In-Kind Services are only available to registered tax exempt non-profits.
Link to In-Kind Service Application
The new City of Gastonia In-Kind Service Policy was approved September 2, 2025 to go into effect for events in 2026. All applicants having an event in 2026 need to fill out the IKS application prior to November 1.
In order to apply for IKS, the applicant’s organization needs to be a tax exempt non-profit. Proof of tax exempt status is required upon submission of application. The applicant will need to pay the $30 event application fee, which is invoiced after the application is received.
Under the new IKS policy, the applicant will apply for IKS by November 1 of the prior year and pay the applicable event application fee. Applications are circulated to City departments for approval. Staff may require a meeting between department staff and the applicant. Each department that will be providing services for the event will issue a cost estimate for their portion of the event.
All applications and staff quotes will be presented to the Center City Revitalization and Housing and Community Engagement committee (CCHRCE) and then will go to City Council for final funding approval. This fiscal year, Council has $15,000 to award to IKS events. Events may receive up to 50% of the staffing cost estimate, capped at $2,000 per event. If requests exceed available funds, Council will use a content-neutral scoring rubric to evaluate applications.
Examples:
- $1,000 estimated staff costs → Eligible for $500 credit
- $4,000 estimated staff costs → Eligible for $2,000 credit
- $10,000 estimated staff costs → Eligible for $2,000 credit (maximum)
The applicant will be responsible for paying any remaining staff costs not covered by the City and any applicable City venue fees. After your event, each City department that provided services will submit their exact staffing costs and hours. You will receive an invoice from the Finance Department for the exact staffing costs, minus the City credit approved by Council. All applicants are required to complete a post event report, due 45 days following the event, complete with a financial upload showing all revenues generated, if any, and all expenses. This report will be linked here.
Applicants can rent the facilities at their assigned, respective rates without staffing charges depending on the scope/size of their event. City staffing is required for all IKS events.
The below numbers are estimates. More accurate costs and a final staffing number will be determined once the application has been received. The City of Gastonia will determine the staff necessary for the event to occur safely. The staffing figures below may not be comprehensive of all types of events. Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation personnel are all required at each event. Please see notes below each department for more information.
Police Department-
For events with less than 250 people, a minimum of two officers will be required.
For every 100 people after, an additional officer will be required (300 people requires three officers, 400 people requires four officers)
Events over 500 people will require at least one supervisor. For every additional 500 people, an additional supervisor will be needed. (A 1,000-person event will need two supervisors)
Costs:
$40/hr per officer
$60/hr per supervisor
The Police Department will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc. Staffing requirements will be different for parades, motorcycle rides, or other types of events.
Fire Department-
For events with less than 250 people, a minimum of two firefighters (includes ATV/UTV) will be required.
For events over 250 people but less than 500 people, four firefighters will be required.
Events over 500 people will require an additional firefighter for every 250 people.
Events over 500 will require at least one supervisor.
Costs:
$40/hr per firefighter
$60/hr per supervisor
Any event that requires special permits (fireworks, tents, etc.) will be required to apply and pay applicable permit fees through the Fire Department.
The Fire Department will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc.
Parks and Recreation Department-
One employee will be required per 100 people for clean up services, depending on set up and activities at the event.
Costs:
$40/hr per employee
The Parks and Recreation Department will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc.
Solid Waste Division-
Costs:
Solid Waste service is $95/hr with a $31/event disposal fee.
Solid Waste Division of Public Works will review the event application and will determine if services may be required depending on event attendance, footprint, activities, vendor attendance, etc.
Streets/Traffic Division-
Costs:
For an event requiring a standard downtown street closure (York St. to Dr. MLK Jr. Way and the top portion of S. South St.) for four hours, the cost is $270.
For an event requiring the use of a street sweeper either before or after the street closure, the cost of the closure is increased to $510.
Streets/Traffic Division of Public Works will review the event application and will determine if any staffing outside of the staff outlined above is necessary depending on event activities, footprint, etc. Staffing requirements will be different for different event closure areas/streets. Parades will be quoted on a case by case basis from Streets/Traffic.
