Grant Programs
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts administers several grant programs funded through the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, Monroe County Tourist Development Council, and private donations. Each program has specific eligibility requirements and application guidelines. Review the details below and contact our office with any questions.
Artists in Schools Program
Description
The Artists in Schools Program places professional teaching artists in Monroe County public schools for residencies lasting two to eight weeks. The program enriches students' education through hands-on experience in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and literary arts. Stipends cover artist fees, materials, and travel within the Keys.
Eligibility & Guidelines
Teaching artists must have a minimum of three years of professional arts experience and demonstrated experience working with K-12 students. Artists from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Residencies are coordinated in partnership with the Monroe County School District.
Cultural Umbrella Grant
Description
The Cultural Umbrella Grant supports arts and cultural organizations throughout the Florida Keys. Funded through Monroe County's Tourist Development Council (TDC) bed tax revenue, these grants reimburse approved expenditures for advertising, promotion, and tourist-related cultural programming. Applications are rated on a point system based on TDC goals including Heads in Beds in Off-Season, Enhancement of Visitor Experience, Amount of Local Support, and Showcasing of the Destination.
Eligibility & Guidelines
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts administers the Cultural Umbrella funds on behalf of Monroe County. Successful applicants are reimbursed for approved expenditures. The DAC and Umbrella Recommendation Committees review applications and recommend funding. Almost all recommendations are approved by the TDC and the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.
South Florida Cultural Consortium
Description
The South Florida Cultural Consortium (SFCC) is a regional partnership of county cultural agencies in Miami-Dade, Broward, Martin, Monroe, and Palm Beach counties. The Consortium awards fellowships to visual and media artists residing in the region. The Florida Keys Council of the Arts nominates and supports Monroe County artists for SFCC fellowship consideration, providing significant recognition and financial support to individual artists in South Florida.
Eligibility & Guidelines
Applicants must be visual or media artists who are residents of one of the five South Florida Consortium counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Martin, Monroe, or Palm Beach). Artists are nominated through their local arts agency. Fellowship awards are based on artistic excellence as judged by a panel of arts professionals. Monroe County artists should contact the Florida Keys Council of the Arts for nomination procedures and deadlines.
Special Projects Grants
Description
Special Projects Grants provide funding for unique, one-time arts projects that serve the Monroe County community. Eligible projects include public performances, exhibitions, festivals, workshops, and other cultural events that increase public access to the arts. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 and are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year.
Eligibility & Guidelines
Open to individual artists, arts organizations, and community groups based in Monroe County. Applicants must demonstrate community benefit and a realistic project timeline and budget. Projects must be open to the public. Applications are accepted year-round until funds are exhausted.
Grant Application Tips
- Read the full guidelines before beginning your application
- Start your application well before the deadline to allow time for questions
- Prepare a clear, realistic budget that accounts for all project expenses
- Include work samples that demonstrate the quality and relevance of your work
- Describe the community impact and public benefit of your proposed project
- Contact the Arts Council staff with questions, we are here to help you succeed