Operating Support Grant

The deadline to apply for FY22 Operating Support has passed. Downloads below are available to offer reference to recent program guidelines.

The City of Dubuque, through the Operating Support Grant Program, offers limited, unrestricted support to arts and culture organizations operating within Dubuque city limits that demonstrate a commitment to serving the community by offering arts, arts education, and cultural heritage programs. Through this support, the City of Dubuque increases the community's access to a wide range of diverse arts and culture experiences to foster economic activity, promote citizen engagement, and cultivate an equitable community of choice. Applicants must demonstrate how their mission and programs advance the goals and priorities of the City of Dubuque's Arts and Culture Master Plan.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Dubuque-based nonprofit organizations who have a primary mission to provide the general public with programs or activities in areas directly concerned with arts, arts education, or cultural heritage. Eligible applicants must have operated as a nonprofit, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of IRS code for at least two years prior to the application date.

INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
  • For-profit organizations or businesses;
  • Nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is focused on religious, political, social service, or athletic activities;
  • Organization that uses a fiscal agent or the nonprofit or federal tax-exempt status of another organization;
  • Educational institutions including K-12 schools, universities, and community colleges;
  • An organization with an outstanding Final Report associated with previous grant awards from FY20 or prior Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs funding opportunities.
FUNDING GUIDELINES
In FY22, funding awards will be based on an average of the organization’s certified operating expenses from the 2 fiscal cycles prior to March 17, 2020. The maximum funding an organization can receive will be calculated at 6% of that average not to exceed $30,000. Funding levels will be impacted by the number of eligible applicants and how an application scores against the scoring rubric.

TIMELINE
  • March 15, 2021 - Applications for both the Operating Support and Special Projects grants available
  • Friday, March 26, 2021 from 2-3PM - Informational virtual webinar on Operating Support grant program via GoToWebinar. Click here to access the webinar recording.
  • Monday, May 17, 2021 by 11:59 PM - Operating Support applications due
  • July 2021 - Grant notifications and contracts released.
  • August 2021 - Anticipated disbursement of funds.
The Arts and Culture Operating Support Grant program has nurtured the diversity and accessibility of arts and culture events and services that exist throughout our community since 2006. The program is funding through the general operating budget of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs within the Department of Economic Development and must be approved by the City Council on an annual basis.

By offering Operating Support funding, typically the most difficult funding for a nonprofit organization to secure especially in the arts and culture sector, we support the Dubuque City Council's goal to provide 'Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities' as well as playing a key role in realizing the City of Dubuque's Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan to foster Social + Cultural Vibrancy.

Contact Us

  1. Jenni Petersen-Brant  |  email
    Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator
    Phone: 563.690.6059

    Economic Development Office
    City Hall Annex
    1300 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52001

    Hours
    Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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