Special Projects Grant

This is a biennial grant program that alternates every other fiscal year with the Building Capacity Grant Program. Through this program, the City of Dubuque provides grant funds to cultivate unique and innovative creative arts and culture experiences that prioritize community engagement and active partnership in which all parties may experience change and growth. Special projects must demonstrate alignment with the goals and priorities of the City of Dubuque's Arts and Culture Master Plan.

Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Documents

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Applicant is a Dubuque-based organization that operates as a nonprofit, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of IRS Organizations, or
Applicant is a Dubuque-based group with their own specific mission, governing structure, and budget, operating under the incorporated status of a Dubuque-based fiscal agent
Applicant serves residents of the city of Dubuque, and programming occurs within the city of Dubuque limits
Applicant will have a clean record of compliance and be in good standing with the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Culture Grant program(s)
Only 1 application per eligible applicant will be accepted; an applicant cannot be for the same project

Ineligible Applicants

For-profit organizations or businesses;
Individual artists;
Any organization or group based outside of Dubuque city limits;
An organization with an outstanding Final Report associated with previous grant awards from FY22 or prior Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs funding opportunities.

Funding Guidelines

Minimum Request: $1,000
Maximum Request: $8,000
1:1 match required. Applicants must demonstrate investment in a project by providing one-to-one matching funds to the grant request for project expenses. 50% of the required 1:1 match must be cash. The remaining 50% may be either in-kind or cash, or a combination. For example, an applicant who requests $1,000 in grant funds must have at least $1,000 in matching funds with $500 of that made up of cash match expenses for a minimum total project budget of $2,000.

FY26 Grant Cycle Timeline

Monday, March 17, 2025 – Online application opens
Friday, April 25, 2025 - Applications due via Slideroom
July 2025 – Notifications and contracts released
August 2025 – Disbursement of funds

The Arts and Culture Special Projects grant program has supported arts and culture events and programs since 2005. The program is funded through the City's general fund budget that is developed, reviewed, and approved annually.

By offering funding for special arts and culture projects, the City Council is advancing its Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation goal while also supporting the Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan's recommendation to foster Social + Cultural Vibrancy.