Steep Canyon Rangers Community Concert / Photo: Fiasco Media

Event Sponsorship Program

Pack Square Park

Enhancing Quality of Place

Sponsoring Local Events Throughout the Year

The Event Sponsorship Program offers financial support for events and projects that enhance the local travel & hospitality industry in Buncombe County.

The primary purposes of the fund are:

To stimulate the creation of new or expansion of existing events that demonstrate an ability to enhance the economic benefit of Buncombe County;
To support events that enhance the quality of place for Buncombe County residents and visitors; and
To support educational programming for the travel and hospitality industry.

Apply for Event Sponsorship

Event Sponsorship Program - Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for sponsorship:

Applicants must be a Buncombe County-based nonprofit organization.
Events must occur in Buncombe County.
Events must be open to the public/visitors must be able to attend (private, political, and organizational fundraising events are not eligible).
Events must align with at least one of Explore Asheville’s Strategic Imperatives.

Applications are assessed based on audience relevance, economic impact, marketing reach, event viability, and community support.

Application Submission Instructions

Before you begin your application, please prepare the following required documents:
- Sponsorship kit
- Supporting materials such as marketing materials, media coverage, photographs/videos

Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and may take up to 30 days after the application is received.