The City of Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) is offering $50,000 in mid-year grants for Fiscal Year 2025. This funding is available for projects taking place between May 1, 2025, and October 31, 2025. The program supports arts and cultural organizations that operate within Columbia city limits. Applications must be submitted via the Foundant online system by 5:00 p.m. on January 27, 2025. Only one application per organization is allowed.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and culture organizations, collaborations of such organizations, or partnerships between an arts and culture agency and other nonprofit entities. To qualify, organizations must dedicate at least 75% of their budget to cultural activities or have a mission focused on the arts or cultural education. Projects must be located within Columbia and must not include capital improvements, permanent equipment purchases, fundraising, or discriminatory practices.

Organizations may request up to 25% of their last fiscal year’s total revenue, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Organizations with revenue under $4,000 may request up to 50%, but no more than $1,000. There is no requirement for matching funds. Two types of applications are available: a streamlined version for organizations currently funded by the OCA and a comprehensive application for new applicants.

Applications will be evaluated by the Commission on Cultural Affairs using a scoring system with a maximum score of 100. Only applications scoring 60 or above will be considered for funding. Funding levels are determined by a formula that includes the amount requested, the average score, and an adjusting percentage based on total requests versus available funding. Final funding recommendations will be made in March 2025 and approved by the City Council in April 2025.

Approved applicants will receive 90% of their grant funds in May 2025, with the remaining 10% released upon submission of a final project report. This report is due within 45 days of project completion. If the report is delayed beyond 90 days, the remaining 10% of funds will be forfeited.