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DENVER CREATES Fund

Inside the Orchestra musician performs for a Tiny Tots Concert | Photo by Stevie Crecelius
 

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ABOUT THE DENVER CREATES FUND

DENVER CREATES: A Collective Commitment to the Arts is a community-driven roadmap guided by a vision to foster and grow a thriving, inclusive and resilient creative and cultural ecosystem in Denver for everyone. 

Launched in May 2025 by Denver Arts & Venues, the DENVER CREATES Fund will provide up to $10,000 in direct investments in the creative sector and cross-sector partnerships for programs and projects that align with goals and outcomes outlined in the DENVER CREATES roadmap and contribute to the cultural and artistic vibrancy of the city.

This fund will focus on the following commitments: 1) Broaden access to arts and culture, 2) Cultivate the cultural community and 3) Support the economic vitality of Denver’s cultural sector. 

Learn More About DENVER CREATES Here

Funding and Program Timeline

Application Open: Monday, May 19, 2025 – Monday, June 23, 2025  

Panel Review Process: Through Mid-July, 2025 

Selected Applicants Notified: Late July, 2025 

Anticipated Grant Award Distribution: Early September, 2025 

Implementation: Programs to take place between Early September 2025 – December 2026* 

*You may apply for funds for a program that is ongoing or set to begin before the anticipated grant award distribution date; however, please be aware that you will be financially responsible for any program-related expenses that occur before distribution.

Information Session

DAV will host an information session on Thursday, May 29, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. for interested applicants and will cover the program's background, guidelines and the application process.

Applicant Eligibility

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. 

Program Funding and Requirements

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

  • Programs should take place between September 2025 – December 2026. 

  • Reiterate ongoing programs that may already be 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. 

Eligible Expenses

The following expenses directly tied to the DENVER CREATES Fund may include: 

  • 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 

Ineligible Projects and Expenses

Activities that are not tied directly the DENVER CREATES Fund include: 

  • 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  

Application Checklist

Applications for the DENVER CREATES Fund must be submitted online by Monday, June 23, 2025. 

Below is a checklist of things to prepare for your application: 

  • Program description, location(s), timeline and goals 

  • Program community impact  

  • Details for individual/organization leading the program 

  • List of all active or potential partners (name, role, contact information)  

  • Program budget, including any funding partners, additional incoming funds, or in-kind contributions related to the program 

  • Optional: Providing materials that support program application (image, audio, video, etc.) can be beneficial for our reviewers  

Selection Review Core Criteria  

  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 
      • Advance equity and access in arts and culture funding 
      • Reduce barriers to audience engagement  
      • Support arts and culture in neighborhoods 
    2. Commitment #2: Cultivate the Cultural Community  
      • Amplify Denver’s cultural successes and reputation  
      • Build cross-sector collaborations 
      • Integrate artists in community decision-making 
      • Build arts leadership and education  
    3. Commitment #3: Support the economic vitality of Denver’s cultural sector 
      • Increase access and affordability of arts spaces  
      • Expand arts and culture funding 
      • 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. 

Implementation and Marketing

  • Grantees will participate in an onboarding with Denver Arts & Venues to kick off the grant implementation phase and communicate with your grant manager regarding key project milestones or any challenges with your grant. 

  • The program must have a project lead who will implement and track the impact of the program.  

  • Collaborate with Denver Arts & Venues on the promotion and celebration of the program. 

  • If there are any events related to your program that are open to the public, we ask you to let us know at least 30-60 days in advance, so that we may help you promote the event. 

  • Applicants will acknowledge the support of Denver Arts & Venues  in all program branding and promotion

  • Programs must be finalized by December 2026 

Project Wrap-Up

  • While we do not require final reports, we would love to hear how your project went in your own words. We encourage you to share the impact of the program in one or more of the following ways 

    • Photos and videos of the program 

    • Media mentions  

    • Attendance numbers 

    • Demographic information  

    • Testimonials 

    • Project reports  

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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