Local Event Marketing Grant Application
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.
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.
Rubric
Your application will be judged on the following criteria:
- Quality of Marketing Plan for the Expenditure of Grant Dollars
- Feasibility of the Event
- Measurable Outcomes
- Community Engagement and Benefit
Timeline:
- Application Opens: November 7th
- Application Closes: December 7th
- Award Notifications: January 7th
Events taking place from January to April will be prioritized this round. Review the grant website for the dates of future funding rounds.
Before You Begin
Review the grant webpage, especially the FAQ section, before starting your application. We recommend reading through all questions in advance to gather any required documents or information.
Be sure to select either “Seed” or “Growth” in the first question, as this choice determines which version of the application you will see.
If you would like assistance, you may schedule a consultation appointment with City staff before or after submitting.
After submission, you can track your application status and respond to any follow-up requests through your Submittable account.
We look forward to learning about your event and the impact it will bring to Durango!
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.
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:
- In addition all projects must comply with Land Use and Development Code.
- For information pertaining to signs and sign permits go to:
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
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.
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.