Operating Grants

Bravo Greater Des Moines provides general operating support through its GC26 Operating Grant to eligible nonprofit arts, culture, heritage, and interpretive science organizations located within its partner local governments in the Greater Des Moines region. The 2026 grant cycle runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. These grants are designed to help sustain organizational operations and enhance community impact through unrestricted support, tailored to the size and type of applicant organizations. The program is structured into multiple application tracks based on an organization’s budget size and grant history with Bravo. Eligibility for GC26 requires applicants to be either a 501(c)(3) organization with at least six months of programming under that designation or an Iowa state agency/department operating a public-facing facility. Applicants must be headquartered in and conduct most activities within Bravo's partner municipalities. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that at least 60% of their mission, programming, and budget focus on arts, culture, heritage, or interpretive science. Ineligible entities include schools, higher education institutions, libraries, political or religious organizations, and organizations formed solely to support other ineligible groups. Organizations are placed in one of five tracks: new applicants (must meet with staff before applying), organizations with expenses under $50,000, between $50,000 and $200,000, between $200,000 and $2 million, or above $2 million. Requirements increase with each tier—such as minimum staffing levels and a record of consecutive grant awards for higher-budget applicants. Required documentation includes IRS determination letters, 990 forms, budget documents, and optional materials like reports or media clips. Although completion of the SMU Cultural Data Profile is not required for GC26, applicants may upload it voluntarily. Applications open on August 18, 2025, and must be submitted via SurveyMonkey Apply by September 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. New applicants must meet with Bravo staff by September 19, 2025. Interest forms for operating grant participation and other Bravo programs are due between August 1–15, 2025. Award notifications will be sent by December 8, 2025, and final grant agreements must be completed by December 19, 2025. Awards are determined based on application merit, organizational expenses, and Bravo’s available funding—not prior award history. Target award amounts vary by applicant budget tier, with a maximum of $500,000 for the largest organizations. Grants are reviewed by a panel of peers and professionals, with final decisions made by the Bravo Board of Directors. Panel feedback is provided to applicants, though final decisions cannot be appealed. Recipients must remain in good standing throughout the grant period, complying with financial reporting, public recognition of Bravo, and adherence to grant use requirements. Grant funds are preferably distributed via Electronic Fund Transfer through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, although physical checks are available if necessary. Questions should be directed to grants@bravogreaterdesmoines.org or 515-243-0388.

Review “Tips for Submitting a Strong Application” linked on Bravo’s website