Cooperative Advertising Program

To assist Downtown Redlands Business Association (DRBA) business owners promote and advertise their businesses, DRBA has developed a Cooperative Advertising Program. Eligible businesses may apply for grant funding for advertising and promotional activities. The program requires that all proposals meet the following guidelines:

· Applicants must complete an application form available at the Downtown Redlands Business Association office located at 35 Cajon Street, suite 6.

· Applications must be submitted by the owner of the business that is the subject of the proposed advertisement, or the applicant must submit evidence the business owner has given consent for the subject advertising.

· Funds may only be used for advertisement and promotion of Downtown Redlands Business Association businesses and of the Downtown Redlands Business Association/downtown Redlands. Examples of eligible advertisement under this program include: newspaper, magazine, and other print advertising; radio, television, internet, and other electronic media advertising; and other forms of advertising deemed appropriate by the DRBA’s Ads & Promotions Committee. To be eligible, an advertisement must include promotional material identifying the business as being a part of the Downtown Redlands Business Association/downtown Redlands. The use of the approved DRBA logo is required on visual advertisements.

· The maximum grant funding is 50% of the cost of the advertisement. The reimbursement will be based on the published rate of the advertising medium utilized, less any discount, rebate, finance charge, tax or commission.

· Grant requests from government or nonprofit agencies may be approved only if the proposed advertisement directly or indirectly promotes business and commerce in the district.

· Applicants may apply for grants equal to their paid DRBA assessments or no greater than $1500 in any fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). In reviewing such requests, funding decisions will be based on the following guidelines:

1. The advertisement should promote business and/or sales within the downtown district.

2. The proposed advertisement should be clear, concise, and in good taste .

· Applications will be funded on a first come, first served basis, or until funds have been depleted.

· Approved grants will be paid on a reimbursable basis upon submission of a tear sheet of the ad showing the date of publication, name of the publication, and the publication’s rate card. For ads in magazines, submit a complete copy of the magazine. For radio or television advertising, a tape of the commercial must be submitted. Copies of the invoice from the advertising medium must be submitted with proof of advertising, along with an invoice from the downtown business to the DRBA for reimbursement.

Download the Cooperative Advertising Reimbursement Program Application (pdf)