The City of Dubuque and the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission are now accepting applications for the Arts & Culture Operating Support grant program for the fiscal year 2026. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to established nonprofit organizations in Dubuque whose primary mission is to create, produce, present, or provide arts and cultural experiences for public audiences. The funding period for this grant runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations based in Dubuque with 501(c)(3) status. They must also demonstrate a commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their programs and operations. Additionally, applicants should align with the goals and priorities set forth in the City of Dubuque’s 2016 Arts & Culture Master Plan.
Since the program's inception in 2005, the City of Dubuque has invested over $4.9 million in arts and culture initiatives, helping to expand access to diverse artistic and cultural experiences. These grants have supported local organizations in driving economic activity, fostering community engagement, and contributing to Dubuque’s development as an equitable and vibrant place to live, work, and visit. In the most recent grant cycle, 16 nonprofit organizations received funding, with awards ranging from $1,033 to $28,471. The funding supported organizations with annual budgets ranging from $26,000 to $7.1 million.
The grant program also plays a significant role in supporting the local arts economy, helping sustain nearly 1,500 full- and part-time arts and culture workers. The investments contribute to an estimated $70.4 million in annual economic impact through related industries such as tourism, hospitality, and retail.
Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025. Full program guidelines, scoring criteria, and access to the application portal can be found at www.cityofdubuque.org/artsgrants. For further details or questions, applicants can contact Bonnie Spurling, Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager, via email at bspurlin@cityofdubuque.org or by phone at 563-690-6059.
