HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/20/2018 - RESOLUTION 2018-017 APPROVING FORT FUND GRANT DISBAgenda Item 19
Item # 19 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY February 20, 2018
City Council
STAFF
Vincent Kitch, Cultural Services and Facilities Director
Chris Van Hall, Legal
SUBJECT
Resolution 2018-017 Approving Fort Fund Grant Disbursements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to approve Fort Fund grants from the Cultural Development and Programming and
Tourism Programming Accounts for the selected community and tourism events, based upon the
recommendations of the Cultural Resources Board.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The Fort Fund grant program, established in 1989, disburses lodging tax revenues deposited in the City’s
Cultural Development and Programming Account and the Tourism Programming Account in accordance with
the provisions of Section 25-244 of the City Code, where 25% of the revenue from the lodging tax funds is
applied to the Cultural Development and Programming Account to support cultural events and 75% of revenue
from lodging tax is dedicated to the Tourism Programming Account to support tourism events and activities -
5% of which is also dedicated to the Fort Fund Cultural Funding Programs. Local non-profit organizations may
apply to Fort Fund for cultural and/or tourism event support. The City Council appointed the Cultural
Resources Board to review grant applications based on approved guidelines (Attachment 2) and make
recommendations for Fort Fund disbursements to City Council, pursuant to Ordinance No. 028, 1992, and
Section 2-203 (3) of the City Code.
Fort Fund grants support arts and cultural events that enrich the cultural life of the community, promote local
heritage and diversity, provide opportunities for arts and cultural participation, help define Fort Collins as a
cultural center and tourist destination, have wide appeal for a significant part of the community, and promote
the general welfare of the City’s inhabitants.
January 2018 Funding Session
At its January 31, 2018, regular meeting, the Cultural Resources Board reviewed 13 applications with total
requests equaling $54,700. 12 applications were found eligible and recommended for funding.
The following table summarizes the amount and sources of available funds:
Grant Requests Available Funds Grant Awards Balance Forward
$54,700 $291,762 $40,595 $251,167
Agenda Item 19
Item # 19 Page 2
The Cultural Resources Board scored each application using the funding criteria outlined in the Fort Fund
Guidelines and discussed each application at its January 31, 2018, meeting. The Board discussion is outlined
in the draft minutes and funding plan (Attachment 1). The Board is recommending disbursement of $40,595
from the City’s Cultural Development and Programming Account to the 12 eligible applicants as outlined in
Exhibit A to Resolution 2018-017.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The Fort Fund grant program, established in 1989, disburses lodging tax revenues deposited in the City’s
Cultural Development and Programming Account and Tourism Programming Account in accordance with the
provisions of Section 25-244 of the City Code. This Resolution would distribute $40,595 from the Cultural
Development and Programming Account to local non-profit organizations. Each grantee organization must
provide funds to match the grant amount. These funds were budgeted and appropriated in the 2018 budget.
Lodging tax is collected pursuant to Section 25-252 of the City Code.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Cultural Resources Board (CuRB) is presenting these recommendations to City Council on public arts and
cultural events that should receive funding and the recommended grant amounts each event should receive
from the available Cultural Development and Programming Account and Tourism Programming Account
revenues.
Exhibit A to Resolution 2018-017 presents the allocations recommended by the Cultural Resources Board
(CuRB) to the City Council for Project Support II funding.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cultural Resources Board Minutes, January 31, 2018 (draft) (PDF)
2. Fort Fund Guidelines (PDF)
Cultural Resources Board
Lincoln Center
417 W. Magnolia St
Fort Collins, CO 80521
970.221-6735
970.221-6373 – fax
.
CULTURAL RESOURCES BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting – Wednesday, January 31, 2018
5:00 p.m.
Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Council Liaison: Wade Troxell Staff Liaison: Vincent Kitch
Chairperson: Steven Sorenson Phone: 420-9212
Vice Chairperson: Will Flowers
A regular meeting of the Cultural Resources Board was held on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
The following members were present:
Board Members present: Jesse Solomon, Tedi Cox, Will Flowers, Steven Sorensen,
Amy Cervenan, Jane Folsom, Vicki Fogel Mykles
Board Members absent:
Staff Members present: Vincent Kitch, Megan Kelley
Guests Present: Kevin Flowers
I. Call to Order: 5:10 p.m. – Mr. Sorensen
II. Consideration of agenda: no changes
III. Consideration and approval of the minutes from October 26, 2017.
Ms. Cox made a motion to accept the minutes as amended.
Mr. Solomon seconded the motion.
The motion passed – Mr. Sorensen abstained.
IV. Public input: none.
V. Fort Fund Project Support II - Discussion and funding recommendations:
Prior to reviewing and awarding grant monies to the Project Support II applicants, the Board
discussed the eligibility and the quality of the applications and the available budget for this
funding session. The Board then reviewed 13 applications and developed their
recommendations for funding as outlined below and on the attached spreadsheet.
Fort Fund Project Support II Funding Plan
After finalizing all the scoring for the current Project Support II grant applications, the board
adopted the following funding plan to distribute funds to the eligible approved application.
Excellent 94-100 Full Funding
Very Good 90-93 90%
Very Good 85-89 85%
ATTACHMENT 1
Good 80-84 80%
Good 75-79 75%
Ms. Cervenan motioned to adopt the above funding plan.
Mr. Flowers seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
PROJECT SUPPORT II APPLICANTS
ARCINDA: Taste of Indonesia – Classic to Contemporary – Javanese Gamelan Music and Dance
Location and Date: CSU; April 27, 2018
Amount Requested: $2,000 Amount Recommended: $1,500
CINCO DE MAYO OF NORTHERN COLORADO: 2018 Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo
Festival
Location and Date: Old Town Square; May 5-6, 2018
Amount Requested: $5,000 Amount Recommended: $4,250
CREATE PLACES, INC.: Finding Your Way NORTH: Creative Approaches to Neighborhood
Connections
Location and Date: The North Fort; April - October 2018
Amount Requested: $5,000 Amount Recommended: $0
DANCE EXPRESS: Studio Concert 2018
Location and Date: Fort Collins Senior Center; May 2018
Amount Requested: $2,500 Amount Recommended: $1,875
DENVER ARTS + TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT: MORPHOS Digital Dome Artist in
Residence
Location and Date: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery; May 11-13, 2018
Amount Requested: $5000 Amount Recommended: $4,000
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Location and Date: Downtown Fort Collins; March 17, 2018
Amount Requested: $5000 Amount Recommended: $4,000
FORT COLLINS OPERA GUILD: Opera Appreciation
Location and Date: Hixon Residence, and Avogandro’s Number; August 9, 2018 and Last Sunday of
every month except December
Amount Requested: $3,500 Amount Recommended: $2,975
INTERNATIONAL KEYBOARD ODYSSIAD & FESTIVAL: International Keyboard Odyssiad
& Festival (IKOF) in the Community
Location and Date: MacKenzie Place, and Center for the Art, CSU; June 20-23, 2018
Amount Requested: $2,700 Amount Recommended: $2,295
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR INTERPRETATION: 2018 Poudre RiverFest
Location and Date: Oxbow area across from New Belgium Brewery; June 2, 2018
Amount Requested: $4,000 Amount Recommended: $3,200
NORTHERN COLORADO INTERTRIBAL POWWOW
ASSOCIATION, INC.: 26TH Annual Spring Contest Powwow and Indian
Art Market
Location and Date: Northside Aztlan Community Center; April 7-8, 2018
Amount Requested: $5,000 Amount Recommended: $4,000
POUDRE HERITAGE ALLIANCE: Poudre Pour
Location and Date: Carnegie Center for Creativity and Heritage Courtyard; March 31, 2018
Amount Requested: $5,000 Amount Recommended: $4,250
POUDRE LANDMARKS FOUNDATION, INC.: Avery House Old-Fashioned 4th of July
Location and Date: 1879 Avery House and grounds; July 4, 2018
Amount Requested: $5,000 Amount Recommended: $4,250
SUSTAINABLE LIVING ASSOCIATION: Earth Day Fort Collins
Location and Date: Civic Center Park; April 21, 2018
Amount Requested: $5,000 Amount Recommended: $4,000
Total Funding Requested by Applicants: $54,700
Total Funding Recommended for disbursement by CRB: $40,595
Total Unfunded Balance: $14,105
% of Requests Funded: 74%
Ms. Cervenan made a motion to approve the funding recommendations, and to submit these
recommendations for Fort Fund disbursements to City Council for their approval.
Mr. Flowers seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously
Fort Fund Review
Questions recommendations or ideas from the Project Support II program
Ms. Fogel Mykles wants to add back in Org mission and history
Ms. Cox addressed the need to update budget form
Next round issues
Mr. Kitch is currently working with attorneys and CMO to coordinate how we handle the
transition of City friends groups in the new process. With time constraints, the board decided to
continue to have the FCMoD and other city related entities apply in the new programs as they have
done in the past. The board also discussed the possibility of building in flexibility to consider
proposals outside the three current annual deadlines.
Ms. Cox motioned to allow City entities to apply to the new programs for this year.
Ms. Cervenan seconded the motion.
The motion passed – Ms. Folsom declined.
VI. Directors Report – Vincent Kitch
FoCo Creates Updates and Next Steps
Feb 12-14 will be the next round of meetings.
Feb 12 meeting with performing arts facilities folks, APP board, Leadership Council
meeting and the City Plan public kickoff event 6-8 at Drake Center
Feb 13 DFCCD board, CuRB meeting 1-2:30 and public meeting for arts and culture
community 5:30 CCC
Other meetings so far DDA, Music District, Bohemian Foundation and more.
Gardens
Construction in the garden expansion is underway. The stage western wall is going up and
much of the grading has been done. We have received proposals from three builders and
will be selecting one mid Feb.
https://www.fcgov.com/gardens/about-us/the-project/project-updates
February
2 Memos to City Council were sent this week providing an update on FoCo Creates and
that we are officially renaming Community Creative Center as Carnegie Center for
Creativity with signs and promo materials, etc.
Important Dates
February 3
rd
- Washington's grand opening (Tickets sold out unless you already got one)
February 5
th
- State of the City - Fort Collins, 6-8:00 PM, Washington's (Attached)
February 26
th
- Artspace Study Results Event, 5:30-7:00pm, Lincoln Center
February 26
th
- March 2
nd
- ARTup Week Fort Collins & Techstars Startup Week Fort
Collins 2018
VII. Other Business:
The Board reviewed the 2017Annual Report.
Mr. Sorensen made a motion to accept the 2018 Annual Report as amended.
Ms. Cervenan seconded motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
The Board nominated Mr. Sorensen to serve as Chair and Mr. Flowers to serve as vice chair.
Ms. Solomon made the motion to approve the nominations as presented.
Ms. Cox seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Adjournment: 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Megan Kelley
Administrative Clerk II
Cultural Arts Funding Programs
Cultural Services Department
Vincent E. Kitch, Director
417 West Magnolia Street
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6733
970.221.6373 - fax
fcgov.com/culturalservices
ATTACHMENT 2
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3
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Overview of Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Source of Fort Fund Cultural Arts Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General Eligibility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Ineligible Organizations and Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Organizational Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Project Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Project Support II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Selection Process and Contract Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Contractual Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Appeal Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Roles and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Helpful Hints on Cultural Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4
Fort Fund – Cultural Arts Funding Programs
Introduction
The Cultural Services Department of the City of Fort Collins serves to encourage, develop, and
facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Fort Collins. As a
component of many services and activities, the Cultural Services Department manages the funding
and application process for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and creative individuals for
artistic and cultural services in the City of Fort Collins. The City of Fort Collins offers contracts for
services identified through a competitive application and review process.
This booklet contains information and forms to help assist qualified organizations interested in
applying for funding in the Fort Fund Programs.
The Fort Fund Cultural Services Funding Programs support projects and activities in all disciplines
that provide quality arts and cultural programming to the Fort Collins community and the Growth
Management Area (GMA). The purpose of this program is to reinforce the artistic, cultural, heritage,
and scientific industries to celebrate and promote Fort Collins as an exciting, vibrant, and diverse
cultural destination for residents, visitors, and tourists throughout the world and represent an
important component of the economy and overall quality of life.
Applicants are required to read the guidelines and application instructions for details on program
eligibility and requirements prior to beginning the application process. The Fort Fund Guidelines
are adopted by the Cultural Resources Board in an effort to streamline the application/review
process and to maintain accountability and integrity of the allocation of public funds. Program
guidelines are reviewed periodically throughout the year. Any changes adopted by the Cultural
Resources Board will be distributed by Cultural Services Department staff.
5
Overview of Programs
These guidelines include information of different funding programs available to nonprofit arts and
cultural organizations and nonprofit organizations conducting arts and cultural activities. Projects
initiated by individual artists or unincorporated groups must apply under the umbrella of a nonprofit
organization (fiscal sponsor) as defined below.
Eligibility
Organizations chartered in Colorado with IRS non-profit status may submit an application for
consideration. Written proof of this status must accompany all applications. All organizations that fall
under the same IRS non-profit tax status will be considered the same unit for funding.
Organizational Support:
The Organizational Support funding category provides funding to large 501C3 nonprofit arts and
cultural institutions for general operating expenditures, including artistic and administrative
expenses, directly related to a year-long program of events or organizations that present a number
of community events during the course of their season.
Organizational Support is made available to established nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in
the City of Fort Collins that consistently demonstrate high quality artistic programming and/or
services. This category is available to organizations that have a minimum of $150,000 in unrestricted
annual expenses. Organizations must have a history of ongoing programs for a minimum of five (5)
consecutive years preceding the funding application deadline and must be headquartered in Fort
Collins or its Growth Management Area. Collins. See pages 10-11 for details of program requirements
and evaluation criteria
Project Support I:
The Project Support I category provides funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations requesting
support or for specific arts/cultural projects that deliver quality arts and cultural programming that do not
meet the Organizational Support eligibility requirements and/or choose not to apply in that program.
Organizations that apply in this category must have a history of ongoing artistic/cultural programs for a
minimum of three (3) consecutive years preceding the application deadline must be headquartered in Fort
Collins or its Growth Management Area. See pages 12-13 for details of program requirements and
evaluation criteria.
Project Support II:
The Project Support II category provides funding to smaller arts and cultural organizations that have evidence
of an artistic body of work or programming for a minimum of one (1) year prior to the application deadline.
This program is also available to other 501(c) nonprofit non-arts organizations that meet the
requirements for presenting quality arts programming for non-commercial arts/cultural projects. These
projects are typically smaller, community-based activities with a limited scope and budget. See pages 14-
16 for details of program requirements and evaluation criteria.
Funding Requests
6
Funding will support activities related to programming and projects that are open to Fort Collins residents,
visitors, and tourists and are consistent with the promotion and enhancement of the City of Fort Collins as a
cultural destination.
Applicants for Organizational Support may only submit one (1) application per year. They are not
eligible to apply in any other category and their Organizations Support must be for the entirety of their
annual programming.
Applicants for the Project Support I category may only submit one (1) application for Project Support I
and up to one (1) additional application for the Project Support II category per year for different cultural
activities. Separate matching funds must be provided for each application/project.
Applicants to the Project Support II category may submit up to two (2) applications per year in
differing cycles for different cultural activities. Separate matching funds must be provided for each
application/project.
Note: Sponsored projects do not count toward application limits for the Fiscal Sponsoring
organizations. All programs require a 1:1 match with 50% of the match allowable from documented
in-kind. Colorado State University organizations are required to submit their applications
through the Sponsored Programs Office.
Specific application deadlines are listed immediately following each program. Funding is subject to
the amount of available funds per year. The Cultural Resources Board reserves the right to deny
funding to any organization that does not fully meet the criteria or limit the number of awards to
any one organization in any year.
All applications are to be submitted on-line through Zoomgrants, by 5 p.m. on the date
stated.
Please direct all questions regarding the application process to Megan Kelley at
mkelley@fcgov.com or (970)416-4225.
City of Fort Collins Mission
The mission of the City of Fort Collins is exceptional service for an exceptional community.
City of Fort Collins Vision
The City of Fort Collins vision is to provide world-class municipal services through operational
excellence and a culture of innovation. We value collaboration, excellence, integrity, outstanding
service, safety, and well-being and stewardship.
City of Fort Collins Cultural Services Department
The City of Fort Collins Cultural Services Department envisions a culturally vibrant city where:
Arts, culture, science, and creativity are an integral component of a vibrant
community and a thriving economy
Artists, cultural, and creative organizations from all disciplines have the
opportunity to engage in meaningful work and provide a robust selection of
activities to a wide audience including residents, visitors, and tourists
The community is committed to creative expression and lifelong learning
A creative cultural environment attracts a diverse population, workforce, and
businesses that value the arts, culture and creativity.
7
Source of Fort Fund Cultural Arts Funding
The City of Fort Collins invests in arts and culture by allocating a portion of lodging tax revenues. The
Fort Fund sources of revenue include the Cultural Development & Programming and Tourism
Accounts of the lodging tax revenues. Applications are reviewed by the Cultural Resources Board of the
City of Fort Collins. Recommendations to fund events are submitted to the Fort Collins City Council for
final approval.
The City of Fort Collins, as a matter of policy, is committed to providing financial support to organizations
that represent, strengthen, and contribute to the arts, culture, scientific and creative industries in Fort
Collins; that are recognized as a crucial component of the community’s unique identity and a vital
contributor to the City’s economic infrastructure. Our rich and diverse cultural resources create not only
enhanced quality of life for our citizens, but are also key factors in promoting Fort Collins as a destination
city to tourists and visitors worldwide. To that end, direct support of events and activities related to the
improvement, application, broad accessibility, and marketing of arts and culture are the guiding principles
for the investment of these funds.
The overarching goals for Fort Fund Cultural Arts Funding Programs are to serve as a catalyst for arts
and cultural development and to make Fort Collins a cultural center and destination. The objective
of Fort Fund is to provide funds that will foster, encourage, and promote arts and cultural
programming and support tourism and economic development.
Fort Fund supports public events and activities that:
Enrich the cultural life of the Fort Collins community
Promote local heritage and diversity
Provide opportunities for community members to participate in, create, learn from, or
experience arts and culture
Help to define Fort Collins as a destination for arts and culture
Elevate the community and broaden perspectives
Have wide appeal for a significant part of the community
Encourage excellence, innovation, and collaboration in the creation and presentation of
artistic and cultural work
Support artists and organizations in developing new programs and activities
Encourage partnerships and creative collaborations within the community
Promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the city.
8
General Eligibility Requirements
Organizations chartered in Colorado with IRS non-profit status may submit an application for consideration.
Written proof of this status must accompany all applications. All organizations that fall under the same IRS non-
profit tax number will be considered the same unit for funding.
• Events must be held in Fort Collins or in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area.
• Events must be open to the general public and efforts must be made to advertise and make the
general public aware of the opportunity to attend and/or participate in the event.
• Events or activities must provide a direct public benefit of a reasonably general character to a
significant number of City residents.
• Events may occur no earlier than 45 days after the application deadline.
• The applicant organization must be in good standing with the Fort Fund program.
Minimum Requirements for Fiscal Sponsors
All Fiscal Sponsors must adhere to the following requirements in addition to the Eligibility Requirements
above.
Fiscal Sponsors must:
• Be a 501(c) organization located in fort Collins or the Growth Management Area(GMA)
• Be in existence for at least three (3) years and have an active volunteer Board of Directors that meets
at least three times a year,
• Have a salaried, professional Executive Director, and
• Have at least a $40,000 annual operating budget as evidenced by the most recently
completed IRS Form 990.
Additional Requirements for Both Sponsored Projects and Fiscal Sponsors
Each funding category may have additional requirements that determine an organization’s ability to apply
for and receive funding. Details are included in the funding category descriptions.
Fiscal Sponsors that apply on behalf of groups or individuals as the fiduciary agency must take on the legal
responsibilities to carry out the contract. The City of Fort Collins will directly contract with the Fiscal
Sponsor. The Fiscal Sponsor will be responsible for all administration, financial management, reporting, and
any other responsibilities associated with the completion of the project. Failure to comply with fiduciary
responsibilities, contract compliance, and/or contract management requirements may result in loss of
eligibility to serve as a Fiscal Sponsor. Examples of failing to meet sponsorship requirements include but are
not limited to: failure to review materials for completeness and accuracy prior to submitting to the City,
turning in late and/or incomplete applications, or contract materials, and/or final reports.
The Fiscal Sponsor may charge up to 10% of the award amount as a sponsorship fee for serving as a fiscal
agent in all applicable funding programs. Sponsored project activities must be independent, separate from
the general activities of the Fiscal Sponsor. Applications for sponsored projects may not be for an extension
of an organization’s regular programs and/or services, nor may a sponsored project be used to fund
activities, events, or services put on or provided by the Fiscal Sponsor. Applicable professional services
provided by the Fiscal Sponsor may be considered as eligible expenses.
9
Ineligible Organizations and Activities
The City of Fort Collins will NOT award grants to:
• Governmental agencies or public authorities
• Applicants that have a delinquent status with the Fort Fund Cultural Services Funding Programs
• Sporting events, pageants, fund-raising events, or hospitality costs
• Previously completed activities
• Religious and/or sectarian programming or any programming and/or services that are solely for the promotion
of or consumption by a specific religious order and/or a particular sect
• Cash reserves or endowments of any kind
• Capital expenditures including construction, renovation, or purchase of real property
• Fundraisers or other private events or any activities offered for the purpose of raising money
• Programs and/or services of Fort Collins-based arts and cultural organizations that benefit other cities or regions
• Applications that do not support nonprofit public arts activities or projects that benefit a for-profit business or
activity
• Support groups, “friends of” organizations, or nonprofit partners of City of Fort Collins departments or facilities
• Costs associated with the start-up of a new organization
• School programs traditionally part of the academic curriculum
• Applications to reduce existing deficits
• Broadcast and print media organizations
• Foundations with a principle purpose of making grants to unrelated organizations or individuals. Foundations are
eligible to serve as Fiscal Sponsors, however.
• Scholarly or academic research, tuition, and activities which generate academic credit or formal study toward an
academic or professional degree
City of Fort Collins Funding may NOT be used for…
• Fundraising expenses
• Projects or activities by colleges or universities for on-campus activities not intended for the general public.
• Consultants who are members of an applicant’s staff or board
• Payments to students
• Scholarships, fellowships, or tuition assistance
• Capital expenditures
• Project activities outside the City of Fort Collins
• Costs incurred before the start of the funded project
• Entry fees for competitions
• The purchase of computer software/hardware
• Operating costs not associated with the project
• Publication of manuscripts or compositions not created as part of a grant-supported project
• Activities not open to the Fort Collins general public
• Grant management costs, grant writing fees, application preparation costs, sponsorship fees, or any other grant
preparation and management fees.
• Purchase of awards, cash prizes, contributions, or donations.
• Food or beverages for hospitality
• Entertainment or reception functions
• Curriculum development or curricular activities
• Creation of textbooks/classroom materials.
• *Travel expenses: transportation/mileage/lodging/meals
*Travel Expenses Exception: Arts education applicants may include student bus travel as an identified expense.
10
Organizational Support
Purpose
The Organizational Support Program is designed to promote organizational stability and
sustainability of Fort Collins’ arts and cultural institutions and to cultivate organizational growth and
development through investments that contribute to the City’s overall livability, tourism industry,
and creative economy. Organizational Support is made available to established nonprofit arts and
cultural organizations in the City of Fort Collins that consistently demonstrate high quality artistic
programming and/or services.
The City of Fort Collins expects Organizational Support recipients to:
• Participate as partners with the City of Fort Collins to further the goals of the City and the
Cultural Services Department;
• Increase the city’s competitive position, culturally and economically, through activities that
create greater encouragement, promotion, and appreciation of the importance of the arts and
culture, and foster an awareness of their aesthetic, economic, cultural, and social relevance;
• Present annual programming of a high artistic quality and cultural experiences accessible and
marketed broadly to citizens, visitors, and tourists;
• Set standards and adhere to the strictest of professionally accepted practices;
• Serve broad audiences;
• Provide leadership to artists and smaller organizations in their fields; and
• Foster collaborations and partnerships between themselves and other arts organizations, as
well as business and community leaders.
Program Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the General Eligibility Requirements, applicants must also meet ALL of the following
requirements:
• Be a Fort Collins based, 501c3 nonprofit arts and/or cultural producing, presenting, or
promoting organization that has been in operation for at least five (5) years;
• Have minimum cash expenditures of $150,000 as determined by the average cash expenses of
the organization’s recent previous 2 years IRS Form 990s;
• Provide year-round arts programming including performances, exhibitions, or other ongoing
arts activities to the public and provide documentation of past programs and services, as
evidenced by copies of programs, playbills, reviews, or similar documentation; and
• Have a professional, salaried executive director.
Note: This program is not designed for festival, single events, individuals, broadcast organizations (e.g. radio/television)
or first-time applicants; therefore, these organizations or activities are not eligible for this program.
What Will Be Funded
Support under the Organizational Support program is designed to assist with operating expenditures,
including artistic and administrative expenses, directly related to a yearlong program of events, a
season, or a series of programs and activities that are open and marketed to the public that occur in
Fort Collins.
Applicants in the Organizational Support program may request up to 25% of their unrestricted
expenditures or $40,000, whichever is less. Applicants that receive funding support in this category
will match the award with a minimum 3:1 project related cash expenses. Applicants who receive
funding in this category are not eligible for funding in any other category.
11
Organizational Support Evaluation Criteria
Applications to the Organizational Support Program will be reviewed according to the following criteria. All
of the following criteria total to a maximum score of 100 points. A score of at least 75 points must be earned
for the application to receive a funding recommendation. The proposal must address each of the three
sections of evaluation criteria. Each application will be scored individually based on the criteria outlined. The
following criteria will be used for evaluation of Organizational Support applications:
Artistic Excellence and Innovation: 30 Points
• Does the organization and proposed programming demonstrate artistic excellence?
• Does the applicant demonstrate a history of providing programs or services of high
quality?
• Does the applicant produce/present professional quality work that contributes to the unique
artistic, cultural, historic landscape and to Fort Collins’ recognition as a center for arts and culture in
the region, state, nationally, or internationally?
• How does the proposed programming/project make use of high caliber artists and/or
promote culture?
Administrative Capability: 20 Points
• Does the project adhere to and further the mission or goals of the organization?
• Does the applicant demonstrate business skills, production accomplishments, and administrative
skills needed to complete the proposed programming/project?
• Is the season/project budget appropriate and reasonable and does the proposed budget provide
sufficient funding from an appropriate variety of sources to successfully accomplish the
programming/project?
• Does the applicant conduct ongoing planning and program evaluations with appropriate use of
tools to measure program/project effectiveness?
• Does the applicant have a history of financial stability and sound financial practices?
• Does the applicant collect data regarding audience demographics, audience involvement, and
tourists in attendance?
• Does the applicant provide leadership to artists and smaller organizations in their field and foster
collaborations or partnerships between themselves and other organizations?
Community, Cultural, and Social Impact: 50 Points
• Does the proposed programming expand the opportunities for residents, visitors, and tourists to
actively participate in Fort Collins’ cultural life?
• Does the applicant/project promote and encourage arts and cultural awareness to a broad
and diverse audience?
• Does the proposed activity promote tourism by marketing to a broad constituency, including
residents, visitors, and tourists with measurable goals to assess the outreach of the organization?
• Is the proposed programming accessible to all audiences, including individuals with disabilities,
economically disadvantaged, or historically underserved?
• Does the applicant demonstrate efforts to diversify its audience and outreach?
• Does the programming provide a measurable economic contribution to the community, including
expansion of tourism, employment of local artists, and leveraging of dollars?
• Does the proposed programming meet recognized social or cultural need?
Proposal Deadline for Project Support I: First Tuesday of April, 5:00 p.m.
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Project Support I:
Purpose
The purpose of the Project Support I category is to serve as a catalyst for the delivery of high quality
arts and cultural experiences, to stimulate programming that is reflective of Fort Collins’ rich and
diverse community, and to encourage artistic excellence and innovation, accessibility to the arts, and
the promotion of cultural tourism.
Types of Eligible Organizations
• Small and medium nonprofit arts and cultural organizations
• Large arts and cultural organizations that do not meet Organizational Support eligibility requirements
or do not choose to apply for Organizational Support
• Festivals and projects including multiple events or activities
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the General Eligibility Requirements, applicants must also meet ALL of the following
requirements:
• Be a 501(c) nonprofit organization;
• In operation for at least three (3) years;
• Qualified artistic, administrative, and management leadership (professional or volunteer) capable of
completing the proposed project
Public Art Projects
Organizations proposing to do public art projects, that are defined as permanent or temporary
visual art installations in locations that are visible and/or accessible to the public, must obtain
permission from the property owner prior to the application deadline.
Privately Owned Property – If a private entity (or a public entity other than the City of Fort Collins) owns the
property, the applicant must obtain a formal letter of support from the owner allowing the applicant to
install the proposed artwork. This letter must be attached to the application. Without the property owner’s
written consent, the application will not be processed or forwarded to the panel for review.
What Will Be Funded
Production costs, artistic fees, project coordination (including staffing), audience development, outreach and
marketing, and other direct costs specific to the project outlined in the application for funding. Public
exhibitions, performances or presentations must be marketed to the public. See pages xx-xx for specific
organizations, activities and costs that will not be supported. Contact Cultural Services Department Staff if you
have questions.
Funding Requests ($5,000-$15,000)
Requests in the Project Support Program are allowed from $5,000 - $15,000. The project budget must be
specific to the activities outlined in the application for funding. The organization’s total operational budget
may not be appropriate for submission under this component. Please contact Cultural Services Department
staff if you have any questions regarding this information.
Matching Funds
A minimum 1:1 cash match is required for all Project Support contracts. Funding from another City of Fort Collins
contract or grant may not be used as a match to the Project Support contract. Applicants who receive funding in
this category may apply for and receive up to one (1) grant in the Project Support II category per year. The
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City reserves the right to limit the number of awards to any organization.
Project Support I Evaluation Criteria
Applications to the Project Support I Program will be reviewed according to the following criteria. All of the
following criteria total to a maximum score of 100 points. A score of at least 75 points must be earned for
the application to receive a funding recommendation. The proposal must address each of the three sections
of evaluation criteria. Each application will be scored individually based on the criteria outlined. The
following criteria will be used for evaluation of Project Support applications:
Artistic Excellence and Innovation: 30 Points
• Does the organization and proposed programming demonstrate artistic/cultural excellence?
• Does the applicant show a history of providing programs or services of high quality or
completing quality arts projects?
• Does the applicant produce/present professional quality work that contributes to the unique artistic,
cultural, historic landscape and to Fort Collins’ recognition as a center for arts and culture?
• Does the proposed programming/project make use of high caliber artists and/or promote
culture?
Administrative Capability: 20 Points
• Does the project adhere to and further the mission or goals of the organization?
• Does the applicant demonstrate business skills, production accomplishments, and administrative
skills needed to complete the proposed programming/project?
• Is the project budget appropriate and reasonable and is there a variety of sources to successfully
accomplish the programming/project?
• Does the applicant conduct program evaluations and measure program/project effectiveness?
• Does the applicant have a history of financial stability and successful project management?
• Does the applicant collect data regarding audience demographics, audience involvement, and
tourists in attendance?
• Does the applicant foster collaborations or partnerships between themselves and other
organizations?
Community, Cultural, and Social Impact: 50 Points
• Does the proposed programming expand the opportunities for residents, visitors, and tourists to
actively participate in Fort Collins’ cultural life?
• Does the applicant/project promote and encourage arts and cultural awareness to a broad
and diverse audience?
• Does the proposed activity promote tourism by marketing to a broad constituency, including
residents, visitors, and tourists with measurable goals to assess the outreach of the organization?
• Is the proposed programming accessible to all audiences, including individuals with disabilities,
economically disadvantaged, or historically underserved?
• Does the applicant demonstrate efforts to diversify its audiences and outreach?
• Does the programming provide a measurable economic contribution throughout the community,
including expansion of tourism, employment of local artists, and leveraging of dollars?
• Does the proposed programming meet recognized social or cultural need?
Proposal Deadline for Project Support I: First Tuesday of April, 5:00 p.m.
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Project Support II:
Purpose
A sister program to Project Support I, the purpose of the Project Support II program is to provide support for:
• Smaller nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that are implementing quality arts projects
• Nonprofit organizations that meet the requirements for presenting quality arts programming
• Micro nonprofit arts (see definition, page 12) and cultural organizations
• First Time Applicants – An organization that has not received funding through the Fort Fund Programs
for two (2) cycles within the last five (5) fiscal years
The program serves to stimulate programming that is reflective of Fort Collins’ rich and diverse
community and to encourage artistic expression, accessibility to arts and culture, cultural
education/lifelong learning, and the promotion of arts and cultural tourism. This program supports
smaller, community based organizations and projects that are an essential component of the overall
cultural ecosystem that makes Fort Collins a center for creative expression and a cultural destination.
Individuals and unincorporated groups must apply under the sponsorship of a 501(c) nonprofit organization
(fiscal agent) in Project Support II.
Applicants in the Project Support II program must be 501(c) organizations or be chartered in Colorado with
nonprofit status or be sponsored by a fiscal agent who is.
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the General Eligibility Requirements, applicants must also meet all of the following requirements:
• Organizations in operation for at least a year;
• Have qualified artistic, administrative, and management leadership (professional or volunteer)
capable of completing the proposed project;
• Be a 501(c) or State of Colorado nonprofit organization or sponsored by one. See page 8 for details.
Arts Education
The Project Support II category supports quality arts education activities, conducted by artists of high quality
and ability, in schools or communities as well as in arts education partnerships between schools and
community based organizations. Funded activities may involve collaboration among artists, educators (arts and
other disciplines), community arts resources, arts organizations with strong educational programming, arts
organizations interested in developing educational programming, local businesses, parents, students, and the
general public.
This program supports projects integrating arts into education activities that take place outside of the general
school curriculum, cannot be credit bearing, and may not constitute ongoing instruction normally provided by
certified teachers. Applications for projects that take place in schools must submit a letter from the principal
supporting the application and project activities.
Arts Education projects in this category support applications from nonprofit organizations or nonprofit schools
for in-class and before/after-school projects involving teaching artists. Funded activities include artists in
residence, collaborative programs and events by student participants, and activities of school-based
extracurricular organizations which are open to the public. Funded events must have a public performance,
exhibition, or presentation that is marketed beyond the school and to the general public.
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Public Art Projects
Please refer to page 12 for details regarding proposals for public art projects.
What Will Be Funded
Production costs, artistic fees, project coordination (including staffing), audience development, outreach and
marketing, and other direct costs specific to the project outlined in the application for funding. See page 9 for
specific organizations, activities and costs that will not be supported. Contact Cultural Services staff if you have
questions.
Funding Requests (up to $5,000)
Requests in the Project Support II Program of $2,000 to $5,000 are allowed. The project budget
must be specific to the activities outlined in the application for funding. An organization’s total
operational budget is not appropriate for submission under this program.
Matching Funds
A 1:1 match is required for all contract awards. Up to one half (1/2) of the match may be in well- documented
in-kind support (at true market value with proper documentation). Applicants who receive funding in this
category may apply for and receive up to two (2) grants in the Project Support II category per year. The City
reserves the right to limit the number of awards made to any organization.
Project Support II Evaluation Criteria
Applications to the Project Support II Program will be reviewed according to the following criteria. All of the
following four criteria total to a maximum score of 100 points. A score of at least 75 points must be earned for
the application to receive a funding recommendation. Your proposal must address each of the four sections of
evaluation criteria. Each application will be scored individually based on the criteria outlined. The following
criteria will be used for evaluation of Project Support applications:
Project Design: 20 Points
• Does the proposed project support the goals for the Fort Fund program and the City of Fort Collins?
• Are the proposed project activities reasonably planned and thoughtfully crafted?
• Are the proposed project activities unique, innovative, or original?
• Is the project budget appropriate and reasonable?
• EDUCATION PROJECTS ONLY - How is this project aligned with educational standards and curriculum to
extend the impact of learning beyond the arts and cultural context?
Artistic Excellence and Innovation: 30 Points
• Does the applicant produce/present quality work that contributes to the artistic, cultural, historic
landscape in Fort Collins?
• Does the applicant show a history of providing programs or services of high quality or
completing quality arts projects?
• Does the proposed programming/project make use of high caliber artists and/or promote
culture?
• EDUCATION PROJECTS ONLY - How will the project provide arts experiences that expose
participants to new artistic experiences, deepen appreciation of arts and culture, artists, media
or history, and provide opportunities for engagement in the creative process?
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Administrative Capability: 10 Points
• Does the applicant demonstrate artistic and administrative skills needed to complete the proposed
programming/project?
• Does the applicant conduct program evaluations and measure program/project effectiveness?
• Does the applicant collect data regarding audience demographics, audience involvement, and tourists
in attendance?
• FISCAL SPONSORED PROJECTS ONLY - Is the sponsoring organization’s capable of managing the
administrative and financial aspects of the project?
Community, Cultural, and Social Impact: 40 Points
• Does the proposed programming expand the opportunities for residents, visitors, and tourists to
actively participate in Fort Collins’ cultural life?
• Does the applicant/project promote and encourage arts and cultural awareness to a broad and
diverse audience?
• Does the proposed activity market to a broad constituency, including residents, visitors, and tourists?
• Does the project promote local traditions, community assets, or city values in or through the arts, or
build social connections and understanding between diverse groups of people?
• Is the proposed programming accessible to audiences, including individuals with disabilities,
economically disadvantaged, or historically underserved?
• EDUCATION PROJECTS ONLY - Does the funded activity include a performance(s), exhibition(s), or
activity(ies) open to the general public and how will you promote such events to parents and
community members?
Proposal Deadline for Project Support II: First Tuesday of January, 5 p.m.; First
Tuesday of June, 5 p.m.
Selection Process and Contract Award
Funding Process
Historically, available sources of funding for our programs are not sufficient to meet applicant demand. While
it is recommended that an applicant request the highest reasonable amount based on the proposed project
budget, the reality is it is rare that an award amount duplicates that of the request. Larger organizations may
get larger awards but smaller groups may receive a higher percentage of their budget. The final distribution of
funding is dependent on, but not limited to, several factors: 1) projected available program funding; 2) number
of applications submitted; 3) applicant score; and 4) number of applicants awarded funding.
The Cultural Resources Board will review applications and score each individually based on the published
review criteria for each program. Applications do not compete against each other, they are assessed based
on the information provided and scores determined based on the criteria as outlined in each program.
Scores are tabulated using Olympic scoring and a draft funding plan will be developed by Cultural Services
staff and presented to the Cultural Resources Board for discussion and revision as needed. The CuRB will
provide a recommendation for funding to City Council, who will approve recommendations at a regularly
scheduled meeting. Applicants will be notified by mail after a decision has been finalized.
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Contractual Requirements
• All awards require leveraging of dollars and each program has specific details on required levels
of matching funds.
• Contracts for services with the City of Fort Collins must be signed prior to the issuance of funds.
• All funds must be used for direct costs of the event(s) within the time frame as required by
contract, or returned immediately to the Cultural Services Department. If the event changes
significantly, the Cultural Services Department must be notified in writing. Any changes must
be approved prior to implementation. Funding for the event may be re-evaluated at that
time.
• Organizations that receive funding will be REQUIRED to post all city-funded events and projects
on the arts calendar at www.visitftcollins.com/events. Contractors will be required to
acknowledge the City’s support in all appropriate materials and media. All publicity and
advertisements (including posters, programs, banners, flyers, newspaper ads and postcards
print or electronic) of the funded event must include the City's logo. If there is no printed
material, a Fort Fund banner must be exhibited at the event. Organizations must also list funded
event on the Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau website calendar at
www.visitftcollins.com/events.
• All applicants are required to submit the Tourism Impact form.
• If awarded funding, a final report will be REQUIRED annually within thirty days of the programming
cessation.
The report will require proof of award and match monies expended, a variety of demographics data
and proof the funded programming was executed as well as the use of required publicity verbiage
and logo(s).
• Cultural Resources Board and staff may be assigned to each event to act as a liaison between
funded organizations and the Board. Tickets will be provided by contractors for this
purpose.
Implementation
Following the approval of the funding recommendation, the applicant will submit a revised budget and
project narrative. The City will enter into a contract with the organization or Fiscal Sponsor. The contract
will establish procedures and responsibilities for both the City and the contractor.
The City will conduct monitoring activities throughout the project as required. These activities may include
site visits to verify compliance with contract requirements.
Appeal Process
The Cultural Resources Board and the City of Fort Collins Cultural Services Department have adopted a
policy that provides for a process of appeal by an organization or individual whose application for funding
was not approved. The City Manager makes final decisions in all matters in dealing with the award of Fort
Fund contracts based on the recommendations of the review process, staff input, and the Cultural
Resources Board recommendations. Cultural Resources Board meetings are public meetings held
throughout the year, and provide opportunities for citizen comments to funding program guidelines,
general and specific Board and Fort Fund policies, objectives, budget requests, and other matters. During
these meetings, public comments from organizations, artists and members of the public are encouraged.
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Grounds for Appeal
An organization or individual whose application for requested funding has been reviewed and not approved
for funding shall be entitled to pursue a process of appeal based upon technical aspects of the application
review and determination process; such as administrative error on the part of the board or staff, conflict of
interest, or presentation of misinformation by board or staff.
Appeal Process
The appeal process is a review of decisions reached on an application as originally submitted or as amended in
response to Cultural Services staff inquiries. New application information and subsequent application
clarification are not considered in the appeal process. The following four steps of the appeal process are
outlined below:
1. Preparation for Appeal
Contact the Cultural Services staff to request a summary report which describes the basis on which
the decision was made and to discuss the review/determination process. This should be accomplished
immediately upon notification of award.
Based upon discussions with staff and further study of the application review, if there is a decision to
continue the appeal then immediately proceed to the next step.
2. Notification of Intent to Appeal
Submit a written letter of “intent to appeal” within 30 days from the date of the City funding
notification letter. This correspondence must be addressed to the Cultural Services Director and
should include information identifying the applicant, specific project, and a brief discussion on the
basis on which an appeal is being made (administrative error, conflict of interest, or presentation of
misinformation).
3. Conference
Following receipt and review of the “intent to appeal”, the Cultural Services Director will schedule a
staff/appellant conference. The purpose of this conference is to informally review and discuss the
recommendations of the peer review panel and the action taken by the Cultural Resources Board.
City staff will provide appropriate guidelines and questions to determine the basis for appeal in
preparation for the conference. Based upon the findings of the conference, a response will be
developed which outlines the discussion and whether a recommendation for reconsideration or denial
has been determined by the Cultural Services Director.
4. Cultural Resources Board Review
The Cultural Services Director’s report recommending reconsideration or denial of the appeal will be
forwarded to the Cultural Resources Board for review at their next scheduled meeting. The board
will review the report and information related to the appeal. The applicant will be invited to attend
the meeting to present information and respond to questions regarding the appeal. The board can
choose to approve or deny the appeal based on this meeting. If the appeal is denied, the outcome of
the application process stands. If approved, the applicant score will be changed to 75 points, the
minimum level for funding eligibility and a recommendation for funding will be forwarded to City
Council for consideration based on that score.
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Roles and Responsibilities
Fort Collins City Council
o Establishes overall cultural funding policy and annual program budget;
o Authorizes all contracts made under the Fort Fund Cultural Arts Funding Programs to arts
and cultural organizations; and
o Appoints members of the Cultural Resources Board
Cultural Resources Board
The Cultural Resources Board is responsible for the following tasks:
o To assist, advise and make recommendations to the Director of Cultural Services and Facilities and
the City Council on arts and culture related matters and opportunities to promote awareness,
understanding and appreciation for the value of cultural resources in the community;
o To review proposals for funding from the Cultural Development and Programming Account,
following established and published guidelines, and to submit recommendations regarding such
proposals to the City Council to be approved by the Council by resolution; and
o To advise and make recommendations to the City Manager regarding any proposed revisions to the
guidelines used by the Cultural Resources Board to make the funding recommendations referred to
in subparagraph (2) above;
City Staff
o Administers policies under direction of the Cultural Services Director and City Manager;
o Provides support to the Cultural Resources Board and it’s working groups;
o Facilitates Fort Fund reviews, documents and verifies findings, and reports to the Cultural
Resources Board; and
o Administers Fort Fund contracts with organizations.
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Definitions
• Activity – Refers to the specific project or range of operations proposed for cultural funding.
• Admissions – Revenue derived from fees earned through sales of services. Include ticket sales of proposed
events, sales of workshops, etc., to other community organizations, government contracts for specific
services, performances or residence fees, tuition, etc.
• Applicant Cash – Funds from the applicant’s resources allocated to this project.
• Arts and Education – Artists who collaborate with schools, nonprofit organizations, and communities to
provide arts education at the K-12 level, workforce development, adult, or audience development and/or
other arts education activities.
• Arts and Cultural Organization – An organization that either has Federal 501 (c) status or is chartered within
the State of Colorado.
• Capital Expenditures – Expenses for purchases of building or real estate, renovations or improvements
involving structural change, payments for roads, driveways or parking lots, permanent and generally
immobile equipment such as grid systems or central air conditioning, etc., and expenses for additions to a
collection.
• Community Outreach – A demonstrated commitment to extending services or benefits to communities
traditionally under represented by the arts, defined by: 1) participation drawn from the underserved
community, 2) providing resources, and 3) collaborating with existing community artists.
• Corporate Support – Cash support derived from contributions given for the proposed activities by
businesses, corporations and corporate foundations or a proportionate share of such contributions
allocated to this activity.
• Cultural Services – The conscious use of skill and creative imagination, especially in the production of
aesthetic objects (music, dance, theater, folk art, literature, performance art, visual art, media, etc.).
• Cultural Tourism – The use of the performing and visual arts as well as food, festivals, architecture, and
other phenomena that contribute to the cultural vitality of a city in order to attract tourists to a specific
city/geographic region.
• Dance – Including, but not limited to, ballet, jazz, avant-garde and modern, experimental, ballet folklorico,
folk, ethnic, traditional, or historic dance forms and collectives of individual choreographers.
• Earned Income – Revenue raised by selling items or services, such as admission, concessions, and space or
equipment rental. Donations and grants are considered unearned income.
• Educational Institutions – Public or private schools, colleges and/or universities.
• Employee Costs:
o Administrative – Payments for employee salaries, wages, and benefits specifically identified with
this activity for executive and supervisory administrative staff, program directors, managing
directors, business managers, press agents, fundraisers, clerical staff such as secretaries, typists,
bookkeepers, and supportive personnel such as maintenance and security staff, ushers, and other
front-of-the-house and box office personnel.
o Artistic – Payments for employee salaries, wages, and benefits specifically identified with this
activity for artistic directors, conductors, directors, curators, dance masters, composers,
choreographers, designers, video artists, film makers, painters, poets, authors, sculptors, actors,
dancers, singers, musicians, instructors, puppeteers, etc.
o Technical/Production – Payments for employee salaries, wages, and benefits specifically identified
with this activity for technical management and staff such as technical directors, wardrobe,
lighting and sound crew, stage managers, stage hands, video and film technicians, exhibit
preparers and installers, etc.
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• Federal Support – Cash support derived from grants or appropriations given for the proposed activities by
agencies of the federal government, or a proportionate share of such grants or appropriation allocated to
this activity.
• Fiscal Sponsor – A 501(c) nonprofit organization that assumes all fiduciary and contractual responsibilities
so an individual artist or unincorporated group may receive funding from the city.
• Foundation Support – Cash support derived from grants given for the proposed activities by private
foundations or a proportionate share of such grants allocated to this activity.
• Individual Artist Project – Artistic work, activities, or services created/performed by an individual artist or a
collection of artists not formally organized as a group. A group of artists collaborating on a project is not
necessarily considered a formally organized group. A group that is not incorporated as a nonprofit with the
State of California will be considered an individual artist project.
• In-Kind Contributions – Services or goods contributed to an individual artist or organization for which one
would otherwise have to pay. Services or goods provided by artists in a funded project, contract agency
employees, or board members fulfilling board duties are not considered in-kind services.
• Good Standing – To be in Good Standing with the Fort Fund program, an organization must not be delinquent on
any previous Fort Fund reports; must have used the new Fort Fund logo on promotional materials; and must
have listed the funded event on the Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau website calendar. Organizations
not in good standing will not be considered for funding for one calendar year.
• Literature – Readings, workshops, and the publication of works of local writers including poetry, scripts,
fiction, non-fiction, and sound or performance works. Projects of literary nonfiction such as essays, creative
writing depicting actual events, biography, autobiography, or other prose must be deemed worthy of
support as an art form.
• Marketing – All costs for marketing, publicity, and/or promotion specifically identified with the activity.
Include costs of newspapers, radio and television advertising, printing and mailing of brochures, flyers, and
posters directly connected to promotion, publicity, or advertising.
• Media Arts – Creating, producing, recording, presenting, promoting, or supporting film, video, audio, media
programming and multi-media installation. Areas of concentration include, but are not limited to:
animation, live action, electronic image manipulation, documentary, drama, and multimedia productions.
• Multidisciplinary – Fusing two or more art forms in a single event or programming. Only those projects that
are not appropriate for funding in other artistic disciplines should apply for funding under multidisciplinary.
It is important that you refer to the appropriate discipline components when applying in this category.
• Music – Classical, traditional, and new music including but not limited to symphonic, orchestral, opera,
chamber, choral, contemporary, early, vocal, popular, concert band, jazz, ethnic, gospel, electronic, and
computer music.
• New Applicant – An organization or artist that has not received funding through the Fort Fund Cultural
Services Funding Program(s) for two cycles within the last five fiscal years.
• Non-Arts Organization – A nonprofit 501(c) organization whose primary mission is not related to the arts
but has a documented history of providing arts programming and/or services within the City of Fort
Collins/G.M.A.
• Non-Employee Costs:
o Administrative – Payments to firms or persons for administrative services of individuals who are
not normally considered employees of the applicant, but are consultants or the employees of
other organizations whose services are specifically identified with the activity.
o Artistic – Payments to firms or persons for the artistic services of individuals who are not normally
considered employees of the applicant but are consultants or the employees of other
organizations, whose services are specifically identified with the activity.
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o Technical/Other – Payments to firms or persons for other services of individuals who are not
normally considered employees of the applicant, but are consultants or the employees of other
organizations whose services are specifically identified with the activity.
• Nonprofit Organization – An organization with tax-exempt status under Section 170c of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 as amended (501(c) status) that ensures no part of net earnings benefits a private
individual. Status may be in process at time of application but must be confirmed prior to contracting.
• Opera/Musical Theatre – Including but not limited to: traditional opera and musical theater, operetta,
Broadway musical comedy; nontraditional music theater such as documentary music theater, blues and jazz
musicals; new music theater pieces, and still evolving forms of musical theater.
• Other Financial
o Other Expenses – All expenses not entered in other categories and specifically identified with the
activity, such as: scripts and scores, lumber and nails, electricity, telephone, storage, postage,
interest charges, photographic supplies, publication purchases, sets and props, food consumed on
premises, equipment rental, insurance fees, etc.
o Other Private Support – Cash support derived from cash donations given for this activity or a
proportionate share of general donations allocated to this activity. Do not include corporate,
foundation, or government contributions and grants. Include gross proceeds from fundraising
events.
o Other Unearned – Revenue derived from sources other than those listed above. Include catalog,
sales, advertising space in programs, gift shop income, concessions, parking, investment income,
etc.
• Professional Development – Opportunities, workshops or training that help staff members and/or
individual artists enhance their artistic or administrative skills.
• Public Art – A permanent or temporary installation of art in a publicly visible and/or accessible location.
Note: Applicants proposing public art projects must obtain permission from the property owner prior to the
application deadline.
• Service Organization – An organization that provides services related to the presentation, execution,
management, and exhibition of the arts.
• Space Rental – Payments specifically identified with the activity for rental of office, rehearsal, theatre, hall,
gallery, and other such spaces.
• State Resources – Funds distributed by the Colorado Creative Industries or other state sources for this
project.
• Theatre/Performance Art – Producing, presenting, promoting, exhibiting, recording, or supporting theatre
and performance including, but not limited to: performance art, folkloric, cultural, drama, comedy,
ensemble and solo work, and avant-garde performance.
• Travel – All costs directly related to travel of an individual or individuals and specifically identified with the
activity. Includes fares, hotel and other lodging expenses, taxis, per diem payments, toll charges, mileage,
etc. For trucking, shipping, or hauling expenses, see “Other Financial Expenses”.
• Unearned Income – Revenue that is donated, such as grants and donor contributions.
• Underserved Audiences – Those who lack access to arts programs, services, or resources due to geography,
economic conditions, cultural background, sociopolitical circumstances, disability, age, or other
demonstrable factors. This includes, but is not limited to, diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, age, gender
groups, and persons with disabilities.
• Visual Arts – Producing, presenting, promoting, exhibiting, recording, or supporting visual arts, both historic
and contemporary, including, but not limited to, painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, ceramics,
fiberglass, glassmaking, photography, jewelry, textiles, and new technology such as computer art,
holography, 3D/Virtual, etc.
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Helpful Tips: Planning for Cultural Tourism
The expenditures of the Lodging Tax revenue are intended to support arts and cultural development and to
cultivate and promote cultural tourism. For arts and culture, cultural tourism can provide an opportunity for
greater earned income. Cultural tourism programs are the catalyst for new audiences and dollars, helping
artists, culture bearers and arts organizations to grow stronger in these days of declining federal grants and
increased competition for dollars at foundation and corporate levels. For tourism, arts and culture are the
expressions of a community’s heart and soul. Together they form an image that sets the city apart and
creates anticipation and excitement for the traveler (Americans for the Arts, MONOGRAPHS; January 2007).
Cultural tourism will be a concerted focus for the Cultural Services Department in the coming years in an
effort to grow and expand the visibility of Fort Collin’s unique and talented arts community. The city
recognizes and relies on all of the amazing marketing and programmatic successes already being achieved by
cultural contractors. In addition, the Cultural Services Department will be exploring collective and strategic
opportunities to promote Fort Collin’s arts and cultural offerings and creative industries. In an effort to
maximize the benefits of a collective marketing approach as a way to extend the visibility of your
organization, you are asked to initiate one or more of the following action items during the planning and
implementation of your annual program or projects.
• Link your website to www.visitftcollins.com/events
• Post all non-city-funded events and projects to www.visitftcollins.com/events
• Note nearby lodging facilities through promotional materials and website related to a program.
• Partner with an area hotel for a block of rooms for visiting artists or for out of town audience
members and promote the negotiated lodging rate in marketing materials. Invite front-line
staff of the hospitality industry to attend an event as a guest and to encourage them to
become a spokesperson for your organization or project.
• Drop program/project collateral materials to Visit Fort Collins and/or to travel centers
• Coordinate collective marketing with similar or comparable organizations or projects by advertising in
a regional, statewide, national or international publication.
• Plan for an effective social media outreach strategy for tourism-related audience development
In addition to its direct economic impact, tourism can improve quality of life and build community. When the
arts and tourism communities’ work together to highlight the unique character of a place, they can harness
market forces to educate and entertain visitors, preserve cultural assets, and engender community pride in
its heritage and way of life (Americans for the Arts; http://www.artsusa.org)
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RESOLUTION 2018-017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING FORT FUND GRANT DISBURSEMENTS
WHEREAS, providers of lodging accommodations in the City are required by Section
25-250 of the City Code to pay three percent of all revenues derived from such lodging
accommodations to the City as a lodging tax; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 25-244 of the City Code, twenty-five percent of those
revenues are reserved for cultural development and programming, and seventy-five percent of all
revenues received by the City from lodging tax are reserved for promotion of convention and
visitor activities; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 25-244 of the City Code, the Community Cultural
Development and Programming Account was established for the purpose of funding cultural
development and programming activities, and the Tourism Programming Account was
established for the purpose of funding tourist-related special events; and
WHEREAS, the City disburses funds from the City's Cultural Development and
Programming Account and Tourism Programming Account in accordance with Sections 2-
203(3) and 25-244 of the City Code through its Fort Fund Program; and
WHEREAS, the City's Cultural Resources Board reviews applications from the
community for Fort Fund monies and makes recommendations to the City Council in accordance
with Section 2-203(3) of the City Code, and in accordance with the administrative guidelines for
the Fort Fund program (the "Fort Fund Guidelines"); and
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on January 31, 2018, the Cultural Resources Board
recommended funding for various proposals based on the criteria and considerations set forth in
Section 2-203 of the City Code and the Fort Fund Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the use of lodging tax revenues will provide a public benefit to the Fort
Collins community by supporting cultural development and public programming activities within
the City that promote the use of public accommodations within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to approve Fort Fund grant disbursements as set
forth in Exhibit “A”; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the grant disbursements set forth in Exhibit “A”
serve a public purpose and benefit the community because they promote cultural development
and programming activities within the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
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Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That funds in the total amount of FORTY THOUSAND FIVE
HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE DOLLARS ($40,595) from the City's Cultural Development and
Programming Account are hereby approved for distribution as set forth in Exhibit "A".
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this
20th day of February, A.D. 2018.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
FORT FUND GRANT PROGRAM
JANUARY 2018
APPLICANT PROPOSED EVENT/DATE
FUNDING
REQUESTS
CULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT &
PROGRAMMING
TOURISM
PROGRAMMING
UNFUNDED
BALANCE
PERCENT OF
REQUEST
FUNDED
ARCINDA Classical to Contemporary - Javanese Gamelan Music and Dance
Location: CSU April 27, 2018
This event showcases a highlight of Indonesia as a part of Asian culture and includes traditional music and dance $2,000 $1,500 $0 $500 75%
from the Javanese Palace during the Indonesian monarchy and Dutch colonial times.
Cinco de Mayo of Northern Colorado, Inc. 2018 Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo Festival
Location: Old Town Square and Walnut Street Corridor May 5-6, 2018
The Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo festival will feature continuous entertainment which will include Local and Traveling, bands, $5,000 $4,250 $0 $750 85%
Mariachis, Mexican Folklore Dance, Food Vendors, Business Vendors, Non-Profit Booths, Community Speaker, Piñatas, KidZone area
CREATE PLACES, INC. Finding Your Way NORTH
Location: The North Fort April - October, 2018
Three day-long pop-up cultural events to be presented free of charge in open air locations in the North Fort, and a pop-up $5,000 $0 $0 $5,000 0%
bike and walk wayfinding campaign to be installed at the first event and last through these months and beyond.
DANCE EXPRESS Studio Concert 2018
Location: Fort Collins Senior Center May, 2018
Once a year, Dance Express troupe members present a concert of unique choreography developed over the course of several rehearsals $2,500 $1,875 $0 $625 75%
express personal styles of dance creativity. Studio Concert 2018 is a dance production presenting solo and group dance works.
DENVER ARTS + TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT MORPHOS Digital Dome Artist in Residence
Location: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery May 11-13, 2018
The audience will experience the world premiere of cutting-edge immersive interactive digital artwork curated through a $5,000 $4,000 $0 $1,000 80%
three part process; open call, hand selected works, and culmination of a one month artist-in-residence.
Downtown Business Association St. Patrick's Day Parade
Location: Downtown Fort Collins March 17, 2018
The Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade is a three-decades-running community celebration that winds along the streets of $5,000 $4,000 $0 $1,000 80%
historic downtown Ft. Collins.
Fort Collins Opera Guild Opera Appreciation
Location: Hixon Residence ; Avogandro's Number August 9, 2018 and Last Sunday of every month except December
The specific events sponsored by OFC Guild are Songs in the Summer and Arias. Songs in the Summer is comprised social $3,500 $2,975 $0 $525 85%
time with food and drink, followed by a musical program. Arias is comprised of four performers that play in a pub setting.
INTERNATIONAL KEYBOARD ODYSSIAD & FESTIVAL International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival (IKOF) in the Community
Location: MacKenzie Place and Center for the Arts, CSU June 20-23, 2018
International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival IKOF will present free concerts featuring two internationally acclaimed pianists $2,700 $2,295 $0 $405 85%
to the Fort Collins elderly and disabled.
Approved Funding
Fort Fund Project Support II
APPLICANT PROPOSED EVENT/DATE
FUNDING
REQUESTS
CULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT &
PROGRAMMING
TOURISM
PROGRAMMING
UNFUNDED
BALANCE
PERCENT OF
REQUEST
FUNDED
Approved Funding
National Association for Interpretation 2018 Poudre RiverFest
Location: Oxbow area across from New Belgium Brewery June 2, 2018
The mission is to promote public education, restoration and celebration of the City's iconic Cache La Poudre River. $4,000 $3,200 $0 $800 80%
N. Colorado Intertribal Powwow Assoc. 26th Annual Spring Contest Powwow and Indian Art Market
Location: Northside Aztlan Community Center April 7-8, 2018
The audience will experience a colorful celebration of the rich , yet humble diverse cultures of the Native American $5,000 $4,000 $0 $1,000 80%
people over a two day schedule of events.
Poudre Heritage Alliance Poudre Pour
Location: Carnegie Center for Creativity and Heritage Courtyard March 31, 2018
The Poudre Pour highlights the major ingredient that makes local craft brews so tasty… WATER from the Poudre River! $5,000 $4,250 $0 $750 85%
An afternoon of FUN and LEARNING will include 11 craft beer stations, natural soda tastings; appetizers: special guest speakers, etc.
Poudre Landmarks Foundation, Inc. Avery House Old-Fashioned 4th of July
Location: The 1879 Avery House and grounds July 4, 2018
Celebrate and old-fashioned July 4th at the 9th annual 1879 Avery House. Free event features live music, old-fashioned $5,000 $4,250 $0 $750 85%
games, crafts, activities, booths, food trucks, and more.
Sustainable Living Association Earth Day Fort Collins
Location: Civic Center Park April 21, 2018
The event kicks off with a Family Scavenger Hunt and features a combination of activities for the entire family, $5,000 $4,000 $0 $1,000 80%
including informational booths and displays, arts & crafts, live music, speakers, local food and a beer garden
Total Funding Requested by Applicants $54,700
Total Funding Recommended for disbursement by CRB $40,595 $0
Total Unfunded Balance $14,105
% of Requested Amounts Funded 74%
Scores are based on application materials and Fort Fund's "Criteria for Funding."