DENVER CREATES Fund

The following eligible applicants may apply for new or existing programs: 

• Cultural institutions, nonprofit (501c3) entities 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 can apply for funding, but the program must take place in the City and County of Denver.

• Programs must take place in the City and County of Denver. 

• Both new and existing programs are eligible, including the launch, continuation, or expansion of programming that aligns with the goals of the Denver Creates Fund.  

• Eligible grant-supported activities must take place between August 2026 and December 2027. 

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

• Applicants must be in good standing with Denver Arts & Venues to be eligible for funding. Good standing includes, but is not limited to: 

• Registered businesses and organizations must be able to provide a Certificate of Good Standing upon request. 

• No outstanding payments or unpaid invoices with Denver Arts & Venues. 

• No outstanding reports, documentation, or grant requirements for previously funded Denver Arts & Venues grants, projects, or programs. 

• 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. 

• Applicants should consider how their project is accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. Accessibility should be considered throughout the planning, design, and implementation of the project, including any public programming or events associated with it. 

Grant funds must be used for eligible expenses that directly support the planning, design, implementation, and documentation of the proposed program, including: 

Planning, Design & Personnel  

• Program management, staff, and administrative support 

• Program development  

• Community organizers or volunteer coordinators  

• Contractor and artist fees  

• Other personnel directly supporting the project 
   

Professional Services 

• Permits  

• Professional consultants  

• Insurance  
   

Materials, Supplies & Implementation 

• General supplies and material 

• Equipment rentals (e.g., audio/visual equipment, tents, tables, etc.)  
   

Community Engagement, Accessibility & Documentation 

• Community outreach, marketing, and engagement activities  

• Translation, interpretation, and other accessibility services that support public participation  

• Printed materials, signage, and project communications  

• Photography, videography, and other project documentation 

Grant funds may not be used for: 

• Activities or expenses unrelated to the approved program

• Projects that restrict public participation or access based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected status

• The purchase of land, buildings, or other facilities

• Routine maintenance, operations, or retroactive reimbursement for completed programs

• Fundraising activities

• Cash reserves or endowments

• Expenses incurred outside of the funding period

• Re-granting

• Fundraising activities

• 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.

Before beginning your application, we recommend gathering the following information and materials: 

• Program description, location(s), timeline, goals, and implementation plan. 

• Identified community need and programmatic approach to addressing it.  

• Community engagement plans and intended participants or audiences. 

• Program alignment with the strategies of the DENVER CREATES cultural plan. 

• Identified individual or organization leading the project, including relevant experience and capacity.  

• Confirmed and potential project partners, including their roles and contact information.  

Required Documentation Includes: 

• Project Budget 
  Upload a detailed budget outlining how funds will be allocated (using the provided template or your own budget format). Include all anticipated project income and expenses, in-kind contributions, costs for materials, labor, administrative costs, artist fees, and any other relevant expenses.  

• Project Concepts & Examples  
  You can upload up to 3 files (or a PDF containing multiple pages and links) that help illustrate your project's concept, goals, and intended impact. Materials may include images, renderings, sketches, site plans, reference materials, audio, video, or other supporting documentation that provides visual or contextual understanding of your proposed project. 

Optional Video 
You may also include a 2-minute video introducing yourself and/or your project, including its goals, intended impact, community engagement, or other information that would help reviewers better understand your proposal. 

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.

1. Connection to DENVER CREATES: A Collective Commitment to the Arts: Proposals should clearly explain how the artistic, creative or cultural program reflects one or more of the commitments of DENVER CREATES (Read the full DENVER CREATES roadmap here).

   1. Commitment #1: Broaden Access to Arts and Culture
      1. Advance equity and access in arts and culture funding
      2. Reduce barriers to audience engagement
      3. Support arts and culture in neighborhoods
   2. Commitment #2: Cultivate the Cultural Community
      1. Amplify Denver's cultural successes and reputation
      2. Build cross-sector collaborations
      3. Integrate artists in community decision-making
      4. Build arts leadership and education
   3. Commitment #3: Support the economic vitality of Denver's cultural sector
      1. Increase access and affordability of arts spaces
      2. Expand arts and culture funding
      3. Retain local talent and resources
2. Program's Impact and Relevance: Proposals should clearly describe the benefit and impact on the community.
3. Feasibility and Planning: Programs should be well-defined, with clearly defined goals, budget and leadership.

It is our hope and commitment that our grantmaking portfolio is reflective of the diversity of culture and artistic disciplines throughout our city, as well as responsive to the communities' needs and representative of the communities served. To that end, we strive to ensure a balanced and representative portfolio through our grantmaking process.