Fiscal Year 2022 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency Grant Funding RecommendationCopyrighted
September 7, 2021
City of Dubuque Action Items # 1.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Fiscal Year 2022 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency Grant Funding
Recommendation
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council concurrence with the Arts &
Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission recommendation for recipients and
funding levels of the Fiscal Year 2022 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency
G rants.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
FIN aL[91:ILyil21zIII l+]
Description Type
FY22 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency Grants-MVM City Manager Memo
Memo
Memo to MVM re FY22 Arts Culture Creative
Resiliency Grant Funding Recommendation Staff Memo
FY22 Resiliency Grant Scoring_For Commission Supporting Documentation
Review
Guidelines—FINAL—FY22 Creative Resiliency Grant Supporting Documentation
THE CITY
DUOF
B TEE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: FY2022 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency Grant Funding
Recommendation
DATE: August 30, 2021
Dubuque
All -America City
IN
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator Jenni Petersen -Brant recommends City Council
concurrence with the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission recommendation for
recipients and funding levels of the FY2022 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency Grants
as follows:
• DBQ Symphony Orchestra, $1,500
• Creative Adventure Lab, $1,500
• Dubuque County Historical Society, $1,500
• Grand Opera House, $1,500
• Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, $1,250
• Bell Tower Theater, $1,250
• Northeast Iowa School of Music, $1,250
• Rising Star Theater Company, $1,000
• Dubuque Chorale, $1,000
• Dubuque Chapter A010 of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Music Men), $750
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Jenni Petersen -Brant, Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator
Dubuque
THE C
DUUB_-"&__FE
All•Anerie� Cigr
n�tx_�ni. i rve: i ry d r
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Jenni Petersen -Brant, Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator
Economic Development Department
Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs
1300 Main St
Dubuque, IA 52001
Office (563) 589-4393
TTY (563) 690-6678
http://www.cityofdubuque.org
SUBJECT: FY2022 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency Grant Funding Recommendation
DATE: August 26, 2021
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum requests City Council concurrence with the recommended recipients and
funding levels of the FY2022 Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency grant applicants.
BACKGROUND
The Arts & Culture Creative Resiliency Grant program was formalized in June 2021 by the
approval of the Dubuque City Council as a non -recurring grant program for FY 2022 funded
by FY 2021 balances from the Arts & Culture Operating Support and Special Projects
programs. The amount reallocated to the new program was $23,311.
Creative Resiliency grant applications were accepted between June 8, 2021 and July 9,
2021. Ten (10) applications were submitted, requesting $12,500 in total funding; individual
requests were limited to $750, $1,000, $1,250, or $1,500 based on an organization's
operating budget.
Due to fewer requests then anticipated, $7,900 of the new program's aforementioned
$23,311 reallocation was approved for use with recently awarded FY 2022 Operating Support
and Special Projects grants, leaving a balance of $15,411 for consideration in the process
discussed below.
A two -person panel reviewed and scored applications. Scoring was then considered and a
funding recommendation provided by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission (Arts
Commission). Myself, as staff for the City's Arts Commission, has overseen the process
throughout.
DISCUSSION
The jury panel comprised of the following individuals reviewed applications:
Noelle Chesney, Commissioner (Business Professional seat) with Arts & Cultural
Affairs Advisory Commission, Dubuque, IA
Emily Gruszczynski, Development and Marketing Manager for Fountain of Youth,
Dubuque, IA
Typically, reviewers are not Commissioners. Chesney was asked to participate in the process
to as she has extensive nonprofit development expertise and is relatively new to the
community. Chesney also works outside of, and is not associated, with any of the ten
applicants.
Panelist scoring was based on a 9-point rubric, that had been previously recommended by
the Arts Commission and approved by City Council on June 7, 2021. Scoring was received
and compiled for Commissioner review by staff, with competitive ranking of applications and
corresponding funding levels provided to the Arts Commission for consideration during a
Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
Staff provided the attached anonymized worksheet that outlined three funding scenarios for
the Arts Commission's consideration. Following discussion, the seven -member Arts
Commission unanimously voted in support of Option #1 to fully fund all the requests as
funding is available and all applications received sufficient marks from reviewers.
Applicants are recommended to receive funding as follows:
• DBQ Symphony Orchestra, $1,500
• Creative Adventure Lab, $1,500
• Dubuque County Historical Society, $1,500
• Grand Opera House, $1,500
• Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, $1,250
• Bell Tower Theater, $1,250
• Northeast Iowa School of Music, $1,250
• Rising Star Theater Company, $1,000
• Dubuque Chorale, $1,000
• Dubuque Chapter A010 of the Barbershop Harmony Society (Music Men), $750
Funding recommended above totals $12,500. In addition, the activities as outlined across
applicants represent total cash and in -kind investment from private and public sources of
$450,130. The proposed grant activities that "expand organizational capacity, increase
financial stability, promote equity and inclusion, and enhance programmatic offerings in
response to COVID-19 and inequity concerns exacerbated in 2020" per the program
guidelines, will be implemented prior to June 30, 2022 with final reports due by August 30,
2022.
The Arts Commission recognizes that the above recommendation leaves a balance of $2,911
in the Creative Resiliency grant program and will recommend a use for these funds at a
future date within the current fiscal year.
BUDGETIMPACT
There are no new budget impacts.
RECOMMENDATION/ ACTION STEP
I respectfully request concurrence with the Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission
recommendation as outlined above to fund FY2022 Creative Resiliency grant applicants for
approval by City Council.
CC: Jill Connors, Economic Development Director
Jenny Larson, Finance Director
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Kelly Larson, Human Rights Director
Average of
2
Completed
FY's
Operating
Option 1
Budget
Eligible
= Max
Option 2
Option 3 =
Total (out
Prior to
Award
Eligible
= Based
Tiered /
Total Project
of 18)
Average
Grade
COVID-19
Level
for all
on Grade
Weighted
Type of Project
Cost
Increase financial stability and
address future funding gaps of
17.00
8.5
94.4%
$353,956
$1,250
$ 1,250
$1,181
$1,250.00
the organization
$ 9,650
Enhance programmatic offerings
17.001
8.5
94.4%
$269,0921
$1,250
$ 1,250
$1,181
$1,250.00
to meet community needs
$ 2,800
Increase financial stability and
address future funding gaps of
the organization; Enhance
programmatic offerings to meet
17.00
8.5
94.4%
$92,823
$1,000
$ 1,000
$944
$1,250.00
community needs
$ 92,005
Promote equity and inclusion
through access to or
representation in arts and
17.00
8.5
94.4%1
$1,055,197
$1,500
$ 1,500
$1,417 $1,500.00 culture programs
Promote equity and inclusion
$ 46,957
through access to or
representation in arts and
16.00
8
88.9%
$606,231
$1,500
$ 1,500
$1,333 $1,350.00 culture programs
Increase financial stability and
$ 71,486
address future funding gaps of
the organization; Promote equity
and inclusion through access to
or representation in arts and
culture programs; Enhance
programmatic offerings to meet
16.00
8
88.9%
$63,995
$1,000
$ 1,000
$889 $900.00 community needs
Increase financial stability and
$ 32,363
address future funding gaps of
the organization; Promote equity
and inclusion through access to
or representation in arts and
16.00
8
88.9%1
$5,639,866
$1,500
$ 1,500
$1,333 $1,350.00 culture programs
Expand organizational capacity;
$ 166,732
Increase financial stability and
address future funding gaps of
16.001
8
88.9%
$625,368
$1,500
$ 1,500
$1,333 $1,350.00 the organization
Expand organizational capacity;
$ 23,977
Increase financial stability and
address future funding gaps of
15.00
7.5
83.3%
$260,604
$1,250
$ 1,250
$1,042 $1,062.00 the organization
Expand organizational capacity;
$ 2,500
Increase financial stability and
address future funding gaps of
the organization; Promote equity
and inclusion through access to
12.00
6
66.7%
$13,048
$750
$ 750
$500 $525.00 or representation in arts and
$11,153 $ 11,787
$ 1,660
$ 12,500
$ 450,130
THE CF
DUt�B_
E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
City of Dubuque, Iowa
ARTS & CULTURE GRANT PROGRAM
CREATIVE RESILIENCY
GUIDELINES
PURPOSE
The City of Dubuque, through the Creative Resiliency Grant Program, offers limited, flexible support to
arts, humanities and cultural nonprofit organizations operating within Dubuque city limits to undertake
activities that expand organizational capacity, increase financial stability, promote equity and inclusion,
and enhance programmatic offerings in response to COVID-19 and inequity concerns exacerbated in
2020.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Dubuque -based nonprofit organizations who have a primary mission to provide the general public with
programs or activities in areas directly concerned with arts, arts education, or cultural heritage. Eligible
applicants must have operated as a nonprofit, tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of IRS code for at
least two years prior to the application date.
INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
• For -profit organizations or businesses;
• Nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is focused on religious, political, social service,
or athletic activities;
• Organization that uses a fiscal agent or the nonprofit or federal tax-exempt status of another
organization;
• Educational institutions including K-12 schools, universities, and community colleges;
• An organization with an outstanding Final Report associated with previous grant awards from
FY20 or prior Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs funding opportunities.
FUNDING GUIDELINES
Grant amounts will be awarded based on an organization's annual cash operating expenses, taken as
an average of the organization's reported operating expenses from the 2 fiscal cycles prior to March 17,
2020.
Organizational Operating Expenses
Maximum Grant Award
$10,000 - $49,999
$750
$50,000 - $149,999
$1,000
$150,000 - $499,999
$1,250
$500,000 +
$1,500
Funding levels can be impacted by the number of eligible applicants and how an application scores
against the scoring rubric.
ELIGIBLE USE OF FUNDS
Grant funds may be used to support programmatic and operating expenses incurred within the eligible
funding period. Funds must be used to support direct costs for activities that fulfill the mission of the
grant recipient and support activities that support organizational and community resiliency as outlined in
the grant submission.
INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES AND EXPENSES
• Expenses that occur prior to or after the
funding period
• Religious, political, and sports activities
• Fundraising or benefit events
• Competitions, contests, or awards to honor
or recognize achievement
• Food, beverage, or catering costs
• International travel
• Capital projects, ie. construction, property
renovation
• Regranting
• Lobbying activities
• Acquisition or purchase of artwork for
permanent collections
INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES AND EXPENSES
Applicants are required to demonstrate matching funds for the direct costs that support the proposed
activities in an amount that is equal to or greater than the total grant amount requested. The required
match may be in -kind, cash, or a combination of the two. Other grant funds from the City of Dubuque
may not be used as matching funds.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Applications must be submitted via the online application form no later than 11:59PM on Friday, July 9,
2021. Include only the materials requested. Changes or additional materials outside of the submission
deadline will not be accepted.
TIMELINE
• Tuesday, June 8 - Applications available at www.cityofdubuque.org/artsgrant
• Friday, June 11 from 2-3PM - Informational Webinar via GoToWebinar
• Friday, July 9 by 11:59PM — Creative Resilience grant applications due
• August — Notifications and contracts released
• September — Anticipated disbursement of funds
RATING CRITERIA
1. Impact of operational adaptations and changes made since March 17, 2020 on organization's
current financial and programmatic situation. (3 points)
2. Proposed use of funds is clearly defined and supports activities that build resilience through arts
and cultural practices for the organization and in the community. (3 points)
3. Overall case for support actively advances the City of Dubuque's Arts and Culture Master Plan
goals and priorities. (3 points)
IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)
The City of Dubuque strives to be an equitable community of choice and supports organizations that
advance that goal. It is important that grantees demonstrate commitment to welcoming and serving any
and all Dubuque residents, integrating DEI best practices into their operations, and presenting diverse
art forms, creative voices, and cultural experiences.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Applications will be scored by a panel composed of professionals in the arts, culture, or nonprofit
management fields. Scoring will be reviewed by the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission to
determine funding levels and provide a recommendation for approval or adjustment by the City Council.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
If awarded funding, the applicant must acknowledge the City of Dubuque's support in appropriate
communications pertaining to this grant. Recognition guidelines and logos are available for download at
the City's website.
REPORTING
Applicants must submit a performance report within 60 days of the end of the funding cycle no later
than August 31, 2022. The applicant agrees to retain all financial records, reporting documents, and all
other records pertinent to the City of Dubuque grant program for a period of three calendar years
beyond the contract.
APPLICATION ACCESS AND QUESTIONS
We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to everyone. Please contact the
Office of Arts and Culture Affairs at 563.690.6059 or 0brant(a)cityofdubug ue.ora to request any
accommodations, translation, interpretation, or other assistance you need in completing this process.
The organization submitting the application is solely responsible for the content and timely submission
of this grant
SCORING RUBRIC
1. 2020 Operation Adaptations and Shifts: 3 points
3
2
1
Applicant demonstrates initiative
Applicant appropriately adapted
Applicant demonstrates little effort
and creativity in adapting
operations over the past year.
to adapt operations and/or unclear
operations over the past year to
how operations were adapted.
stabilize and continue operations
and community engagement.
2. Appropriateness and Claritv of Fundinq Usaqe: 3 points
3
2
1
Applicant clearly identifies how
Applicant provides adequate
Applicant does not clearly identify
grant funds will be used to meet
information on how the grant funds
how grant funds will be used to
stated goal(s). Project budget and
will be used to achieve the stated
achieve the strategic goal(s).
intended use of requested funds
goal(s). Project budget, intended
Project budget, intended use of
are clear and appropriate. Activity
use of requested funds and match
requested funds or sources of
demonstrates financial support by
sources are identified.
match are unclear or inadequate.
leveraging diverse sources of cash
and/or in -kind matches that are
well-defined.
3. Advances the City of Dubuque's Arts and Culture Master Plan: 3 points
3
2
1
Applicant clearly describes how the
Applicant adequately connects the
How the activities align with the
proposed activities directly align
proposed activities to the City's Arts
City's Arts and Culture Master Plan
with priorities and makes a strong
and Culture Master Plan priorities.
is ambiguous and minimal evidence
case for how activities will advance
Activities described are somewhat
is provided of how activities will
the goals of the City of Dubuque's
likely to advance the Plan's goals.
advance the City's Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture Master Plan.
Master Plan goals.
FOR REFERENCE
CITY OF DUBUQUE ARTS AND CULTURE GOALS
FROM THE ARTS AND CULTURE MASTER PLAN
1. Economic Development: Encouragement and support of arts and culture are not only quality
of life issues, but also a serious economic development strategy. The contributions of the arts
and artists are supported and leveraged for economic development, boosting the city's brand
and aiding talent attraction and retention.
2. Inclusivity: Arts and culture in Dubuque promote inclusivity, diversity, harmony and
understanding.
3. Integration of Arts and Cultural Community into City Leadership: The arts and cultural
community — artists, performers, administrators, and so on — are fully integrated into the City's
decision -making conversations. They are incorporated into economic development, planning,
commercial, and education strategies. Leadership in these sectors communicate well with the
arts community and vice -versa. In addition, the contributions of the arts and of artists to the
city's prosperity are recognized.
4. Opportunity and Accessibility: Dubuque is a city with participatory cultural opportunities in all
corners of the community. Barriers to participation, whether physical, intellectual, economic or
other, are minimized or removed to encourage equitable opportunities for cultural engagement.
5. Involvement and Participation: Residents of Dubuque actively participate in the arts and
culture. Arts and cultural entities and other sectors enable greater involvement and participation
among Dubuque's citizens and visitors.
6. Clear Policies and Strong Management: Clear policies, guidelines and procedures enable
governance of the city's arts and cultural sector and the municipality's involvement with it.
PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES TOWARDS THE GOALS OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE
MASTER PLAN
Priority A: Promote and support arts and culture as Dubuque's competitive edge.
a. Establish multiple funding streams to support arts and cultural activity.
b. Develop, attract and retain creative talent.
c. Develop a regulatory or business incentive framework that promotes and protects Dubuque's
arts and cultural assets.
d. Undertake a strategic branding, marketing and communications campaign promoting awareness
of Dubuque's arts and cultural community at home and in other markets and attracting
participants from outside Dubuque.
Priority B: Boost capacity for arts and culture to thrive
a. Designate and empower an individual or entity to lead development of the cultural sector.
b. Clarify roles, responsibilities and guidelines for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Advisory
Commission to best leverage their energy and knowledge to the benefit of arts and culture in
Dubuque.
c. Establish a public art policy framework conducive to the arts and cultural activity.
d. Facilitate communication and coordination among the arts and cultural sector.
e. Right -size facilities to meet capacity needs for rehearsal, exhibition/performance, education and
administration.
f. Develop organizational and professional capacity.
Priority C: Foster engagement at all levels
a. Deepen appreciation for arts and culture among the general public.
b. Provide arts education opportunities to people of all ages, skill levels, and income levels.
c. Increase availability and accessibility of arts and cultural offerings.
d. Nurture individual artists, from student to amateur to professional.
e. Stimulate volunteerism.
f. Inspire and diversify leadership.
Priority D: Cultivate connections
a. Ensure arts and culture in Dubuque is inclusive and welcoming of people of all backgrounds and
interests.
b. Develop ties among the arts and the broader community, increasing visibility and relevance of
arts and culture.
c. Integrate leadership of the arts and cultural sector with leaders in other sectors of Dubuque by
forging new relationships and strengthening existing ones between the arts and cultural sector
and the business, public, non-profit and educational sectors.
Additional sub -strategies are outlined in the City of Dubuque Arts and Culture Master Plan at
https://www. cityofdubugue. org/DocumentCenter/View/36680/Master-Plan-Priorities-and-Strategies