LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Clark County is moving forward with a major donation to help build the Forever One Memorial at the former 1 October festival grounds.
The county is granting $10 million to the Vegas Strong Fund, the nonprofit in charge of fundraising, design and construction. The money can only be used for construction of Phase 1A of the memorial, not for administrative or staffing costs.
MORE ON FOX5: Forever One Memorial secures funding to open by 10th remembrance in 2027
Funds are paid out in stages, tied to key milestones. The county will provide $2.5 million once Vegas Strong Fund obtains a building permit for Phase 1A. Another $2.5 million will be distributed once the nonprofit provides an executed construction contract. After construction begins, Vegas Strong Fund may request additional distributions for work performed under the construction contract up to the remaining amount of funds.
The nonprofit will provide monthly reimbursement requests supported by documentation signed by the project architect.
Memorial location and phases
The memorial will sit on two acres at Reno Avenue and Giles Street. Phase 1A, budgeted at $22 million, will deliver foundational memorial elements including the Remembrance Ring with 58 Candles, Angel Wall and the initial phase of the Community Plaza. The phase also includes walkways, poured paving, desert landscaping with shade trees, donor recognition features and supporting infrastructure for public access, security and long-term operation.
Phase 1B, budgeted at $7 million, will complete the Community Plaza with an amphitheater, the Tim Bavington sculpture installation and storytelling arcs. Phase II, budgeted at $5 million, will complete the memorial with the Tower of Light, a signature illuminated vertical feature.
Ownership and operation
The memorial must be open to the public for at least 30 years. Vegas Strong Fund retains ownership and is responsible for long-term operation and maintenance. If the memorial ceases to be open to the public and operate as a memorial, Vegas Strong Fund must repay the county the proportional share based on the number of years it failed to operate the memorial.
Clark County reserves the right to audit spending and pull back money if the terms are violated. The county is not responsible for any operation or maintenance of the memorial.
The grant and donation agreement runs from Feb. 1, 2026, through Oct. 1, 2028. Funds remaining unexpended on Oct. 1, 2028, are required to be returned to the county within 30 days. If construction has not been completed by that date, the county will grant Vegas Strong Fund an additional six months to complete the project or disburse the funds owed for construction.
Previous county support
The county has provided previous financial support to Vegas Strong Fund. On April 2, 2024, the county approved the transfer of $144,000 in 1 October donations collected by Clark County Parks and Recreation to the nonprofit. On July 16, 2024, the county granted $1 million to assist with administrative costs related to management and oversight of fundraising efforts, design, construction and maintenance of the memorial. On April 1, 2025, the county granted an additional $1.4 million to assist with administrative costs.
The county Board of County Commissioners created the 1 October Memorial Committee on Oct. 2, 2019. On Sept. 5, 2023, the board selected the submission of JCJ Architecture as the primary design concept for the memorial and dissolved the committee. On April 2, 2024, the board designated Vegas Strong Fund as the nonprofit responsible for fundraising, designing and constructing the memorial.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
