POWA Event Sponsorship

The Port Orchard Waterfront Alliance is committed to championing the small businesses, organizations, and citizens that make downtown Port Orchard the wonderful place that it is. One way that we do this is by sponsoring events that our members organize for Downtown. Read on to learn more about this program and how to apply!

Port Orchard Waterfront Alliance – Merchant Event Sponsorship Policy

Purpose - The Port Orchard Waterfront Alliance (POWA) provides sponsorship support to POWA merchant members who host events that enhance downtown vitality, attract visitors, and strengthen the Port Orchard community. Sponsorship requests must not exceed $500. These policies outline expectations for merchants applying for event sponsorship.

1. Eligibility – Merchants must:

Be an Ally Member with the Port Orchard Waterfront Alliance.

Have an up-to-date and paid POWA membership.

Submit a complete sponsorship application at least 1 month prior to the event to the POWA Board.

2. Event Plan Requirements – Applicants must provide on the application:

A clear description of the event concept.

Details on planned activities and target audience for the event.

Information about how the event benefits downtown Port Orchard.

A promotional plan outlining how the event will be marketed.

3. Budget Disclosure – Merchants must state:

A realistic estimate of total event costs.
The amount requested from POWA and a breakdown of how the requested funds will be used.
The percentage of the total event budget that the requested sponsorship will cover.

This ensures transparency and helps POWA evaluate the scale and impact of the event. This information is used to report to the city of Port Orchard and State of Washington about how POWA's sponsoring downtown merchants assists in tourism and marketing for Port Orchard with LTAC (Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) Funds.

4. Marketing & Promotional Funding Categories – Sponsorship requests must be broken down into the following approved categories:

Social Media Marketing

Promotional Supplies / Advertising:
Advertising Banners, A‑boards, Yard Signs, Reader Boards

Print Marketing: postcards, posters, flyers

Digital & Email Marketing

The total of these categories must match the sponsorship amount requested. Please note that if approved, you will be required to turn in the receipts for any of these approved costs to the POWA treasurer.

5. Use of Funds – Sponsorship funds must be used only for approved marketing and promotional expenses.

Funds may not be used for:

Staff wages

Alcohol purchases

Non‑marketing operational costs

Personal or unrelated business expenses

6. Funding Availability

After receipt of application, The POWA Board, will discuss and vote on whether to sponsor the event, and if applicable, a suitable amount to Sponsor.

Sponsorship funds are limited and allocated throughout the calendar year.
Sponsorship funds must be used within the current year requested and approved.
Applicants understand that submitting a sponsorship request late in the year may result in limited or fully allocated funds. Applications may be denied if all available sponsorship funds have already been committed.

7. Promotion Requirements – If funded, merchants agree to:

Promote the event within Port Orchard using the methods listed in their application.

Tag or acknowledge POWA in digital promotions when appropriate.

Use accurate, approved event information in all marketing materials.

8. Compliance & Safety – If funded, events must comply with:

Local laws and permitting requirements.

Fire, safety, and occupancy regulations.

City of Port Orchard guidelines for signage, setup, and public space use.

POWA reserves the right to deny or revoke sponsorship if safety or compliance issues arise.

9. Post‑Event Requirements – If funded, merchants will be asked to provide:

A brief summary of event outcomes.

Photos or promotional materials used (keep one copy of each of printed materials.

Feedback on attendance and community impact.

Failure to meet post‑event requirements may affect future sponsorship eligibility.

10. Accountability – If funded, merchants are responsible for:

Accurate reporting of expenses.

Proper use of sponsorship funds.

Maintaining a clean, professional event environment.

POWA requires receipts and documentation for verification of how funds were spent to be submitted to the Treasurer AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, and no later than one month following the sponsored the event.