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Marketing & Communications

DOWNTOWN CREATIVE COLLABORATORS GRANT GUIDELINES
Managed by the Miami DDA-Arts, Culture & Entertainment Committee (ACE) 

Congratulations to our
2023-2024 Downtown Creative Collaborator (DCC) Grant Recipients

Adrienne Arsht Center Trust, Inc.
Arts Accelerator Inc.
Centro Cultural Español de Cooperación Iberoamericana, Inc.
City Theatre, Inc.
collaboARTive, Inc.
Downtown Neighbors Alliance, Inc.
Fashinnovation, Inc.
NuStereo Love LLC.
Fire Haus Projects, Inc.
Florida L’Opera & Zarzuela Corp.
Historical Association of Southern Florida, Inc.
IFCM Corp
Immigration Records Inc.
Miami Center for Architecture & Design, Inc.
Miami Children’s Museum, Inc.
Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College – Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex
Miami Light Project, Inc.
Orange Bowl Committee, Inc.
Orchestra Miami, Inc. (Miami Dade Symphonic Trust)
PAXY, Inc.
PET CHEFY, LLC.
Run the City, Inc.
RUNADIC LLC
Ruta Teatral Miami Inc
Sea Star Media Inc. DBA Planet Fashion
Socialxchange, Inc.
The Miami Symphony Orchestra/Orquesta Sinfonica De Miami, Inc.

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A remarkable opportunity awaits in the heart of Downtown Miami, where colors collide, and creativity takes flight. Introducing the Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program, where artistry meets innovation in a symphony of possibilities.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Downtown Miami, where open-air venues transform public spaces into magical realms. From rooftops overlooking the city skyline to lush green parks, the stage is set for your masterpiece to unfold.

Community-building events beckon, connecting the soul of Downtown and drawing curious visitors from near and far. Enchanting family programming awaits, where all generations can share in the wonder at an affordable price. Let the essence of Miami Dade’s communities, history, and natural wonders inspire your creations.

Celebrate Downtown Miami as a global city where cultures intertwine, flavors dance on the palate, and innovation thrives. Unveil the stories woven within Downtown’s historic buildings, breathing life into our art, culture, and entertainment community.

Dear visionaries, the stage is set, and the spotlight is on you. Apply for the Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program and let your imagination soar, leaving an indelible mark upon Downtown Miami’s vibrant tapestry. Together, let’s create something extraordinary and make our city shine brighter than ever before.

1. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program is designed to support projects/events in FY2023-2024 taking place in Downtown Miami. DCCGs will include innovative projects/events that should have a demonstrable economic impact on Downtown Miami while also strengthening the appeal of Downtown Miami as a global destination. THE 2023-24 GRANT CYCLE IS NOW CLOSED.

Applicants should review the goals of the Downtown Miami Master Plan 2025 and the Miami Downtown Development Authority’s (Miami DDA) mission statement. Both are found on www.miamidda.com.

This grant is a reimbursable grant – funds will only be dispersed AFTER the project is complete and the final report is accepted. This grant is NOT intended as a long-term or continuous grant. However, the DDA values organizations producing and implementing multiple activations Downtown. 

Projects/events submitted for funding must occur between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. 

2. APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY & FUNDING REQUIREMENTS

For an application to be considered, it must meet the following requirements:  

  • The project/event’s activation must be within the Miami DDA boundaries and occur during the grant fiscal year. Go to miamidda.com to see the boundaries on the map. 
  • The applicant must have a reputation of professional and personal excellence and conduct.  *All felonies &/or misdemeanors must be disclosed on the application.
  • The applicant must provide documentation of producing the submitted activation, or a similar program must be included with the submission. If this is an applicant’s first public activation, a comprehensive and detailed business plan needs to be submitted. 
  • The applicant must provide a confirmation letter or a letter of intent from the event venue confirming dates and times for the activation.
  • Timelines for the activation must include all stages of the project/event, pre-marketing, live event, and wrap-up/post-event. 
  • If the project/event requires permitting from the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, or approval from Bayfront Park, you are required to provide a copy of either the submitted permit application or an approved permit with your application.
  • The applicant organization must be an active corporation in good standing as a “for profit” or “not-for-profit.” Visit Sunbiz to check your business status.
  • The applicant must provide proof of funding commitments from other sources. The Miami DDA’s DCCG cannot be the only funding source for your project/event.

Applicants requested funding amount and procedures.  

  • Grant awards can range from $5,000.00 up to $50,000.00.
  • Individual grant funding amount will be determined by the Grant Review Committee and/or the Miami DDA Board of Directors.
  • Grant awards in the DCCG Program have a cap of $50,000.00, and those over $25,0000.00 will be required to present to the Miami DDA Board of Directors. The approval and funding amount will be decided by the Miami DDA Board of Directors.
  • Applicant organizations requesting funding in an amount over $25,000.00 will be required to submit IRS Tax Forms (i.e. IRS 1120, 1040, or 990) for the last two years available.

3. PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE FOLLOWING

  • Outdoor Venues – activating public spaces, green spaces, and unique open-air venues, for example, a rooftop or city park that promotes Downtown Miami’s outdoor options.
  • Community Building Opportunities – events/programs that promote and connect the Downtown community and attracts tourism. 
  • Family Programming – events/activations that promote and provide programming suitable for the entire family to enjoy at an affordable ticket price point. Content that features our communities, history &/or natural resources in Miami Dade are encouraged. 
  • Programming Featuring Miami as a Global City – promotes Downtown Miami as an international and diverse cultural center, a culinary destination, and an innovation hub.
  • Cultural and Historic Education – featuring Downtown’s historic story &/or buildings. Content highlights Downtown’s thriving art, culture, and entertainment community
  • Public Transportation Awareness – build ridership and awareness of Downtown Miami’s multimodal transportation options through the event location and/or event marketing of Downtown’s diverse transportation options.
  • Free or Discounted Projects/Events – Cost of admission/affordability is considered for grant funding. Free or discounted admissions for area residents, families, and students will receive funding priority. This must be clearly and visibly stated in marketing and promotional material when applicable.

4. APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINE – THE 2023-24 GRANT CYCLE IS NOW CLOSED

Applications available: Monday, July 3, 2023

submit

 

ZOOM MEETING AND CONFERENCE CALL:

To view the video of the informational conference call and Zoom Meeting that took place July 17 @ 2pm, please Click here.


Deadline for submissions: Monday, July 31, 2023 @ 11:59 pm

Selection Committee Meeting:  Week of August 21, 2023. Day & Time: TBD

ACE Committee Meeting: September 7, 2023

Miami DDA Executive Board Meeting: September 15, 2023 (if applicable)

2023-2024 Downtown Creative Collaborator Grant Recipients announced: Friday, September 29, 2023

To be considered, applicants must submit one (1) completed application form, including all supporting documents, to the Miami DDA via Submittable –  https://miamidda.submittable.com no later than Monday, July 31, 2023, @ 11:59 pm. The Miami DDA will NOT accept any hand-delivered files. 

Every submission will receive a confirmation of receipt from the Submittable platform within 24 hours. Contact Yami Roa at roa@miamidda.com or Kim Hills at hills@miamidda.com if you do not receive a confirmation email within that time.Please make sure to keep a copy of the confirmation for your records.

5. EVALUATION CRITERIA 

Projects/events should reflect the goals of the Downtown Miami Master Plan 2025 and the Miami DDA’s mission to further the Downtown Miami brand by contributing to the diversity of its offerings. The Miami DDA may request additional information to clarify abilities and strategies, as noted below. 

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria (note: criteria are not mutually exclusive and are not listed in any particular order): 

Administrative Ability: (As determined by Application, Program Overview, and Letters of Support) 

  • Clarity and integrity of application and attachments.
  • A detailed timeline outlining the marketing strategy to impact public awareness for your event. Marketing strategy for all stages for pre/post activation.
  • Post-event data and insights required.
  • Past project, company, or applicant performance, if applicable. 
  • Two letters of support on official letterhead or containing organization logo.
    • Letters of event support can be requested from the following: government officials such as the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade County School Board, local schools, homeowners’ associations, community groups, local schools, and neighborhood associations located within the Miami DDA District. Click here to access the DCCG Toolkit that contains contact information.
    • If you are unable to obtain letters of support from a government agency, community group (HOA), or organization, provide letters of recommendation from stakeholders, or businesses on letterhead, that you may have worked with in the district that would recommend and express the benefits of hosting this type of project/event in the Miami DDA District (updated on July 26,2023 at 1:03 PM).

Marketing Impact: (as determined by the Program Timeline, Marketing Summary, Press Coverage, and Past Performance) 

  • Demonstrate a clear strategic plan for marketing & promotion of event within Miami DDA boundaries. All creative marketing methods such as print and radio advertising, social media, “grassroots or out- of -home” marketing are encouraged.
    • Provide timeline for launching marketing and outreach to communities (must be realistic/achievable).
    • Provide concept or concrete documents/images of marketing, branding and/or logo for event.
    • Consideration of discounts on admission or free for residents, families, and students (when applicable).
    • Incorporating Downtown culinary destinations into marketing when applicable. Dine Downtown – Miami DDA
    • Encourage the use of public transportation, i.e., Metromover, Trolley, Freebee, Brightline Getting to and Around Downtown – Miami DDA
    • Indicate if the project/event will be promoted in different languages. 
    • Promote project/event locally and regionally.
  • Effectiveness of promotional reach local/regional/national/international. 
    • If awarded a grant, all PR/advertising materials must list Miami DDA as event sponsor. Signage with the Miami DDA and logo as an event sponsor must be on site and displayed throughout the project/event. Miami DDA Signage will be provided at no cost to grant recipients.
  • Post-event Submission of all Forms Media/Collateral Used
    • Provide social media insights and analytics of the marketing campaign with the Final Report. Provide PDF of DDA sponsorship & images of official DDA signage at the event. 
  1. Fiscal Management (as determined by budgets):
  • Accuracy and prudence of all budgets.
  • Provide a list of confirmed sponsors.

6. GRANT EXPENDITURES AND RESTRICTIONS 

Allowable expenditures: 

  • Production costs related to the proposed project/event.
  • Artistic fees associated with the proposed project/event.
  • Honorariums to Talent (models, emcee, day of event staff).
  • Equipment rental and expendable materials.
  • Marketing and publications.

Restricted (Non-Allowable) expenditures: 

  • The purchase of “brick and mortar” or permanent equipment.
  • Debt reduction.
  • Programs or activities outside the Miami DDA district boundaries.
  • Income-generating events for organizations other than those applying for the grant.
  • Lobbying or propaganda materials. This includes materials of a biased or misleading nature used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
  • Payments paid to the organizer, full-time staff, or organization listed on the application.
  • Travel expenses.
  • Charitable contributions.

7. APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS 

Eligibility Review: Miami DDA Staff will review applications submitted for completeness and eligibility. Each proposal will be assessed to determine if all stated requirements and compliance are complete upon submission. Miami DDA staff may contact the organization to verify the information supplied in the application or for assistance with collecting supporting documentation. 

8. GRANT EVALUATION 

The Miami DDA CEO/Executive Director will appoint a Grant Review Committee (GRC) for DCCG. The committee will comprise Downtown stakeholders, residents, and Miami DDA Staff. Current grant applicants are not eligible to serve on the committee.  

The Miami DDA reserves the right to investigate the financial capability, reputation, integrity, skill, and performance quality under similar operations of each respondent. The GRC will review the submissions that do comply with the eligibility requirements. 

In due course, applicants may be contacted to answer questions and provide additional information to support their submission. The contact information on the application form will be used for all future correspondence. 

All applicants will be notified of the final decision. 

A “responsive” submission is one that:  

  1. Is submitted in the format outlined in the application.
  2. Is submitted on or before the deadline date and time.
  3. Includes all required documentation.
  4. Has appropriate signatures as required on each document, when applicable.

Please comply with these requirements to ensure your proposal is responsive. 

9. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS AND RELEASE OF FUNDS 

  • A Final Report is required within forty-five (45) days of the project completion date. The grant award may be forfeited if the Final Report is not received within 45 days after completion of the event.
  • The grant recipient must send a request for payment/invoice with a current W-9 to the Miami DDA within forty-five (45) days of the completion of the event. The grant award check is prepared and mailed directly to the Grantee at the address on the W-9. The Grantee is responsible for notifying staff in writing of any address changes during this process. Grant awards not invoiced within this period may be forfeited.
  • Should the applicant receive the grant in the previous fiscal year, grant awards for the new fiscal year will not be released until all final reports for last year’s funding have been received.
  • Grant funds not encumbered (contracted for) by the end of the Miami DDA’s fiscal year in which they were awarded or for which a project extension has not been approved shall revert to the Miami DDA on September 30, 2024.
  • If your project/event is postponed, the Grantee must notify the Miami DDA in writing to request approval of a date change. The new event date must be within the grant-funding period.
  • If your project/event is canceled, the Grantee must notify the Miami DDA in writing.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST: 

  • DO complete all required fields on the online application. If a question does not apply to your organization, mark “N/A” or “Not Applicable.”
  • DO list a contact person knowledgeable about the project, organization, and budget and can be reached during office hours (weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm).
  • Upload proof of business ownership from Sunbiz.
  • Certify commitment to Program guidelines. 
  • DO ensure your completed submission is received in Submittable – https://miamidda.submittable.com before the deadline date and time.
  • Do keep a copy of your confirmation email of your submission.
  • DO keep a copy of the completed application for your records.
  • DO NOT substitute the application with a self-created form.
  • DO NOT contact Miami DDA Staff, Board Members, and review committee members to lobby or advocate for the grant.
     

*IF YOU HAVE ANY TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH THE SUBMISSION PROCESS, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH SUPPORT@SUBMITTABLE.COM. 

 

**Information subject to change. Please check back periodically for the most updated information.