The Special Projects Grant, managed by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, is designed to support unique, creative projects from arts organizations and individual artists based in Monroe County, Florida. This program aims to provide short-term financial support for projects that fall outside other grant categories, encouraging innovation and artistic opportunity within the Florida Keys community. By targeting projects with creative impact potential, the grant enables artists and organizations to bring forward ideas that may otherwise go unfunded.

Eligible applicants may receive funding of up to $2,000, though larger requests may be considered if additional funding is available. The grant has a structured funding cycle, with application deadlines set biannually on June 30 and November 30. Each funded project must be completed within one year of receiving the grant, as the funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis. To secure reimbursement, grantees are required to submit a final report, which includes photographic and written documentation of the completed project.

Special Projects Grant funding is limited to one grant per three-year period for any applicant, allowing for broader distribution of support across Monroe County’s arts community. To maintain transparency and support program integrity, the Arts Council reserves the right to have board or staff members conduct on-site visits to funded projects. Additionally, grantees must acknowledge the Council’s support in all project-related publicity by including the Arts Council logo and a specified credit line acknowledging the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the State of Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donors.

Application requirements include a commitment to accurately document and publicize the project’s development and completion. For applicants needing further clarification or assistance in preparing their application, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts provides support and can be contacted at 305-295-4369 or by email at info@keysarts.com.

While specific review criteria are not outlined, prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Arts Council for guidance on the evaluation process and to ensure their project aligns with the program's creative objectives and short-term support goals. The Council's emphasis on creativity and community engagement makes this grant an opportunity for projects that are inventive, impactful, and aligned with the cultural values of the Florida Keys.