of funding from the AKFA Community Grants Program in 2009:

2010 Grant Guidelines

Each year, the AKFA seeks to distribute at least 50% of its net income from the festival through grants awarded to Venice-based nonprofits. Since 1984, annual contributions from AKFA to the community of Venice have ranged in size from $5,000 to $30,000.

Grant Request Criterion and Amounts

  • Nonprofits based in Venice, California are eligible to apply for neighborhood projects or ongoing programs and services that support youth, families, cultural enrichment, and beautification in the immediate area.
  • Applicants must have an annual budget no greater than $1,000,000.
  • AKFA accepts requests up to $5,000 with a required 50% match (e.g., for a $1,000 request, the nonprofit needs to identify a matching source for $500).
  • Requested funds should be allocated as follows: 75% or more for direct project or program/service expenses and no more than 25% for administrative costs or overhead.

Grant Application Format

  • Narrative (three pages maximum) that includes:
    • Organizational History
    • Description of Community Need
    • Project History and Description
    • List and Short Bios of Key Personnel
  • Budget (two pages maximum) that includes:
    • Organizational Annual Budget (must be under $1,000,000)
    • Project Budget
    • List of Matching Funds (sources, amounts, contact information)
  • Up to 3 Attachments that include:
    • Letters of Support, Case Studies, Press Materials, and/or Promotional Literature

Application/Review Cycles/Notification/Awards

  • July 1, 2010 – Deadline for applications
  • July – Committee review of applications
  • August – Media announcement made through Abbot Kinney Festival
  • September – Present checks during Abbot Kinney Festival

For questions regarding Sponsorship (or Grant) opportunities and procedures, please contact us, below:

Abbot Kinney Festival Association (AKFA)
P.O. Box 1138
Venice, Ca 90294
Telephone: (310) 396-3772
or Email