NEA/ARPA-Funded Arts Operating Recovery Subgrant Closes to Applications in One Week

The City of Dubuque’s Arts Operating Recovery subgrant program, a one-time limited competitive funding opportunity for eligible non-profits working in the arts sector made possible through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) via American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources, closes to applications on Friday, December 16, 2022.

Overview of the Arts Operating Recovery Subgrant Program

Serving as a local arts agency (LAA), the City of Dubuque will subgrant $435,000 in federally awarded funds to assist Dubuque’s non-profit arts activities in response to economic and community impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arts Operating Recovery subgrant program offers an expanded scope of eligibility to support non-profit organizations and non-academic entities within higher education institutions with ongoing, standalone, public-facing arts programming or arts-focused activities.

Funding requests to this competitive subgrant program are capped at 50% of the applicant’s arts-dedicated operations budget, not to exceed $25,000. No match is required. Funds are restricted to supporting day-to-day arts operations occurring within the period of performance of January 1 – December 31, 2023. Allowable costs that contribute to increasing access to diverse and enriching arts experiences may include staff positions, contractual personnel, health and safety supplies, marketing and promotion, or non-capital facility costs to maintain activities.

Application Access and Deadline

Arts Operating Recovery subgrant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022. Applications must be submitted via the online application portal at https://cityofdubuque.slideroom.com. All information related to the notice of funding, scoring rubric, and access to the online application portal is available at www.cityofdubuque.org/artsgrants.

Additional Resources Available

A recording of an informational webinar discussing the funding opportunity is available online. The webinar addresses the purpose, eligibility criteria, funding requirements, allowable costs, and navigating the online application portal. Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs staff remains available to address questions and assist in the application process.

The Arts Operating Recovery subgrant program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. To learn more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

For additional information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/artsandculture or contact City of Dubuque Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs Communications and Grants Administration Assistant Laura Merrick at lmerrick@cityofdubuque.org or 563.581.4666.