2026-2027 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (Funding period Oct 1, 2026 - Sept 30, 2027)

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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. 

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 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.

Application Process:

Applications will be available: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Participant Meeting: Monday, July 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM (In-person & Zoom)

Submission Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Selection Committee Review: Week of September 14, 2026

Board Approval & Recipients Announced: Friday, October 16, 2026

Grant Award Reception (Tentative): ACE Meeting, October 23, 2026

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 Acting 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 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

  • Production costs related to the project/event
  • Artistic fees and honorariums for talent/assistance hired for the specific event
  • 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 the event producer, full-time or part-time staff not hired specifically for the event
  • Event insurance
  • Travel expenses, including flights, automobile 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  within 15 days of notification through Submittable. Failure to accept  the grant within the specified period will result in forfeiture.
  • Grant Award: To receive the full awarded amount,  the grantee must complete the number of events and programming approved  in the funding application. Any reduction in the number of events or  changes to the approved programming will impact the awarded amount.
  • 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 to the fall acceptance/award meeting is highly encouraged and will count as one (1) of the     

                 required ACE meetings.

  • Final Report (Miami DDA will provide): This report,  including marketing analytics and Miami 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: After the grant has been awarded, you  will provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming the City of Miami  and the Miami DDA as additional insureds and demonstrating all required  insurance coverages.
  • W-9: A current W-9 must be submitted when returning the COI through the Submittable platform.
  • Event Changes:
  1. You will be allowed to make one (1) event date change. If there are  any changes to the event date, venue, or programming, the Grantee must  notify the Miami DDA in writing at least six (6) weeks prior to the  scheduled event date. All changes must be submitted through the  Submittable platform and approved by an authorized Miami DDA  representative. Changes to event programming will require a presentation  to the ACE Committee for review and approval. Failure to comply with  these requirements within the specified timeframe may result in  forfeiture of the grant.
  2. If you schedule your event during a major holiday period (e.g.,  Halloween, the holiday season, Valentine’s Day, etc.) or a citywide activation (Miami Art Week, World Cup, etc.) and subsequently change the event date, you will forfeiture the grant.
  • 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% grant award reduction.
  • 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.

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.

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.
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