Miami DDA - Downtown Miami Business Development | Miami DDA (2024)

The Miami Downtown Development Authority is launching our annual Downtown Creative Collaborators Grants (DCCG) for 2024-2025. This initiative is designed to blend creativity and innovation, transforming the historic district into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. The Miami DDA is looking for community-focused events that will foster connection, drawing locals and visitors alike to share in the magic of Downtown Miami.

Our mission is to discover talent and support a host of diverse activations, from family-friendly programming to artistic installations and everything in between. Your activation should infuse energy, passion, and excitement into our growing cultural hub, business district, and community. Let’s celebrate the multicultural traditions of Miami’s Original Downtown (MOD), where flavors, delight, and designs flourish. The Miami DDA wants to feature your unique artistic talent and expression to continue the cultural movement of Downtown.

We encourage you to be visionary and, where possible, think of highlighting the district’s open-air venues, historic architecture, or public spaces. Whether it’s a rooftop with panoramic city views or a serene park, the perfect backdrop for your artistic vision is here.

Help cement Downtown’s reputation as the Place to Live, Work, Play, and Invest with programming that turns up the dynamic pulse and pride in our community. Together, we can create remarkable experiences and illuminate our city’s vibrant spirit.

Apply for a 2024-2025 DCCG and let your imagination power the future of Downtown Miami.

1. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG) program is designed to support projects/events in FY2024-2025 that take place in Downtown Miami. The DCCG program will include innovative projects/events that should have a demonstrable economic impact in Downtown Miami while also strengthening its appeal as a global destination.

Applicants should review the goals of the Downtown Miami Master Plan 2025 and the Miami Downtown Development Authority’s (Miami DDA) mission statement. Both are found on www.miamidda.com.

This grant is reimbursable. Funds will be dispersed only after the project is complete and the final report is accepted. It is NOT intended as a long-term or continuous grant.

Please be advised that the grant terms and requirements outlined in this document are non-negotiable and will not be modified.

Projects/events submitted for funding must occur between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

2. APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY & FUNDING REQUIREMENTS

The Miami DDA values organizations producing and implementing multiple activations Downtown.For an application to be considered, it must meet the following requirements: 

• The project/event’s activation must occur within the Miami DDA boundaries and take place during the grant fiscal year (Oct 1, 2024 – Sept 30, 2025). Click here to see the boundaries on the map. 
• The applicant must have a reputation of professional and personal excellence and conduct. *All felonies &/or misdemeanors must be disclosed on the application.
  
• The applicant must submit documentation of having produced the activation in the past or a similar program. If this is the applicant’s first public activation, a comprehensive and detailed business plan needs to be submitted.
• The applicant must provide a confirmation letter or a letter of intent from the event venue confirming dates and times for the activation.
• Timelines for the activation must include all stages of the project/event including pre-marketing, live event, and wrap-up/post-event.
• If the project/event requires permitting from the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County, or approval from Bayfront Park, you are required to provide a copy of either the submitted permit application or an approved permit with your application.
• The applicant organization must be an active corporation in good standing as a “for profit” or “not-for-profit.” VisitSunbizto check your business status.
• The applicant must provide proof of funding commitments from other sources. The Miami DDA’s DCCG cannot be the only funding source for your project/event.

Applicants requested funding amount and procedures.

• Grant awards can range from $5,000.00 up to $50,000.00.
• Individual grant funding amount will be determined by the Grant Review Committee and/or the Miami DDA Board of Directors.
• Grant awards in the DCCG Program have a cap of $50,000.00. Event/projects awarded over $25,0000.00 will be required to present to the Miami DDA Board of Directors. The approval and funding amount will be decided by the Miami DDA Board of Directors.
• Applicant organizations requesting funding in an amount over $25,000.00 will be required to submit IRS Tax Forms (i.e. IRS 1120, 1040, or 990) for the last two years available.

3. PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE FOLLOWING

• Outdoor Venues – activating public spaces, green spaces, and unique open-air venues, for example, a rooftop, Miami Worldcenter, or city park that promotes Downtown Miami’s outdoor options.
• Community Building Opportunities – events/programs that promote and connect the Downtown community and attracts tourism. 
• Family Programming – events/activations that promote and provide programming suitable for the entire family to enjoy at an affordable ticket price point. Content that features our communities, history &/or natural resources in Miami-Dade is encouraged.
• Programming Featuring Miami as a Global City – promotes Downtown Miami as an international and diverse cultural center, a culinary destination, and an innovation hub.
• Cultural and Historic Education – featuring Downtown’s historic story &/or buildings. Content highlightsDowntown’s thriving art, culture, and entertainment community
• Public Transportation Awareness – build ridership and awareness of Downtown Miami’s multimodal transportation options through the event location and/or event marketing of Downtown’s diverse transportation options.
• Free or Discounted Projects/Events – Cost of admission/affordability is considered for grant funding. Free or discounted admissions for area residents, families, and students will receive funding priority. This must be clearly and visibly stated in marketing and promotional material when applicable.

4. APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINE

Applications available: Monday, July 1, 2024

Participant Meeting: Monday, July 15, 2024, Time: 2pm.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Jul 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: 2024-2025 Downtown Creative Collaborators (DCC) Grant informational meeting
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aMHD–UsRPC1csL4HbQlTg

*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Deadline for submissions: Monday, August 19, 2024, @ 11:59 pm

Selection Committee Meeting: Week of September 23, 2024. Day & Time: TBD

Miami DDA Executive Board Meeting: Friday, October 25, 2024

2024-2025 Downtown Creative Collaborator Grant Recipients Announced: Monday, October 28, 2024

ACE Downtown Creative Collaborators Reception: Thursday, October 31, 2024 (Tentative)

To be considered, applicants must submit one (1) completed application form, including all supporting documents, to the Miami DDA via Submittable –  https://miamidda.submittable.com no later than Monday, August 19, 2024, @ 11:59 pm. The Miami DDA will NOT accept any hand-delivered files.

Every submission will receive a confirmation of receipt from the Submittable platform within 24 hours. Contact Yami Roa at roa@miamidda.com or Kim Hills at hills@miamidda.com if you do not receive a confirmation email within that time. Please make sure to keep a copy of the confirmation for your records.

Submittable Application: All communication, including submissions, questions, and updates regarding the DCCG program, must be done through the grant-dedicated platform, Submittable. No communication will be accepted through regular email.

Adding a Collaborator to the applicant’s Submittable account: The Miami DDA strongly advises that the applicant add a Collaborator to its Submittable account. A collaborator is a coworker or colleague within the organization who has access to the grant application account, should the main applicant be absent or cannot continue administering the grant process. For instructions on adding a Collaborator, please click here.

5. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Projects/events should reflect the goals of the Downtown Miami Master Plan 2025 and the Miami DDA’s mission to further the Downtown Miami brand by contributing to the diversity of its offerings. The Miami DDA may request additional information to clarify abilities and strategies, as noted below.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria (note: criteria are not mutually exclusive and are not listed in any particular order):

Administrative Ability: (As determined by Application, Program Overview, and Letters of Support)

• Clarity and integrity of application and attachments.
• A detailed timeline outlining the marketing strategy to impact public awareness for your event. Marketing strategy for all stages for pre/post activation.
• Post-event data and insights required.
• Past project, company, or applicant performance, if applicable. 
• Two letters of support on official letterhead or containing organization logo.
  • Letters of event support can be requested from the following: government officials such as the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade County School Board, local schools, homeowners’ associations, community groups, local schools, and neighborhood associations located within the Miami DDA District. Click here to access the DCCG Toolkit that contains contact information.
  • If you are unable to secure support letters from government agencies, community groups (HOA) or organizations, provide recommendations from Downtown stakeholders or businesses you’ve collaborated with. They should endorse the benefits of hosting this project/event in the Miami DDA District.

Marketing Impact: (as determined by the Program Timeline, Marketing Summary, Press Coverage, and Past Performance)

• Demonstrate a clear strategic plan for marketing & promotion of event within Miami DDA boundaries. All creative marketing methods such as print and radio advertising, social media, “grassroots or out- of -home” marketing are encouraged.
  • Provide timeline for launching marketing and outreach to communities (must be realistic/achievable).
  • Provide concept or concrete documents/images of marketing, branding and/or logo for event.
  • Consideration of discounts on admission or free for residents, families, and students (when applicable).
  • Incorporating Downtown culinary destinations into marketing when applicable. Dine Downtown – Miami DDA
  • Encourage the use of public transportation, i.e., Metromover, Trolley, Freebee, Brightline Getting to and Around Downtown – Miami DDA
  • Highlight events taking place in the heart of Downtown near Miami Worldcenter, on the BayWalk, Third Avenue, Flagler Street and Parcel B.
  • Indicate if the project/event will be promoted in different languages.
  • Promote project/event locally and regionally.

Additional Miami DDA requirements:

• • Submit all marketing/promotional material, including the Miami DDA logo, via email for approval. Material must be submitted at least four weeks prior to distribution.
  • The Miami DDA provides event promotional assistance through its DWNTWNR newsletter. Click here for event submission deadlines and the newsletter distribution schedule.
  • Tag@downtownmia, the Miami DDA, in all social media handles for reposting to increase event exposure.

• Effectiveness of promotional reach local/regional/national/international. 
  • If awarded a grant, all PR/advertising materials must list Miami DDA as an event sponsor. Signage with the Miami DDA and logo as an event sponsor must be on site and displayed throughout the project/event. Miami DDA Signage will be provided at no cost to grant recipients.
    • The Miami DDA logo will be provided in digital format in the DCCG Toolkit in its official color and in black and white. These are the only approved logos for marketing/promotion. Do not redesign, change the colors, or distort the logo.
• Post-event Submission of all Forms Media/Collateral Used
  • Provide social media insights and analytics of the marketing campaign with the Final Report. Provide PDF of DDA sponsorship & images of official DDA signage at the event.

1. Fiscal Management (as determined by budgets):

• Accuracy and prudence of all budgets.
• Provide a list of confirmed sponsors.

6. GRANT EXPENDITURES AND RESTRICTIONS

Allowable expenditures:

• Production costs related to the proposed project/event.
• Artistic fees associated with the proposed project/event.
• Honorariums to Talent (models, emcee, day of event staff).
• Equipment rental and expendable materials.
• Marketing and publications.

Restricted (Non-Allowable) expenditures:

• The purchase of “brick and mortar” or permanent equipment.
• Debt reduction.
• Programs or activities outside the Miami DDA district boundaries.
• Income-generating events for organizations other than those applying for the grant.
• Lobbying or propaganda materials. This includes materials of a biased or misleading nature used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.
• Payments to the organizer, full-time or part-time staff, or organization listed on the application. Only staff hired specifically for the event.
• Event insurance.
• Travel expenses i.e., airfare, automobile/bus rentals, train fare, etc.
• Charitable contributions.

7. APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

Eligibility Review: Miami DDA Staff will review applications submitted for completeness and eligibility. Each proposal will be assessed to determine if all stated requirements and compliance are complete upon submission. Miami DDA staff may contact the organization to verify the information supplied in the application or for assistance with collecting supporting documentation.

A “responsive” submission is one that: 

1. Its event/project venue/location is within the Miami DDA boundaries.
2. Is submitted in the format outlined in the application.
3. Is submitted on or before the deadline date and time.
4. Includes all required documentation.

Please comply with these requirements to ensure your proposal is responsive.

8. GRANT EVALUATION

The Miami DDA CEO/Executive Director will appoint a Grant Review Committee (GRC) for DCCG. The committee will comprise Downtown stakeholders, residents, and Miami DDA Staff. Current grant applicants are not eligible to serve on the committee. 

The Miami DDA reserves the right to investigate the financial capability, reputation, integrity, skill, and performance quality under similar operations of each respondent. The GRC will review the submissions that do comply with the eligibility requirements.

In due course, applicants may be contacted to answer questions and provide additional information to support their submission. The contact information on the application form will be used for all future correspondence.

All applicants will be notified of the final decision via email. 

9. COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS AND RELEASE OF FUNDS

• Following the email notification that the Grantee has been awarded a DCCG, the Grant Recipient will have up to fifteen (15) days to accept the award. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of receiving the grant awarded.
• A Final Report is required within forty-five (45) days of the project completion date. The grant award may be forfeited if the Final Report is not received within 45 days after completion of the event.
• The grant recipient must send a request for payment/invoice with a current W-9 to the Miami DDA within forty-five (45) days of the completion of the event. The grant award check is prepared and mailed directly to the Grantee at the address on the W-9. The Grantee is responsible for notifying staff in writing of any address changes during this process. Grant awards not invoiced within this period may be forfeited.
• Following the award notification, the Miami DDA will request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This COI must list both the City of Miami and the Miami DDA as additional insured parties and must encompass all necessary coverage, including Commercial General Liability, Business Automobile Liability, and Worker’s Compensation. Furthermore, the event date(s) must fall within the coverage period specified in the COI. Funds will NOT be released if this requirement is not met. Click here for insurance requirements.
  
• If the applicant received the grant in the previous fiscal year, grant awards for the new fiscal year will not be released until the final report and required documentation for the prior year have been received.
• Grant funds not encumbered (contracted for) by the end of the Miami DDA’s fiscal year in which they were awarded or for which a project extension has not been approved shall revert to the Miami DDA on September 30, 2025.
• If your project/event is postponed, or there is a change in date, venue, or programming, the Grantee must notify the Miami DDA in writing to request approval of such change. If there is a new event date, the date must be within the grant-funding period.
• In the event that your project/event is canceled, the Grantee must notify the Miami DDA in writing immediately.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:

• DO complete all required fields on the online application. If a question does not apply to your organization, mark “N/A” or “Not Applicable.”
• DO list a contact person knowledgeable about the project, organization, and budget and can be reached during office hours (weekdays, 9 am – 5 pm).
• Upload proof of business ownership from Sunbiz.
• Certify commitment to Program guidelines.
• DO ensure your completed submission is received in Submittable – https://miamidda.submittable.com before the deadline date and time.
• Do keep a copy of your submission confirmation email.
• DO keep a copy of the completed application for your records.
• DO NOT substitute the application with a self-created form.
• DO NOT contact Miami DDA Staff, Board Members, and review committee members to lobby or advocate for the grant.
  

*IF YOU HAVE ANY TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH THE SUBMISSION PROCESS, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH SUPPORT@SUBMITTABLE.COM.

**Information is subject to change. Please check back periodically for the most updated information.