City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR Capital Project Grant Program

The Cultural STAR Capital Project program offers grants to acquire or upgrade physical assets like buildings and equipment. These activities must demonstrate the potential for significant or long-term impact, and the expenditures must be depreciable. The program's core mission aligns with promoting cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly within Saint Paul's downtown Cultural District, by strengthening its arts and culture community. The target beneficiaries of the Cultural STAR fund are primarily nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul. For-profit businesses located in the Cultural District are also eligible for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment. The program aims to build and diversify audiences, promote a broad range of cultural offerings, produce a long-term impact, and leverage additional financial support. The expected outcomes include attracting audiences, developing and improving cultural facilities, and building the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. The program's geographic focus prioritizes the Cultural District, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within this area. The remaining 20% can go to for-profit businesses in the Cultural District for visitor enhancement projects or nonprofit organizations in Saint Paul but outside the Cultural District. The Cultural District is specifically defined by Interstate 94 to the north, the Lafayette Bridge to the east, Harriet and Raspberry Islands to the south, and Chestnut Road to the west. The Cultural STAR program offers various funding types: Special Projects Grant, Organizational Development Grant, or Capital Project Grant. Applicants can apply for only one type per funding round, and grants can generally be received once per calendar year. However, Saint Paul-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations outside the Cultural District may apply twice per round and receive funding up to two times per calendar year. The minimum grant request is $5,000, with estimated available funding in 2024 being $796,366 for the Cultural District and $199,091 for outside the Cultural District and for-profit businesses. The project period for successful applications is from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2026.