Rock & Rails Tip Jar applications open

The Niwot Cultural Arts Association, which manages Niwot's Rock & Rails summer concert series with the Niwot Business Association, announced that applications for receipt of Tip Jar proceeds are now open.

Non-profit organizations serving the Niwot area, or which have a substantial connection to Niwot as part of a mission to serve a broader community, are eligible to apply. For the 2023 summer concert series, there will be 14 concert nights, beginning June 1 and ending Aug. 31.

The Tip Jar program was instituted in 2014 when the NCAA and NBA took over management of the event, as well as sponsorship. The free community event allows concertgoers to donate to worthy causes at the front gate and at the Depot building where adult beverages are sold.

Last year, Tip Jars generated a total of $25,821.33, almost $2,000 per evening, for 23 non-profit organizations and local schools.

To apply, applicants should submit an email to [email protected] including the name and address of the organization, its taxpayer ID number, the contact person and a phone number and email, the proposed use of the funds, and the connection to the Niwot community.

Applicants which are approved by the NCAA board of directors will be entered into a random drawing to determine the recipient on the night of the award. Due to the high number of worthy applicants, organizations often will be asked to share the Tip Jar proceeds for an evening. Applications will close at the end of February.

Approved organizations are asked to furnish volunteers to help staff the event by helping with set-up, working the front gate, and helping with take-down at the end of the concert.