Capacity Building Grant Program

Overview:
The Capacity Building Grant Program is a biennial initiative alternating with the Special Projects Grant Program. The fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Building Capacity grant application period commences on April 2, 2024.

Purpose:
The Arts & Culture Capacity Building Grant Program aims to provide funding for initiatives fostering sustainable and efficient organizational development. Eligible organizations can request grants of up to $8,000 to support capacity-building endeavors.

Definition of Capacity Building:
As per the National Council of Nonprofits, capacity building encompasses activities essential for elevating a nonprofit's operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity. It's a continuous improvement strategy geared towards establishing sustainable and effective organizations.

Examples of Capacity-Building Initiatives:

Strategic planning
Development of fundraising strategies
Marketing/communications enhancements
Improvements in donor experience
Nonprofit 101 training for staff/board members
Leadership development
Project/program development and management
Volunteer management
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) training
Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible Applicants:

Arts and culture organizations meeting grant guidelines
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) entities with at least two years of programming documentation and two Form 990s
Official business address within Dubuque city limits
Service provision to Dubuque residents within city limits
Clean compliance record and good standing with City of Dubuque’s Arts and Culture Grant Program(s)
Ineligible Applicants:

For-profit entities, businesses, or sole proprietors
Educational institutions (K-12 schools, colleges, universities, community colleges)
City of Dubuque government departments/entities
Individual artists
Non-arts and culture nonprofits (e.g., social service, religious institutions)
Organizations with delinquent City of Dubuque Arts and Culture Grant Program Final Reports
Fiscal agent/sponsor usage is prohibited
Funding Guidelines and Timeline:

Funding Guidelines:

Grant requests ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 accepted
Requests below $4,000 will not be considered
1:1 cash match required; personnel time ineligible for cash match
FY25 Grant Timeline:

April 2, 2024: Informational webinar available; online application opens
May 10, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.: Grant applications due via Slideroom
July 9, 2024: Award notification
August 2024: Anticipated fund disbursement
Application Process:

Applications submitted via SlideRoom, exclusively through the online portal
Deadline for FY25 applications: May 10, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.
Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be considered
Resources: