City of Golden Arts and Culture Grants

The City of Golden’s Arts & Culture Grant program will award $350,000 in 2026 to nonprofit organizations and projects that focus on arts, culture, science, and technology. The program is administered by the City of Golden’s Arts and Culture Commission and is designed to support creative initiatives that align with the City Council’s vision for cultural enrichment and innovation in the local community. The program welcomes a broad interpretation of “arts and culture,” encompassing visual and performing arts, creative writing, architecture, customs, traditions, and technological tools that reflect shared societal values. Organizations eligible for this funding include a wide range of institutions such as art museums, community arts centers, ceramic or photographic studios, film and theater programs, cultural and historical societies, and festivals celebrating the arts. Science and technology organizations are also eligible, provided their projects promote creative learning and innovation that connect communities. Projects that fall outside of these primary areas may still qualify if they can demonstrate a clear and specific arts and culture component that benefits Golden residents. Applications are assessed through three distinct eligibility tiers. Tier 1 organizations must have a primary mission in arts and culture, possess 501(c)(3) status for at least five years, maintain a general operating budget of at least $300,000, be located within the Golden city limits, and not be governmental entities. Tier 2 eligibility lowers the financial and operational thresholds, allowing for organizations with a $75,000 operating budget and two years of nonprofit status. These organizations may be located within Golden or within a two-mile radius, provided they serve Golden residents. Tier 3 includes both nonprofits and governmental entities not centered on arts and culture but proposing projects that occur in Golden or serve its residents. Tier 3 applicants may request up to $10,000 and must provide a clear project description and funding breakdown. Funding for Tier 1 and 2 will be allocated based on the total number of qualified applicants, while Tier 3 awards will be evaluated individually. Funding is for the 2026 calendar year only and is not renewable or guaranteed for future years. Disbursement typically occurs as a one-time payment upon contract execution. Applicants are expected to complete a grant report annually, and templates will be provided upon award notification. Award notifications are issued in mid-December. All applications must be submitted by 10:00 p.m. Mountain Time on October 10, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. Applicants are advised to review the complete application packet early to ensure all required attachments are included. All applications are considered public records. Organizations must operate transparently and be prepared to submit financial statements for public inspection. Programs must have a strong, demonstrable connection to Golden beyond incidental or casual involvement of its residents. Any changes to the project’s scope, budget, or timeline must be approved in advance by the grant administrator. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Grant Administrator Sarah Vaine via email at svaine@cityofgolden.net. The City emphasizes equity, transparency, and community benefit in its funding decisions and expects all funded organizations to acknowledge support from the City of Golden Arts and Culture Commission when referencing their grants.

Reach out to the grant administrator before applying to ensure proper tier selection. Review full packet and requirements early to avoid disqualification.