Five Points Jazz Grants

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

• Cultural institutions, non- and for-profit entities, educational institutions, neighborhood and community-based organizations, and individuals, regularly doing work within the City and County of Denver.  

• Applicants based outside of the City and County of Denver may participate through collaborative partnerships or support with the above but may not directly apply for funding.  

• Proposals indicating collaboration among multiple groups are strongly encouraged. 

•  City and County of Denver agencies are not eligible for funding but can be listed as a partner on applications.   

• Our current policy is that an individual or entity cannot receive funding from Denver Arts & Venues for the same project or program in a single calendar year (January 1 – December 31). If you are applying with a project or program that has already received other funding for the 2026 year from Denver Arts & Venues, you are ineligible for funding in the current cycle.

• Projects must take place within the Activation Area (see below for more information) 

• Projects must be jazz-related and accessible to the public. 

• Programs should take place between January 1 and December 31, 2027 

• Funding can support ongoing programs that may have already started by the time payout happens  

• Programs must have a project director who will initiate, plan, implement and track impact of the program.  

• Projects must 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.  

• Denver Arts & Venues is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all programs, initiatives and decision-making processes. Proposed initiatives should align to support these values.

The shaded area represents where Five Points Jazz Fund activities must take place. This map is meant to serve as a reference point – if you need more information or have a specific question about location and eligibility, please reach out to Sonia Rae at Sonia.Rae@denvergov.org.

The boundaries are as follows and encompass businesses and organizations located on both sides of the street:

• 20th Avenue between Broadway and Downing Street
• Downing Street between 20th Avenue and 31st Avenue
• 32nd Street between Downing and Arapahoe Street
• Arapahoe Street to Broadway
• Broadway to 20th Avenue 

• Personnel, program management costs, including such roles as project manager, volunteer coordinator, community organizer, or other staff  

• Materials and supplies necessary for project execution  

• Marketing   

• Artist or contractor fees  

• Program development  

• Supplies and materials to support the creation of the program

• 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  

• Maintenance, operation or retroactive funding of existing projects  

• Re-granting  

• Fundraising activities  

• Cash reserves and endowments  

• Capital projects  

• Political campaigns or legislative issues  

• Alcohol

Awarded grantees will work in partnership with DAV throughout the grant period to support successful program implementation, amplify awareness of funded programs through promotional and marketing opportunities, document outcomes, and celebrate community impact. Grantees are expected to: 

• Participate in a required onboarding meeting with DAV program manager(s) to review award requirements, funding process, program expectations, reporting, and the grant implementation process.  

• Designate a program manager who will serve as the primary point of contact and oversee the implementation and administration of the funded program.   

• Provide an anticipated program implementation plan, including key milestones or events, and maintain regular communication with your DAV program manager(s) throughout the grant period regarding program progress, significant changes, and any challenges that may affect successful implementation.  

• Share information about public-facing programs, events, and major milestones with DAV to support marketing and promotional opportunities. Whenever possible, provide at least 30–60 days' advance notice of public events.   

• Acknowledge the support of DAV in program materials, marketing, and promotional communications in accordance with the City's branding requirements. 

• Complete all funded program activities by December 2027. 

A final wrap-up for, is required within 30 days of the completion of the funded program or project. Denver Arts & Venues will provide a reporting link to collect information and materials that document the project's outcomes and impact, which may include: 

• Photos and/or videos of the project or program   

• Attendance and participation numbers   

• Audience demographic information (if collected)   

• Testimonials, participant feedback, or community impact stories   

• Media coverage, press mentions, and promotional materials   

• Final project outcomes, accomplishments, and key learnings   

• Any additional documentation that demonstrates the project's impact   

This information helps Denver Arts & Venues evaluate program outcomes, share success stories, and demonstrate the collective impact of funded projects. 

Applications will be evaluated on the clarity of the program description, its impact and relevance to the Five Points community and its jazz legacy, and the overall feasibility and planning of the proposal.