2026 Redevelopment District Arts & Culture Grants
This grant provides funding to northern Nevada nonprofits for arts and cultural projects that enhance public access and align with the Carson City Arts and Culture Strategic Plan.
Description
The Carson City Redevelopment Arts and Culture Grants for FY2026 are designed to support arts and cultural projects and events that align with the 2022–2026 Carson City Arts and Culture Strategic Plan. The program aims to enhance the cultural vibrancy of Carson City by funding one-time or series-based arts initiatives such as exhibitions, performances, readings, and festivals. Only nonprofits based in northern Nevada are eligible to apply, with preference given to those located in Carson City. All funded projects must be publicly accessible; members-only or exclusive events are not eligible.
Applications open on April 1, 2025, and are due by April 30, 2025. Grants will fund projects taking place during the grant period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The award range is from $2,500 to $5,000, and all awards require a 1:1 cash or in-kind match. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing with the Nevada Secretary of State, possess a Unique Entity ID (UEI) registered with SAM.gov, and comply with all applicable laws. Only one application is allowed per organization per fiscal year.
Applications are first reviewed for completeness and eligibility by staff. Qualifying proposals are evaluated by an impartial review panel based on established scoring criteria. Applications scoring below 70 will not be considered for funding. The Carson City Cultural Commission uses panel recommendations to advise the Board of Supervisors, who make the final funding decisions.
Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis following project completion and submission of required final reporting, which is due by July 1, 2026. Final reports must include detailed financial and programmatic documentation, including confirmation of thank-you letters sent to designated officials and use of proper credit acknowledgment on all marketing and promotional materials. Grantees are also required to register as vendors, submit an invoice and a W9, and maintain all grant-related records for at least three years.
Prohibited uses of grant funds include capital expenditures over $2,500, fundraising activities, hospitality expenses, construction, general operating costs like salaries and overhead, and any project with religious content or restricted public access. Significant project changes must be approved by submitting an amendment request within 30 days of the change. Noncompliance with grant policies may affect future funding eligibility. Carson City reserves the right to reduce or terminate grant awards based on available funding or legislative changes.