SECA COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Discuss SECA policy items and/or designate items for the February SECA meeting
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DEPARTMENT: Community Services
SUBMITTED BY: Jake Fiedler, Special Events Coordinator
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Several SECA policy items were discussed by the Commission throughout the application process. Staff is requesting direction on the items discussed.
DISCUSSION:
Clarify “promoting religion or religious organizations”
Suggested language:
While SECA guidelines prohibit the promotion of religion or religious organizations, many cultural traditions-particularly in music, dance, and art-have historical or symbolic connections to religious practices. Funding eligibility should be evaluated based on the intent, content, and presentation of the event, rather than its historical origins alone. Events that are presented as cultural, educational, or artistic experiences, and that do not include religious instruction, worship, or advocacy, do not constitute the promotion of religion and may be considered eligible under SECA guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria:
An event may be eligible if:
• It is presented primarily as a cultural, educational, or artistic performance
• It is open to the general public
• It does not include:
o Religious services or rituals intended for worship
o Instruction in religious doctrine
o Calls to adopt, practice, or support a specific faith or religious organization
• Marketing materials emphasize culture, history, or art, not religious observance
An event would be ineligible if:
• The primary purpose is religious worship, prayer, or faith formation
• The event functions as an extension of a religious service
• Funding would directly support a religious organization’s ministry or evangelization efforts
Confirm Support for a Sunset Provision
SECA funding is intended to support event and program operations on a limited or transitional basis and should not serve as a long-term or sole funding source. Applicants receiving recurring SECA support may be subject to a sunset provision or graduated funding reduction to encourage financial sustainability. As part of any discussion regarding sunset provisions consideration should be given to how such an approach may differ between special events and community arts organizations that receive ongoing SECA support.
Graduated Reduction: SECA support would decrease over time to encourage financial sustainability and reduce long-term reliance on SECA funds, recognizing that while this approach provides a predictable transition for applicants, it also requires ongoing tracking and Council support for events seeking longer-term funding.
• SECA funding decreases over time (example):
o Years 1-2: up to 100% of eligible amount
o Year 3: up to 75%
o Year 4: up to 50%
o Year 5: up to 25%
• Applicants must demonstrate progress toward alternative funding.
Change of Scope Request Process
The Commission is asked to establish a consistent process for reviewing change of scope requests. Past practice has included written requests reviewed via email vote. During recent discussion, the Commission considered requiring written requests to be placed on a SECA agenda and presented in person for approval at a regular meeting. Direction is requested on the preferred approach.
SECA Mission Statement
The following mission statement was established in 2016 and remains sufficient, though optional refinements could be considered to reflect evolving program practices:
The mission of the Special Events & Community Arts Grant Fund Program is to assist the City in furthering special events and artistic cultural experiences that support an inclusive community that values diversity for Naperville and its visitors.
Definition of a Fundraising Event
The Commission is asked to confirm whether the current definition of a fundraising event, adopted in 2016, remains appropriate or should be revised for clarity. Currently, a fundraising event is defined as:
An event with the primary purpose of generating revenue to support the organization’s own mission. An event will not be characterized as a fundraiser if the primary purpose is to present cultural or entertainment experience.
Clarifying Fundraising Events: While most nonprofit events generate revenue in some form, SECA distinguishes between events that primarily present a cultural or entertainment experience and events whose primary purpose is fundraising. An event will be considered a fundraising event-and therefore ineligible-if it is structured, marketed, or branded primarily as a fundraiser rather than as a cultural or entertainment offering.
Indicators of a fundraising event may include, but are not limited to:
• The event is branded or titled as a “fundraiser,” “gala,” “benefit,” or “donation event”
• The primary focus is soliciting donations or selling sponsorships to support the organization’s general operations
• Ticket pricing significantly exceeds the value of the cultural or entertainment experience provided
• The event includes formal fundraising components such as auctions, pledge drives, or donation appeals as the central activity
An event is not considered a fundraising event if the primary purpose is to present a cultural or entertainment experience, even if revenue is generated through ticket sales or concessions, provided fundraising is not the dominant feature of the event
Examples
Eligible Events (Not Fundraisers)
• A ticketed concert, performance, or festival where admission supports event costs
• A cultural dance or music performance open to the public, even if hosted by a nonprofit
• An art exhibition or public art installation with optional donations
Ineligible Events (Fundraisers)
• A nonprofit gala, benefit dinner, or fundraising concert
• An event titled or marketed as a fundraiser or benefit
• Events centered on auctions, raffles, or donation appeals
Promotion of Political Organizations
A question has been raised regarding whether SECA funding should exclude events that promote political organizations. Federal 501(c)(3) law already prohibits political campaign activity. The Commission is asked to confirm that SECA policy should continue to align with federal 501(c)(3) requirements, and that applicants remain prohibited from participating in or supporting political campaigns on behalf of any candidate or political party.