Pictured: Carnegie Arts Center Garden

Creative District Development Grant

The purpose of the Creative District Development Grant is to provide funds to the Creative Districts of Nebraska. This program is designed for projects that focus on significant cultural tourism projects.

Applicants can use the grant funds on the following:

Construction:
Building, renovation, and/or expansion of existing buildings.

Marketing:
Promotion of the district; this may include the district’s website, branding, and marketing. Can also include improved signage and wayfinding for the district.

Operational Support:
Organizational support for the management and operations of the district (only for designated District Administrator organizations in certified Creative Districts)

Physical Enhancements:
Enhancements to the Creative District to make it more accessible, attractive, cohesive-looking, and safe for visitors.

Planning:
In-depth strategic planning and/or planning related to the development or rehabilitation of eligible projects such as engineering or technical studies.

Programming:
High-quality arts programming that will attract a significant number of visitors to the Creative District.

Visit the Creative District Program page for more information on Creative Districts and how to become certified.

Eligibility

Nonprofit or local government agency located in a certified Creative District. The applicant must:

  • Have a minimum $10,000 annual operating budget
  • Be an incorporated nonprofit organization, physically located in the State of Nebraska, with articles of incorporation current and on file in the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office, or a subdivision of government.
  • Have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
  • Have received federal tax-exempt status. Divisions of government must submit a copy of the sales tax exemption certificate from the State Department of Revenue.
  • Priority will be given to organizations in districts that have not received funds in the past in this grant category.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after the Creative District is certified.

Grant Amounts

The maximum grant request amount for new Districts is $250,000 (there is no minimum amount). New Districts may submit multiple applications until they reach the $250,000 maximum request amount. Once $250,000 in requests has been reached, districts may apply again, but priority will be to fund new districts that have not reached the $250,000 limit.

Questions?

Contact Rachel Morgan for more information.