Durango Creates! Grant Application 

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

Notices

• Applicants cannot receive funding from both Durango Creates! and the Lodgers Tax Arts and Culture Grant.
• Marketing expenses are not eligible under this grant.

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.

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.

Applications are due Thursday, July 9th, and award notifications will be made on August 7th. 

Goals

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

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 the Durango Creative District at Director@DurangoCreativeDistrict.org. 

Evaluation Guidelines

1. Quality of project – were reviewers happy with the quality of the project?
2. Creativity – is this a new event or a continuing project?
3. DEI components – is the project created by/for, available, accessible, marketed to, and attended by multiple cultures, age demographics, and communities?
4. Community Engagement – how will this project engage various cohorts of our community?
5. Collaboration – who did you partner with for this event?
6. Off-Season impact – does the project take place outside of the summer months?
7. Duration – is this a one-time event, permanent, or temporary project? How will it be maintained?
8. Environmental sustainability – does the project abide by, and respect community efforts for environmentally sustainable activities?
9. 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.

Before submitting, make sure you review the full rubric on the Durango Create! webpage for complete details: https://www.durangoco.gov/1669/Durango-Creates-Grant

 Please 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.