Arts Operating Recovery Subgrant Overview

Join virtually to learn more about Arts Operating Recovery subgrant program. Webinar participants will get clarification on the purpose of the program, a detailed overview of funding requirements, and learn about the application process. Any are welcome to attend. Reviewing the funding materials in advance of the informational webinar is strongly encouraged.

• Find the recording of the informational webinar here
• Find a PDF version of the webinar here

In addition to the information webinar, virtual office hours will be hosted on:

• Tuesday, November 22 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
• Tuesday, November 29 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM
• Tuesday, December 6 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Click on the links above on the noted date during the indicated time to connect with staff. The virtual office hours will allow potential applicants to connect directly with staff about program guidelines or the application process. Staff can also be reached at 563.690.6059 or lmerrick@cityofdubuque.org for assistance outside of the listed office hours.

The application for the Arts Operating Recovery subgrant is via Slideroom, an online application portal. There are no fees to apply or setup a Slideroom applicant account. 

Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 PM on Friday, December 16, 2022. 

Dubuque-based nonprofit organizations that provide the general public with programs or activities in areas directly concerned with the arts (music, theater, dance, visual arts…), arts education, art activities, or arts experiences are eligible to apply if the organization meets the following criteria:

• Headquartered and/or operating within the city limits of Dubuque since March 17, 2020, or earlier.
• Is recognized as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 with ongoing public facing arts programs or arts-related activities that is either: 
  • A non-profit organization with dedicated arts programs as all or part of their mission
  • Standalone non-academic arts-focused units or venues within institutions of higher education
• Has a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)*
  • Organizations MUST have a valid UEI to receive federal funding (previously a DUNS number). An application may be submitted without an UEI number but must have one on file for funding to be released to the subgrantee. Learn more here.

Review additional eligibility considerations

• Individuals
• For-profit organizations or businesses
• Nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is focused on religious, political, or athletic activities
• Public and private schools that serve grades pre-K through 12
• Academic departments or non-arts units within institutions of higher education
• Organization that uses a fiscal agent or the nonprofit, tax-exempt status of another organization
• An organization with an outstanding final report associated with previous grant awards from any prior Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs funding opportunities.

The total funds to be subgranted through the Arts Operating Recovery subgrant program is $435,000. No match is required. Funding requests are capped at 50% of the organization’s arts-dedicated operations budget, not to exceed $25,000.

Arts Operating Recovery funds can only be applied to allowable expenses incurred during the period of performance of January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023. 

Funding levels will be impacted by the number of eligible applicants and how applications score. While applicants may request the maximum award amount based on their arts-dedicated operations budget, final awards may be less than requested. Applications with the lowest scores may not be recommended for funding. 

Operating expenses related to public art must comply and be approved by the City of Dubuque and the National Endowment for the Arts for its potential impact on historic properties/districts/sites and the environment to fulfill responsibilities and obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA), respectively. Subgrants for public art projects will be considered pending until all parties have fully approved the specific operations.

We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to everyone. Please contact Laura Merrick, Communications and Grants Administration Assistant with the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, at 563.690.6059 or lmerrick@cityofdubuque.org to request accommodations, translation, interpretation, or other assistance, including technical support or questions to complete the application. Requests for accommodations made after the grant deadline cannot be honored.