Orange County Venue Subsidy Grant for Arts and Culture

Orange County Venue Subsidy Grant for Arts and Culture

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: United Arts of Central Florida
Amount: Up to US $60,000
Last Updated: August 23, 2025

Summary

The Orange County Venue Subsidy Grant for Arts and Culture, facilitated by United Arts of Central Florida, aims to support 501(c)(3) nonprofits in presenting cultural programming at accessible venues in Orange County. This program covers up to 50% of venue rental costs, allowing organizations to elevate the production value of their exhibitions or performances. Priority is given to those serving underserved and diverse communities, enhancing the cultural landscape of the region.

Overview

Through Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, United Arts of Central Florida is facilitating a subsidy program for the use of event venues in Orange County for an exhibition or performance. This program addresses the need for arts and cultural programming that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. This program offers the opportunity to present cultural programming at a publicly accessible venue, providing a performance platform that elevates the production value and access opportunities for all 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Orange County, Florida.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Organizations may apply for a season subsidy, or one event/festival. Funding is limited; not all projects will receive full funding.Organizations applying for a season using more than one venue must have received a grant from United Arts or Orange County Cultural Tourism, Facilities, or Cultural Tourism Supplemental Funding.This program is to subsidize short-term venue rental costs and related costs charged by the venue ONLYEach organization is limited to one Venue Subsidy Grant application per year (October 1 through September 30 period). Applicants must be in good standing with United Arts concerning any prior grant reporting, if applicable.Organization Eligibility: To apply, the organization must have:Nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporate status, in good standing with State of Florida Division of Corporations and the IRS (United Arts will verify current 501(c)(3) status and current good standing with the State of Florida Division of Corporations. Arts/cultural primary mission; providing cultural programming (defined as exhibition, production, presentation, or instruction of performing, visual, literary or media arts, the sciences, or history and heritage) Proposals must be for event(s) that occur in a venue, accessible to the public, based in Orange County, Florida. Programming must involve arts and culture, science or history.Inclusive of: A single exhibition, production, or performance A season of productions/exhibitionsProductions must be held in venues open to the public, such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Plaza Live, The Abbey, the Orange County Convention Center, parks, community centers, churches, school auditoriums, and other cultural organizations’ venues. For other ideas of possible eligible venues, check out Orange County’s cultural facilities map or the listing of venues that rent space for performances or exhibitions.Request Amount: Not more than 50% of the total venue rental and related venue costs, up to a maximum request of $60,000.

Ineligibility

Organizations are NOT eligible if they are:A public or private entity governed by a county, municipality, school district, community college, college, university, or an agency of state governmentNonprofits whose primary mission is not the arts, science, history, or culture Faith-based organizations Fraternal or sports organizations Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns Organizations that are adjuncts to for-profit organizations. (“Friends of” organizations are eligible to apply only in lieu of the parent nonprofit organization.)This grant does not cover staffing, artists, or other programmatic expenses unrelated to the venue rental.