The Art Builds Community Grant, administered by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, is a funding opportunity designed to address civic and community challenges in Monroe County, Florida, through the arts. This program aims to strengthen community bonds and cultural equity by encouraging collaborations between artists, arts organizations, and civic entities. Applicants must have a partner organization to be eligible, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration.
Grants of $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000 are available and awarded on a reimbursement basis following the completion of a final approved report. However, upon award, one-third of the funds will be disbursed upfront to serve as start-up or seed funding for the project. Projects must propose arts-based initiatives that promote cultural equity and actively engage underserved communities within the Florida Keys.
Eligible applicants include individual artists residing in Monroe County (who must provide proof of residency and a resume), nonprofit arts organizations (with 501(c)(3) status), and unincorporated or ad hoc arts organizations (who must submit a mission statement). All applicants are required to submit detailed project narratives and budgets, along with documentation from their partner organization, such as a mission statement and a letter of support.
The grant application evaluates submissions in three main areas: Artistic and Cultural Merit (35 points), Community Engagement and Participation (35 points), and Budget (20 points). Evaluation criteria include clarity of project description, goals, timeline, partnership structure, community involvement, audience demographics, marketing plans, project impact, and data evaluation strategies. Applicants must also declare if they can proceed with their project if awarded less than the requested amount.
The final application is due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. The application process requires submission of a completed online form, including budget and narrative sections, and upload of supporting documentation such as nonprofit status, artist resume, Monroe County residency proof, W-9 form, and partner organization letter of support. The application also includes an electronic signature agreeing to abide by relevant state and county health regulations and verifying the accuracy of the information submitted.
