Request Support from the City of Oxford
The City of Oxford considers requests from organizations providing programs, projects, and services that benefit Oxford residents. Support may include financial assistance or the use of City space, staffing, equipment, and services.
Use the appropriate form below to tell us what you are requesting, who will benefit, and how the proposed activity will serve the public.
Appropriation Requests
Use this form to request financial support for a program, project, or service.
Organizations seeking an appropriation must have 501(c)(3) status in good standing. Applicants should be prepared to provide three years of financial statements, a current organizational budget, their most recent IRS Form 990, and details about the proposed use of funds.
Space and Services Requests
Use this form to request in-kind support, such as free or reduced-cost use of City facilities or event spaces, equipment, staffing, or other City services.
Include the proposed dates, location, expected attendance, specific resources needed, and the benefit to Oxford residents. City space and services have a public cost and must be evaluated even when no direct funding is requested.
Space and Services Request Form
How the Process Works
Submit your request. Complete the appropriate form and provide all required supporting information. Explain the public benefit, expected outcomes, and other resources supporting your activity.
Allow time for review. The City will evaluate eligibility, community benefit, available resources, and applicable legal requirements. Additional information may be requested. We strongly recommend submitting the form at least 90 days prior to the need for funds or services.
Receive a decision. Appropriation requests are reviewed by the City of Oxford Appropriations Review Committee, which makes a recommendation to the City Council. The Council has final authority over appropriations. Space and services requests also require applicable City approvals and confirmation of availability.
Complete any required agreement. Approved support is subject to the terms, permitted uses, and reporting requirements established by the City.
Submitting a request does not guarantee approval, funding, or a reservation. Previous support does not guarantee future approval.
Why State Law Limits City Support
Article IV, Section 94 of the Alabama Constitution generally prohibits municipalities from giving public money or things of value to private individuals or organizations. This restriction includes more than cash: free space, equipment use, and staff services also have value.
City support must have a lawful basis and serve a qualifying public purpose. The City must consider whether the request provides a direct public benefit, rather than primarily benefiting a private person or organization. Nonprofit or tax-exempt status alone does not make a request eligible.
These requirements help protect public resources and ensure that City support is used for legally authorized purposes that benefit the community. As a result, some worthwhile requests may fall outside what the City can legally support.
For questions related to this process, please use this Contact Form to contact the Chair of the Appropriations Review Committee.