The Miami-Dade County Community Grants (CG) Program supports nonprofit organizations in developing culturally rich, community-based projects and events. The program is designed to fund artistic initiatives such as dance, theater, music, and visual arts, along with events like fairs, parades, and neighborhood festivals that emphasize community involvement and cultural heritage preservation. Grants are awarded quarterly and are intended to encourage collaborative efforts that integrate art into social and cultural projects. Priority is given to initiatives demonstrating strong outreach and engagement with local communities.
Funding amounts vary based on the type of project and the applicant’s track record. First-time applicants and one-time events can request up to $7,500. Annual recurring projects with total budgets exceeding $150,000, drawing large audiences, may qualify for grants of up to $15,000. Recurring projects with smaller budgets can request up to $10,000. All grants require a detailed application and adherence to program guidelines, emphasizing community benefit and artistic value.
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a focus on cultural programming. First-time applicants are required to attend a pre-submission workshop to familiarize themselves with the process. All submissions must be completed by specified quarterly deadlines to receive consideration. Late applications are not accepted, and returning applicants can benefit from a courtesy review if their materials are submitted early. This review provides technical feedback to strengthen submissions.
The application timeline is divided into four quarters, aligning project periods with the calendar year. Deadlines for applications range from June 20, 2024, for projects beginning in the first quarter of the fiscal year, to February 20, 2025, for projects in the fourth quarter. Workshops and courtesy review periods are available before these deadlines, and applicants will receive technical comments to address deficiencies in their proposals.
Grant reviews involve a multi-stage process, including evaluations by a CG panel, approval by the Cultural Affairs Council, and final endorsement by the Board of County Commissioners. Funding disbursements occur approximately two to three months after approvals, ensuring applicants have sufficient lead time for project execution. Accessibility provisions are made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring equal participation opportunities for all.
For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Geraldine Toussaint at the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. Workshops and resources are available to guide organizations through the process, fostering the successful implementation of culturally significant and community-oriented projects.
