DAV Arts & Culture Fund Guidelines

Young person helps a Five Points Jazz Festival performer play a drum | Photo by Steve Hostetler

DAV ARTS & CULTURE FUND

Project Guidelines

Whether this is the first time you are applying for a grant through Denver Arts & Venues, or you're already making magic in our neighborhoods, the City process for grant applications can be challenging to navigate. We're here to help! Our team will work with you every step of the way, from conception to execution.

These projects are vital to our mission of creating more access to arts and culture in every corner of our city.

Where do I start?

Below is everything you need to know and the requirements to apply.

Program Funding & Requirements

FUNDING, LOCATION, TIMELINE

The DAV Arts & Culture Fund provides up to $15,000 per program.
Projects can be independent or collaborative and reflect the applicant’s unique interpretation of the cultural plan.
Programs must take place in the City and County of Denver.
Programs must take place between December 2024 - December 2025.

ACCESS & INCLUSION

Projects should be centered in the values of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Applicants should consider how their programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes access and accommodations for both the project and programs.
Projects should comply with design standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Review ada.gov or contact Denver Office of Disability Rights at 720-913-8485 for assistance.

Eligibility Requirements

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants can apply for existing or new programs. The following are eligible to apply:

Cultural organizations, non- and for-profit entities, educational institutions, neighborhood and community-based organizations, and individual artists,
Eligible applicants must provide examples establishing they are regularly doing work within the City and County of Denver.

The following may participate through collaborative partnerships or support with the above but may not directly apply for funding:

Cultural institutions, non- and for-profit entities, educational institutions, neighborhood and community-based organizations, and individual artists located outside the City and County of Denver and/or not regularly doing work within the City and County of Denver.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

The DAV Arts & Culture Fund may be used to cover expenses directly related to the project, such as the following:

Personnel and program management costs, including such roles as project manager, volunteer coordinator, community organizer, or other staff
Marketing
Artist or contractor fees
Program development and/or implementation
Supplies and materials to support the creation and/or implementation of the program or project Purchase of equipment directly related to the implementation of the program or project
Rental of space or equipment directly related to the implementation of the program or project

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS & EXPENSES

Activities that are not tied directly to program objectives, including:

Programs that have restricted participation and public access on the basis of race, gender, creed, origin, age, disability
Expenses incurred outside of the funding period
Retroactive funding of existing projects
Re-granting
Fundraising activities
Cash reserves and endowments
Capital projects

SELECTION REVIEW CRITERIA

A selection committee comprised of community representatives and members of the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs will review all proposals. The following factors and criteria will be used in the selection process. Please note the weighting percentage for each area.

Connection to Denver’s Cultural Plan (25%): Proposals should clearly explain how the artistic, creative or cultural program reflects one or more of the vision elements of the Cultural Plan.
Program’s Impact (25%): Proposals should clearly describe the program goals, intended audience, and the benefit and impact on the community.
Creativity and Artistry (25%): Programs should highlight the creative process and artistry of the artists and/or participants.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (25%): The proposal should clearly describe how the program reflects the organization or individual’s commitment to the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Applications for the DAV Arts & Culture Fund must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. MST on October 28^th 2024. Below is a list of documentation or information needed:

Details for individual/organization leading the program
Program description, location(s), timeline and goals
W9 for lead applicant
Program budget
Project Collaborators

IMPLEMENTATION

The program must have a project director who will implement and track the impact of the program.
Sharing the impact of the program might include photos, videos, media mentions, attendance numbers and testimonials.
If there are any events related to your program that are open to the public, we ask you to let us know at least one month in advance, so that we may help you promote the event.
Applicants will reference the support of Denver Arts & Venues throughout the DAV Arts & Culture Fund in all branding (inclusion DAV in promotional materials, social media, newsletters, press releases, website, etc.)
We ask that you share key milestones throughout the process of your grant with DAV.
Programs must be finalized by December 31, 2025

Questions?

For more information contact:

Lisa Gedgaudas, Program Manager
CONTACT LISA

Language Access

Denver Arts & Venues complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender or language. It is your right to request oral or written language assistance services in your primary language, if needed. Please contact Denver Arts & Venues and these services will be provided to you free of charge.

REQUEST LANGUAGE SERVICES