Downtown Lighting Grant Program Guidelines

The Miami Downtown Development Authority (“Miami DDA”) is an independent agency of the City of Miami (“City’) focused on improving the quality of life for stakeholders, residents, and visitors in Downtown Miami through business development, infrastructure and capital improvements, and the provision of various services. Well-lit streets play an important role in creating a safer environment for the downtown residents and sustaining foot traffic which is crucial for the small business community. The City has enacted legislation establishing citywide illumination standards to ensure adequate lighting on the public right-of-way to provide for the safety of residents, workers, and others. The Miami DDA recognizes the importance of the proper lighting of the pedestrian’s pathways which is a critical factor in the quality of the nighttime pedestrian environment. The Miami DDA is committed to help downtown residents and visitors to navigate and enjoy businesses in the community while keeping patrons and properties safe. To assist property owners to comply with the City’s illumination standards and to enhance the overall lighting in the District, the Miami DDA offers a Downtown Lighting Grant Program (“Program”) to the owners of the properties within its boundaries.

Program Overview:

The Miami DDA will reimburse property owners for the cost of materials and labor, up to $2,500 for replacement of the existing lights or installation of the lights which comply with the City’s illuminations standards. Eligible applicants can apply for the Program by completing a short application on-line and uploading the necessary documentation. A checklist of required documents will be used to evaluate applications. For those applications determined to be eligible for the Program funds, awards will be disbursed as quickly as possible, until the fund is completely depleted.

Grant Amount:up to $2,500.00

Note: Grants through the Program are subject to availability of funds within Miami DDA’s yearly budget.

Eligibility:

- a property owner or a person who has been given a written authorization by an owner to

apply for the grant and perform the lighting improvements.

- Property must be located within the boundary of the Miami DDA District (attached).

- Compliance with Illumination Standards: All improvements must comply with the City’s Illumination Standards (attached).

Eligible Expenses:

- Supply and installation of new/additional exterior building lighting (including lighting material, equipment, installation labor),

- Replacement of existing lighting with new lighting to comply with the city’s illuminations standards,

- Removal of awning, canopy, arcade, overhang, or other projections from the property that prevents the lighting of the right-of-way.

Program Objectives and Recommendations:

- Lighting improvements must enhance illumination of the public right-of way, pedestrian comfort and safety and improve the appearance of the building.

- It is highly recommended to engage a professional lighting designer to prepare the supporting documents required for the application (drawings, scope, quotes, and documents

- demonstrating that the improvements comply with the City’s illumination standards).

- Lighting improvements are recommended to be a part of a cohesive overalls design rather

- than piecemeal installations.

- When creating lighting design, avoid poorly placed lights that create blind-spots and miss critical areas such as stairs, entrance/exists, parking areas.

- Use designs to eliminate/control glare.

Application supporting documents:

- Proof of property ownership / property owner’s written authorization.

- Before photos (day and nighttime photos of the building with all existing outdoor lighting fixtures and the areas they illuminate).

- Renderings/drawings showing the proposed lights designs and locations.

- Professional cost estimate/quote for the total price of the project itemizing the cost of materials and labor.

Application Process:

1. Application and supporting documents must be submitted through the designated link on the Miami DDA’s website at www.miamidda.com.

2. Miami DDA staff will screen application submittals for eligibility requirements, completion, and compliance with the program guidelines. Miami DDA staff may request a site visit to ensure the accuracy of the application, if needed.

3. Applicants will be notified in writing (by e-mail) whether their grant request has been conditionally approved or denied.

4. Miami DDA’s Executive Director will execute the Grant Acceptance Agreement with the applicants whose grant has been conditionally approved. Denied applicants will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred related to the application submission.

5. Applicants must obtain all necessary permits and complete the work within three (3) months of the execution of the Grant Acceptance Agreement. Should the project require additional time to complete, the applicant must submit a written request outlining the reason for the requested extension. A project may be granted additional time to complete, within reason.

6. Upon completion of the project, the applicant must submit the Final Report, after photos and evidence of paid invoices pertaining to the total project cost.

7. After review and approval of the Final Report, the grant funds will be disbursed.

The grant applicant must be identified as the owner of the property or an authorized representative (with supporting documentation provided). No grants will be issued to third-party beneficiaries or any individual/ entity otherthan the applicant. Properties with outstanding liens and code violations will not qualify for the Program.

Miami DDA staff will review applications submitted and funding will be received on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are completely depleted. Applications will be reviewed by Miami DDA staff for completeness and eligibility.

Grants will be awarded in the sole discretion of the Miami DDA based on the submission of the required documentation and the responses provided in the application. Miami DDA may, but is not required to, provide a reason for the denial of an application. An accepted application does not guarantee receipt of a grant funds. Miami DDA may terminate the Program at any time, for any reason, or when available funds are completely depleted. Grant funds will be disbursed upon completion of the approved lighting improvements and submission of the Final Report.

Questions regarding the program guidelines and the application process should be directed to ace@miamidda.com with the subject line “Downtown Lighting Grant Program.”

DOWNTOWN CREATIVE COLLABORATORS GRANT GUIDELINES 

Managed by the Miami DDA Arts, Culture & Entertainment (ACE) Committee 

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, 2026 – September 30, 2027. 

Important: Do not schedule events during the blackout periods of October 1–31 and November 30–December 7 (Miami Art Week/Art Basel). Applications proposing events during these blackout periods will be deemed UNRESPONSIVE and will not be considered for the current cycle. 

This is a reimbursable grant. Funds will be released after the event has taken place and the final report has been approved. There will be no exception. 

The Miami DDA cannot be the sole source of financial support. Applicants must demonstrate additional sources of funding beyond personal contributions to be considered. Commitment must be on the grantor's letterhead and signed by the grantor. 

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 and 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 including a budget, timeline,  and marketing 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 other organization(s). Proof must include the amount and must be signed by the grantor.
• 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.

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 Acting Executive Director will appoint a Grant Review Committee (GRC) to evaluate applications and recommend grant recipients. The recommendations will be reviewed by the ACE Committee Chair and the Miami DDA Acting Executive Director before being presented to the Miami DDA Board of Directors for final approval.

Marketing Requirements 

Grantees are required to allocate no less than 10% of their total awarded grant 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

• Administrative: Assistance/help hired for the specific event
• Talent: Fees and honorariums for talent
• Technical: Audiovisual, audio and sound equipment, staging, labor
• Marketing and publicity: Social media ads and boosting, digital and printed advertising, such as newspapers, radio, banners, influencers, public relations services, and graphic design.

• Note: A minimum of 10% of the total awarded grant must be allocated toward marketing and promoting the event. Failure to comply will result in a 10% reduction of the grant award.

• Printing: banners, flyers, signs, posters, brochures
• Equipment rental: portable restrooms, tents, generators, barricades, chairs, tables, etc.
• Event space rental: venues, parks, galleries, restaurants, etc.
• Supplies/materials: Arts and crafts, table covers, decor, wristbands, tickets, etc.

Non-Allowable Expenses

• Events outside Miami DDA boundaries
• Purchase of permanent equipment or real estate
• Debt reduction
• Payments to the event producer, full-time or part-time staff not hired specifically      for the event
• Event insurance
• Postage, couriers, deliveries
• Utilities
• Alcohol purchase
• Travel expenses: flights, car rental, parking, gas, and mileage
• 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 through Submittable within ten (10) business days of notification. Failure to accept the award within the specified timeframe will result in forfeiture of the grant.
• Grant Award: To receive the full awarded amount, grantees must complete the number of events and programming approved in their funding application. Any reduction in the number of approved events will result in forfeiture of the grant. 

• If programming changes are necessary, the grantee must notify the Miami DDA immediately and present the revised program at the next scheduled Arts, Culture & Entertainment (ACE) Committee meeting for approval prior to the event date.

• ACE Committee Attendance: Grantees must attend at least two (2) ACE Committee meetings by July 1, 2027. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grantee not receiving additional evaluation points for consideration in the following grant cycle.
• Attendance at the fall acceptance/award meeting is highly encouraged and will count as one (1) of the required ACE meetings.
• Final Report (provided by the Miami DDA): This report, including marketing analytics and documentation of the Miami DDA sponsorship acknowledgment, must be submitted through Submittable within 45 days after the event. The final report deadline WILL NOT be extended. Failure to submit the final report by the deadline will      result in forfeiture of the grant.
• Invoice: Include an invoice when submitting the Final Report through Submittable.
• Insurance: You must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming the City of Miami and the Miami DDA as additional insureds and demonstrating all required insurance coverages at least two (2) weeks before the event date. If any required coverage is not obtained, you must submit a signed letter on the company/institution’s letterhead explaining the reason the coverage was not obtained.
• W-9: A current W-9 must be submitted when requested. The company/institution name and address on the W-9 must match your Sunbiz record.
• Event Changes:

• Your event must take place on the date submitted in the application. You must provide a backup date in the application in the event of an extenuating circumstance, such as severe weather, serious illness or injury, government orders, or emergency declarations. Failure to hold your event on the submitted date or, if applicable, the backup date will result in forfeiture of the grant.

• If you schedule your event during a major holiday period (e.g., the holiday season, Valentine's Day, etc.) or a citywide activation (e.g., the World Cup) and subsequently change the event date, you will forfeit the grant unless the change is due to an extenuating circumstance. In such cases, the event must be rescheduled within a reasonable timeframe around the original holiday period or citywide activation date.

• Communication: The Miami DDA will periodically send requests for required documentation and updates. It is the grantee's responsibility to regularly monitor email and respond within the specified deadlines. Failure to respond within the required timeframe will result in a 10% reduction of the grant award.
• Lobbying: DO NOT contact any Miami DDA Staff, Board Members, and/or review committee members to lobby or advocate for the grant.

The following communications require a response within the stated timeframe:

• Award Letter Acceptance (if awarded): 2 weeks
• Final Report Receipt Confirmation: 2 weeks
• Unresponsive grantee for more than thirty (30) days: The grant will be deemed forfeited.

Important: Do not schedule events during the blackout periods of October 1–31 and November 30–December 7 (Miami Art Week/Art Basel). Applications proposing events during these blackout periods will be deemed UNRESPONSIVE and will not be considered for the current cycle.

Miami DDA Resources:

Visit the TOOLKIT  to access valuable resources that will help you with your application  and event. Find the Miami DDA logo, Downtown venues brochure,  stakeholder contact information, important program requirements, marketing resources, and other helpful materials.

For grant deadlines and other information, please visit miamidda.com.

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.