The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) is thrilled to kick off the 2025–2026 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG), a call to all creators, dreamers, and activators ready to bring bold ideas to life in the heart of the city.
This grant is all about transforming Miami’s historic Downtown into a buzzing playground of creativity, culture, and connection. We’re on the lookout for community-driven events that light up our streets, parks, rooftops, and everything in between, drawing people together to share in the magic of Downtown Miami.
Whether you’re planning a pop-up performance, interactive art installation, or a family-friendly celebration, your activation should bring passion, personality, and a spark of something unforgettable. We want to see the soul of Miami shine – the rhythms, flavors, colors, and cultures that make our city one of a kind.
So dream big. Think rooftops with skyline views, hidden courtyards, breezy plazas, and historic corners. Downtown is your canvas, let’s paint it with something incredible.
Help us keep Downtown pulsing with life and creativity, and show the world it’s the place to Live, Work, Play, and Create.
Apply now for the 2025–2026 DCCG and let your imagination take over Downtown Miami.
Overview
The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) invites visionary creatives to apply for the Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) Program. This initiative supports innovative projects that activate Downtown Miami, fostering cultural vibrancy and community engagement.
Grant Amounts: $5,000 to $50,000
Funding Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
Application Deadline: August 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM
This is a reimbursable grant, and funding from the Miami DDA cannot be the sole source of financial support. Applicants must demonstrate additional sources of funding beyond personal contributions to be considered.
Please be advised that the grant terms and requirements outlined in this document are non-negotiable and will not be modified.
Eligibility
- Ensure the project/event occurs within the Miami DDA boundaries during the grant funding period.
- Must be a “for-profit” or “not-for-profit” entity in good standing (verify via Sunbiz).
- Provide documentation of having produced similar activations, such as images, budget, marketing plan, timeline, etc. First-time applicants must submit a comprehensive business plan.
- Submit a letter of intent or confirmation from the event venue.
- If applicable, include copies of required permits or applications from relevant authorities (City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, Bayfront Park).
- Show proof of funding from sources other than the Miami DDA and self-funding.
- Disclose any felonies or misdemeanors on the application.
Downtown Creative Collaborator Grant – Tier Structure
Funding Priorities
- Utilize Outdoor Venues: Activate public spaces like rooftops, parks, or open-air venues.
- Foster Community Engagement: Promote events that connect the Downtown community and attract tourism.
- Offer Family-Friendly Programming: Provide affordable events suitable for all ages for the family to enjoy.
- Highlight Miami’s Global Identity: Showcase the city as an international cultural and innovation hub, and culinary destination.
- Educate on Culture and History: Feature Downtown’s historic narratives and architecture. Content highlights Downtown’s thriving art, culture, and entertainment community.
- Promote Public Transportation: Encourage the use of Downtown’s multimodal transportation options.
- Promote Downtown Miami Restaurants: Encourage event attendees to explore and enjoy local dining options.
- Resident Value: Offer free or reduced admission for residents, families, and students.
Application Process
Applications Open: July 1, 2025
Participant Meeting: July 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM (In-person & Zoom)
Submission Deadline: August 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM
Selection Committee Review: September 22, 2025
Board Approval & Recipients Announced: October 18, 2025
Grant Award Reception (Tentative): ACE Meeting TBD
Submission Platform: All applications and communications must be submitted via Submittable (https://miamidda.submittable.com).
Evaluation Criteria
- Administrative Capability: Clarity and completeness of the application, detailed timelines, and past performance.
- Marketing Strategy: Effectiveness of promotional plans, including outreach methods and materials.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Accuracy of budgets and confirmation of additional funding sources.
- Community Impact: Potential to engage the community and enhance Downtown Miami’s cultural landscape.
The Miami DDA’s CEO/Executive Director will appoint a Grant Review Committee (GRC) to select the DCCG award recipients. The committee will comprise Downtown stakeholders, residents, and Miami DDA Staff.
Marketing Requirement
Grantees are required to allocate no less than 10% of their total awarded grant specifically for marketing and promotional efforts related to their funded event or project. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Digital marketing (e.g., social media ads, email campaigns, website content)
- Print collateral (e.g., flyers, posters, postcards)
- Media outreach and public relations
- Radio, television, or podcast placements
- Partnerships with influencers or cultural organizations
The purpose of this requirement is to ensure strong community outreach, brand alignment with the Miami DDA, and public visibility of funded initiatives. Proof of marketing expenditures must be included in the Final Report, along with analytics and documentation of the Miami DDA’s sponsorship acknowledgment.
Grant Expenditures and Restrictions
Allowable Expenses
- Production costs related to the project/event
- Artistic fees and honorariums
- Equipment rental and materials
- Marketing and publication expenses
- Note: A minimum of 10% of the total awarded grant must be allocated toward marketing and promoting the event.
- Note: The grant is reimbursable; funds are disbursed post-project upon final report submission and approval. Failure to execute the event as proposed is subject to a reduction or forfeiture of the grant award.
Non-Allowable Expenses
- Purchase of permanent equipment or real estate
- Debt reduction
- Events outside Miami DDA boundaries
- Payments to full-time or part-time staff not hired specifically for the event
- Event insurance
- Travel expenses for staff
- Charitable contributions
Compliance and Reporting
- All applications and communications must be submitted via Submittable. No communication will be accepted through regular email.
- Award Acceptance: Grantees must accept the award within 15 days of notification through Submittable. Failure to accept the grant within the specified period will result in forfeiture.
- Grantees must attend at least two (2) ACE Committee meetings per fiscal year. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of grant funds
- Attendance at the fall acceptance/award meeting for new DCCG recipients is highly encouraged and may count as one (1) of the required ACE meetings.
- Final Report (Miami DDA will provide): This report, including marketing analytics and proof of DDA sponsorship acknowledgment, must be submitted through Submittable within 45 days after the event.
- Invoice: Include an invoice when submitting the Final Report through Submittable.
- Insurance: Provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing the City of Miami and Miami DDA as additional insured parties per the Exhibit in the final agreement through Submittable.
- W-9: A current W-9 must be submitted when returning the COI through the Submittable platform.
- Event Changes: If the event date, venue, or programming changes, notify the Miami DDA in writing no later than 6 weeks before the event is scheduled to take place. The request must be approved by a Miami DDA representative through the Submittable platform. Failure to provide this requirement within the required time will result in forfeiture.
Contact Information (via Submittable only)
Yami Roa: roa@miamidda.com
Kim Hills: hills@miamidda.com
Technical Support: For issues with Submittable, contact organizationsupport@submittable.com.
Important:
**This Information is subject to change. Please check back periodically for the most up-to-date information.