Tips For Success

• Typical funding is up to $40,000 per organization per year. 
• The funds we are allocating are not ours: they come from the taxpayers of Sumner. Use this opportunity to communicate what your organization does for them. 
• Powerful statements do not need to be lengthy statements. 
• Get as specific as you can with outcomes. Avoid relying on vague phrases like “see mission statement” or “we support business.” Be sure to include details like what kind of services you support and how many people you serve.
• These should be programs/efforts happening in Sumner that benefit people within Sumner. Do not request support for a program in Tacoma on the basis that people from Sumner attend.  
• You may not use these funds solely to fund staff salaries, pay off debts or provide scholarships. 
• Keep in mind this budget covers two years, so this is your request for City support in 2025 and/or 2026. You do not need to specify which year you anticipate using this funding. It could be all in one year or across both years. 
• This new process is not for your organization alone. We are asking all our partners to apply with the same process, which follows the same timeline that City departments must use to plan their budgets for 2025 & 2026. 
• We anticipate requests to exceed funds available. Any extraordinarily large requests may limit your success in this process. 
• This funding is intended to support community services. Please do not request funding for a specific event. Although you may choose to use this funding to help pay for event costs, please keep the focus of this request on the broader purpose/work of your organization. 
• We should not be your sole source of funds. 
• The City continues to support the following long-standing community events through different funds in the budget. These organizers/organizations need not and should not also apply through this process: Daffodil Festival, Homecoming Parade (Sumner High School ASB), Street of Treats, Come Walk With Me (MultiCare Foundation), and Bridge Lighting. 
• Expect any requests made outside this process for further funding/support in 2025 and 2026 to be unsuccessful. 
• The purpose of this fund is to support community-based organizations. As such, we expect applicants to be a registered 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 or government organization. 
• Funding requests that promote tourism should seek funding from the Pierce County Loding Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) 

If approved, funded organizations will thank the people of Sumner for their support at the level appropriate for equivalent supporters/sponsors.  Recognition must be public and may be on website, printed newsletter, printed ads, annual report or similar.  Coordinate use of the City logo with the Communications Director.