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Durham Opens $400K Festival and Event Funding Application

Nonprofits and festival organizers working with nonprofit fiscal agents can apply through Aug. 12 for city support, with workshops planned July 8 and July 15.

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Durham Opens $400K Festival and Event Funding Application
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Durham nonprofits planning cultural festivals and special events have until Aug. 12 to apply for a share of $400,000 in city funding.

The City of Durham’s Cultural and Public Art Program opened its latest Festivals and Special Events Request for Proposals on July 1. The annual program supports new and existing arts and cultural festivals, parades, and special events that serve Durham residents and visitors.

Eligible events must take place between July 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2027.

The program is open to nonprofit organizations, as well as festival organizers working with a nonprofit fiscal agent. Applicants also must show experience in festival planning or similar work, carry sufficient insurance, and demonstrate the financial capacity to carry out the proposed event.

This year’s application includes a new three-level funding structure:

  • Level I grants will provide $5,000 each for newer or emerging festivals and events. The city expects to award up to 15 grants at that level.
  • Level II grants will provide $15,000 each for more established events that can show previous success, community impact, and local business impact. The city expects to award up to 10 grants at that level.
  • Level III grants will provide $35,000 each for larger, highly developed festivals and events with significant economic and regional impact. The city expects to award up to five grants at that level.

The final number of awards could change depending on the applications recommended for funding.

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board helped develop the program’s goals and review criteria. The city said the funding is intended to support events that encourage awareness of art, history, or culture, create vibrancy in Durham communities, promote equity and accessibility, benefit Durham’s economy and communities, and demonstrate organizational efficiency.

Applications must be submitted through Submittable by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 12. The city will not accept emailed, faxed, or hard-copy applications.

Two application workshops are scheduled for interested organizations.

The first workshop will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at the City of Durham General Services Department, 2011 Fay St.

The second workshop will be held online from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. Registration is required for the virtual session.

Spanish-language translation will be available for the workshops.

Applicants also may submit written questions about the RFP process through July 24. The city plans to offer drop-in office hours from July 30 through Aug. 5 for organizations that need additional help before the deadline.

After applications close, the Durham Cultural Advisory Board is expected to review and score proposals from Aug. 18 through Sept. 11. Applicants are expected to receive award confirmations in late September, with awarded organizations entering into contracts by Dec. 18.

The city’s grant program generally works as a reimbursement after an event takes place and the required report has been submitted. Awarded organizations may request up to 50 percent of the award before the event, but advance payments require city approval and documentation of eligible expenses.

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