The Arts Dollars Capacity-Building Grant, administered by Quad City Arts, supports nonprofit arts organizations in the Quad Cities region to enhance their capacity, strength, and impact. This program is designed for organizations with annual budgets of $300,000 or less that focus primarily on arts programming in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois, and Scott, Clinton, and Muscatine counties in Iowa. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are due by January 31, 2025, and the funded projects must occur between April 1 and December 31, 2025.

Eligible organizations may request up to $5,000 to fund projects that build organizational capacity. Examples include strategic planning, board development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, rebranding, technology upgrades, professional development, and improvements to financial or volunteer management systems. The proposed projects must involve and compensate at least one artist or arts administrator residing in the Quad Cities region. Funds cannot be used for capital projects, operating expenses, feasibility studies, or sectarian religious programs.

Applications must be submitted online, and incomplete or extraneous submissions will not be reviewed. Required materials include a detailed project description, organizational history, goals for growth, a budget, a list of personnel, and work samples. If the project budget exceeds the $5,000 limit, applicants must demonstrate how additional funds will be secured. Organizations that have received a Capacity-Building Grant in the previous year are ineligible to apply.

Applications are evaluated based on artistic merit (50%), community involvement (25%), administrative ability (15%), and budget considerations (10%). A community review panel scores the proposals, with final approval by the Quad City Arts Board of Directors. Grantees must submit a final report within 30 days of the project’s completion or by January 31, 2026, to remain eligible for future funding.

Quad City Arts encourages applicants to focus on projects that address critical needs, provide long-term benefits, and align with the organization’s mission. For assistance or additional information, applicants can contact Quad City Arts via their website or by email.