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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Wednesday, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the launch of the Wake Up the Night Grant, which will give up to $10,000 each to individuals and organizations to invest in Boston’s nighttime economy.
The application is open and the deadline to apply is May 28.
The Wake Up the Night Grant Pilot Program will use $250,000 to help revitalize Boston’s nightlife economy along with ensuring safe, inclusive social spaces, explained a press release from the Mayor’s Office.
"Boston is a city of neighborhoods, and we are working to revitalize our nighttime economy and create opportunities for residents to enjoy safe, joyful spaces throughout the warmer months and into the fall,” said Wu.
“This year we’re trying to make it easier than ever to foster fun programming that showcases the beauty of our communities and support residents and businesses in their efforts to make this summer a safe, enjoyable one for all in Boston.”
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Events that receive funding from the grant must align with one of six categories: accessible programming, cultural expression, intergenerational, spirit-free programming, weekday activations, or youth programming.
Another event requirement is that it must be free and open to the public.
"There is a pressing demand for more innovative, inclusive, and accessible nighttime activities," said Corean Reynolds, director of Nightlife Economy for the City of Boston.
“Through the Wake Up the Night Grant Pilot Program, we are excited to directly invest in people and organizations that are reimagining Boston’s nightlife.”
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Reynolds was named the city’s director of Nightlife Economy in February 2023 to establish a new team whose job is to “tackle long-standing urgent challenges facing Boston’s retention strategies, such as nightlife.”
Her goal is “to create a robust nightlife economy that is inclusive of all races, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, income levels, gender expressions, family statuses, and ages," she said.
The Wake Up the Night Grant is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal plan under the Biden Administration that provides relief to individuals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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