The Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (UETF) 2026–2027 grant cycle invites applications from arts and cultural organizations, collectives, or community groups that are nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities or are partnered with one. This program, administered by the City of Albuquerque, provides up to $15,000 per project to support initiatives that benefit Albuquerque's diverse communities through increased access to high-quality cultural activities. The two-year funding cycle begins on July 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2027.

The UETF prioritizes projects that serve historically underserved communities and those that foster cultural development across various art forms, including music, theater, dance, creative writing, visual and performance arts, photography, film, teaching artists, arts education, and culturally based crafts. Favorable consideration will be given to organizations that have not previously received City Council non-recurring funds or a UETF grant in a regular cycle. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects address diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring broad representation and cultural equity within Albuquerque’s artistic landscape.

Applications using a fiscal agent must submit a letter of agreement from the agent. For projects involving Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), endorsements from school representatives, administrators, or teachers must confirm that the activity complements the school curriculum or provides supplemental educational value. These endorsement documents must be included with the application.

Grant applications are evaluated on a 100-point system across five categories: Project Description (25 points), Organizational Commitment (20 points), Impact on Community (20 points), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (25 points), and Budget (10 points). Proposals must achieve a minimum score of 65 points to be eligible for funding.

The application consists of multiple fields, and applicants should prepare responses in advance as the online form does not save progress. The cumulative word count for seven specific fields must not exceed 1,750 words, excluding the mission statement and budget. All materials must be submitted online by January 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

The UETF promotes equity and inclusion by championing policies that ensure all communities, artists, and cultural workers have access to resources to share their stories and create art. Organizations receiving funding must adhere to non-discrimination policies and uphold cultural diversity and equity principles. For more details, applicants can visit the City of Albuquerque’s UETF website.