Miami-Dade

Organizations > Festivals & Special Events (FEST)

The Festivals and Special Events Grants Program is designed to support major annual festivals and special events taking place during the fiscal year between October 1 and September 30. The program provides significant funding in two categories and three divisions to organizations which have an established reputation for excellence and credibility, are capable of attracting visitors on regional, national and/or international levels, and have a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic cultural community.

DIVISION A (INTERNATIONAL IMPACT):

Applicant organizations must have:

· a total average annual project budget of at least $1,000,000 for the festival/special event (including in-kind services support not to exceed 25% of total cash project budget) based on the last completed two fiscal years;
· a minimum consecutive 3-year track record of producing the festival or special event;
· at least one paid professional full-time administrator;
· effective marketing strategies for regional, national and international markets, having a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic community and tourism destination;
· a reputation for excellence and credibility, and becapable of attracting visitors on regional, national and international levels; and
· matching funds from the private sector in a ratio of at least 3-to-1.

DIVISION B (NATIONAL IMPACT):

Applicant organizations must have:

· a total average annual project budget of at least $400,000 for the festival/special event (including in-kind services support not to exceed 25% of total cash project budget) based on the last completed two fiscal years;
· a minimum 3-year consecutive history of producing the festival or special event;
· at least one paid professional full-time administrator;
· effective marketing strategies for regional and national markets, having a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic community and tourism destination;
· a reputation for excellence and credibility, and becapable of attracting visitors on regional and national or international levels; and
· matching funds from the private sector in a ratio of at least 2-to-1.

DIVISION C (REGIONAL IMPACT):

Applicant organizations must have:

· a total annual project budget between $150,000 and $400,000 for the festival/special event (including in-kind services support not to exceed 25% of total cash project budget) based on the last completed two fiscal years;
· a minimum 2-year consecutive history of producing the festival or special event;
· at least one paid professional part-time administrator;
· effective marketing strategies for regional markets, having a significant and positive impact on the perception of Miami-Dade County as a dynamic community and tourism destination;
· a reputation for excellence and credibility, and becapable of attracting visitors on regional levels; and
· matching funds from the private sector in a ratio of at least 1-to-1.

All Dates / Times Subject to Change.

Funding Period:	October 1, 2012 – September 30, 2013
Maximum Funding Request:	Refer to Program Guidelines
Applications Available:	February 1, 2012
Pre-Grant Submission Staff Consultations	February 1 – April 9, 2012
Grant System Basics Workshop:	Visit CGO Miami Homepage for dates & times
Application Deadline:	Thursday, April 19, 2012 - 4:00PM
Administrator Comments / Corrections Issued:	Thursday, May 11, 2012
Corrected / Final Application Deadline:	Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 4:00 PM
Panel Evaluation Meeting:	Thursday, June 14, 2012 - Time TBD
Cultural Affairs Council Approval:	Wednesday, July 18, 2011
Board of County Commissioners Approval:	September 2012
Grant Award Notification / Agreements Issued:	October 2012
Funds Distributed to Grantees:	Not Earlier Than December 2012
Program Administrator:	Adriana Perez / Phone: 305-375-5019

Program Guidelines: FY2013_FEST_Interim_Guidelines_FINAL.pdf