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Local Event Marketing Grant

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Local Event Marketing Grant Application

The Local Event Marketing Grant (LEMG) program is funded by Durango’s lodgers’ tax, as approved by voters through the following ballot language of Resolution No. R-2022-37:

SHALL CITY OF DURANGO INCREASE… THE CITY LODGERS’ TAX FROM 2% TO 5.25%... FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MARKETING, INCLUDING ADVERTISING AND ATTRACTING CONFERENCES, CONVENTIONS, AND MEETINGS;"

The purpose of this grant is to support marketing expenses for local events that drive visitors and improve the quality of life in Durango. Funding is intended to help events reach wider audiences, attract visitors, and generate economic benefits for the community. Applications should focus on how the requested funding will promote the event effectively, increase attendance, and contribute to Durango’s cultural and economic vitality.

Please review the rubric and supporting materials to ensure your application meets these goals. If you have any questions, feel free to call Staff at 970-375-4770.

Please remember that an organization can only be awarded once per calendar year.

Timeline:

Application Opens: June 9th
Application Closes: July 6th at 11:59 pm
Review Period: July 14th-30th
Award Notifications: August 7th

Before You Begin

Welcome to the Local Event Marketing Grant (LEMG) application! This form is hosted on Submittable, which allows you to create a free account, save your progress, invite collaborators, and return later to finish your submission at your own pace. If you experience any technical issues, please visit Submittable’s Help Center.

Estimated Time to Complete:

Seed Application: 45–120 minutes
Growth Application: 90–180 minutes

We recommend reviewing all questions ahead of time to gather any documents or information you may need. Once you submit, you can view your application status and any follow-up requests through your Submittable account. We look forward to learning about your event!

Enter your organization's Legal name, EIN, or UEI below. This will link your application to your organization's IRS or SAM.gov portal. If you prefer, you can also click "Skip" to proceed directly to the application.

Re:New Grant

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Goals

Enhance the unique character of Durango's Character Districts.
Support Durango business and property owners.
Catalyze economic activity while building the tax base.

Overview

The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant of up to $5000 for improvements to properties which are visible from the public right-of-way. This incentive program allows the City to help local businesses while leveraging private investment to achieve the goals of the Durango Districts Initiative. Through the Durango Districts initiative, the community will create a unique vision and plan for 10 different mixed-use areas. These community created visions will guide future development allowing the City to be proactive versus reactive as our City experiences growth pressures.

Currently, some of the buildings and properties in the Districts are in need of investment. This grant invites businesses and property owners to help achieve the community vision for these areas by joining the effort to revitalize these essential corridors.

Program Summary & Eligibility

The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant. The City’s match may be a maximum of $5,000. Improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way and contribute to the unique character of the District. This is a reimbursement grant and payments will be made to property owners after the work is completed. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and all applications must be submitted before November 1st. Projects must be completed by year end. Applications are reviewed by City staff and the final decision is made by Durango's City Council.

Evaluation Guidelines

Funds are awarded based on professional design concepts and distributed after the project is completed. Staff and Durango City Council will evaluate applications based on:

Overall impact
Compatibility & advancement of Design Guidelines
Visual impact from right of way
Quality of proposal

Eligible Participants

Commercial and mixed-use property owners.
Business owners with a minimum of two years remaining on their lease and written approval from the property owner.

Examples of Eligible Projects

Façade improvements such as awnings, windows, and adding appropriate exterior materials
New or updated signage
Outdoor seating areas, performance venues, plazas, and other gathering spaces
Sidewalks, curbs, gutters, ADA compliant ramps
Landscaping including street trees
Exterior painting and murals
Professional Services (i.e. Artists, Architects)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RE:NEW grant?

The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant of up to $5,000 for improvements to buildings or properties which are visible from the public right-of-way. This program is available to businesses and property owners. The goal of this program is to incentivize and leverage private improvements in order to enhance the character of the district.

Who can apply for funding?

Commercial and mixed-use property owners located in the one of Durango's Character Districts.
Business owners with a minimum of two years remaining on their lease and approval from the property owner.

What type of improvements are eligible?

New Projects - This program is only available for new projects. Applications must be submitted prior to the start of the project.

Projects that are visible from the public right of way. Can a pedestrian see these improvements walking down the sidewalk?
Façade improvements such as awnings, windows, and adding appropriate exterior materials
New or updated signs
Outdoor seating areas, performance venues, plazas or other gathering spaces
Sidewalks, curbs, gutter, ADA compliant ramps
Landscaping including street trees
Exterior paint and murals
- All projects must comply with the City of Durango’s Design Guidelines and applicable land use standards.

Evaluation Guidelines

Funds are awarded based on professional design concepts and distributed after the project is completed. Staff and Durango City Council will evaluate applications based on:

Overall impact
Compatibility with and advancing goals of the Design Guidelines
Visual impact
Quality of proposal

How does the application process work?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 1st to November 1st or until grant funds run out. All projects must be completed by December 31st. Grants are reviewed and approved at the City Council meetings. City Councils meets every 2 weeks. Applications must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior for review (Example: To be on the agenda of the June City Council meeting, you would need to submit your application by May 15th).

Process:

Pre-application meeting to determine eligibility
Business or property owner submits an application
Staff reviews the application for eligibility and completeness
City Council reviews and determines funding
Business or property owner completes the project
Business or property owner requests reimbursement by providing receipts and photos of completed work
Staff reviews and processes the reimbursement request. Reimbursements can take up to 30 days

How does the funding work?

This is a matching grant, meaning for every $1 the applicant pays, the City of Durango will pay $1, with a maximum grant contribution of $5000. This is also a reimbursement grant. Applicants will not receive the funding until all the work is completed and receipts are provided. After a reimbursement request is filed, it can take up to 30 days to receive funding.

Are there any Design Guidelines?

The City of Durango has Commercial Design Guidelines for applicants to follow:
- https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/durango-co-comdg/doc-view.aspx?tocid=&print=1
In addition all projects must comply with Land Use and Development Code.
- http://online.encodeplus.com/regs/durango-co/
For information pertaining to signs and sign permits go to:
- http://online.encodeplus.com/regs/durango-co/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-8

What happens after a project is selected for funding?

Projects awarded funding from the RE:NEW Grant must be completed within 90 days of approval - unless otherwise approved by the City Council. All projects must be completed by December 31st . The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and ensuring the work is in compliance with City code.

Submitting Applications

Note all applications are due by 4:00 pm on the 15th of each month.
Applications are open from January 1 to November 1.
Submit all applications using the online form.

Additional questions?

Email: tommy.crosby@durangoco.gov or call 970-375-4855

Parking Strip Turf Grass Replacement Application

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This program incentivizes local residents, businesses, and organizations to replace unnecessary turf grass with native and natural landscaping in order to help conserve water. The program is designed to help existing properties align with City of Durango design guidelines and state legislation regarding right-of-way landscaping as well as support state-wide efforts to track and better understand the outcomes of turf grass replacement.

This form must be submitted and your application must receive approval BEFORE your begin your project!

Rebates cannot be put towards any costs incurred before approval.

Please note that you will receive email updates regarding your application from notifications@email.submittable.com. Please be sure to check your email junk filter to make sure these messages are not being blocked.

Durango Creates! - Round 2

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Durango Creates! Grant Application

Creative community projects that enhance Durango’s unique sense of place

Notices

Applicants can no longer receive funding from both Durango Creates! and Lodgers Tax Arts and Culture Grants.
Marketing expenses are no longer eligible under this grant.

Goals

Invest in small-scale community-driven projects focused on placemaking and community engagement.
Catalyze and enhance the connection between arts and culture and local businesses.
Support creative professionals and encourage cross-industry relationships.
Provide cultural experiences that are free and open to the public

Overview

This program is designed to encourage creative projects that can be enjoyed by the public based on a concept called creative placemaking. Creative placemaking capitalizes on the community’s assets, inspiration and potential with the intention of creating public spaces that promote health, happiness and well-being. The purpose of the grant is to increase interest and engagement in areas across all of Durango.

Examples of Eligible Projects

Public Art
Murals
Sculptures
Temporary Installations
Parklets
Plazas
Public Seating
Free Public Events
Beautification
Projects within Durango City Limits
First Friday performance and artist fees (if free and publicly accessible)
Performance Art and Experiences

This grant originated to encourage a concentration of creative projects in the North Main and Camino character districts, increasing interest and engagement in these areas. While the grant still encourages creative projects in character districts, it is available for experiences across all of Durango city limits. Projects must be publicly accessible and free to the public. This grant is open to individuals, businesses, neighborhood groups and non-profits.

The first application deadline is Monday, March 31, with awardees notified by Friday, May 9, 2025. The second application deadline is Tuesday, July 15, with awardees notified by Friday, August 22, 2025.

Funding

The Durango Creates! Grant offers funding up to $5000 for materials, artist fees, supplies, and more. This is a reimbursement grant, and funds will be distributed following the completion of the approved project.

Process

Step 1: Identify the project, location, and partners
Step 2: Ensure all projects have necessary permits and preliminary approvals
Step 3: Complete and submit Durango Creates! application
Step 4: Durango Creative District staff reviews application for eligibility and completion
Step 5: Durango Creative District review committee evaluates and awards funding
Step 6: Implement Project
Step 7: Submit appropriate paperwork for reimbursement no later than December 1, 2025.

Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Durango Creative District Executive Director Kathryn Waggener at director@durangocreativedistrict.org.

Evaluation Guidelines

Quality of project – were you happy with the quality of the project?
Creativity – is this a new event or a continuing project?
DEI components – is the project created by/for, available, accessible, marketed to, and attended by multiple cultures, age demographics, and communities?
Community Engagement – how will this project engage various cohorts of our community?
Collaboration – who did you partner with for this event?
Off-Season impact – does the project take place outside of the summer months?
Duration – is this a one-time event, permanent, or temporary project? How will it be maintained?
Environmental sustainability – does the project abide by, and respect community efforts for environmentally sustainable activities?
Quality of proposal – does the proposal meet all requirements and include all necessary supplementary documents?

Each category will be scored on a 1 – 9 scale (1 = poor, 9 = exceptional). Evaluations with the highest cumulative score are likely to receive funding closer to their requested amount. Certain categories may not apply to certain projects, and that will be considered during the evaluation.

Below is the rubric used by application reviewers to assist with the review process:

Category: Creativity

Weight: 20%

Criteria Overview: Project brings imagination, originality, inventiveness, cleverness, sustainability.

Elements of a High Scored Project:

Project is clearly tied, and strengthens, arts and culture in Durango.
Imagination is central to this project.
Project is an original work.
Engages nearly all of the senses of the viewer in various ways.
Project stretches organizational thinking and artistic imagination.
Celebrates and enriches cultural heritage.
Significant contribution to broadening conversation around arts and culture in Durango.

Category: DEI Components

Weight: 20%

Criteria Overview: Project is created by/for, available, accessible, marketed to, and attended by multiple cultures, ages, demographics, and communities.