United Arts Grants Cultural Tourism (CT) Funding

Objectives:

• Enhance the Orlando area’s arts and cultural identity
• Present quality arts and cultural experiences
• Promote tourism

United Arts of Central Florida facilitates the Orange County Cultural Tourism Funding program.

Eligibility Requirements:

Any arts and cultural organization that meets every one of the following eligibility requirements:

1. Cultural nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation registered and in good standing with the State of Florida and IRS, OR, an American Alliance of Museums (AAM)-accredited museum that meets all other requirements the same as a 501(c)(3); AND current/in compliance with any open Orange County grants.
2. An organization must be a 501c3 for at least three years at the time of application date to apply for Cultural Tourism Funding.
3. Successfully delivered an event or series of events in Orange County within the last five years, drawing significant tourist interest and enhancing the region's cultural appeal.
4. The arts and cultural event for which you are applying will take place in ORANGE COUNTY and will be accessible and promoted to the general public.
   • The project occurs within the Project Period of Nov. 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2027, with actual event(s) that occurs between January 1 to December 31, 2026.
   • The arts and culture activities proposed are not a supplementary event at a non-arts conference, professional meeting, reunion or other similar gathering.
5. Market to potential visitors beyond the immediate four-county area of Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties.
6.  Show community support through donations, specifically for this project, that match the requested amount at least dollar-for-dollar.
7. Attend the FY26 Cultural Tourism Funding workshop – mandatory for first-time applicants and applicants that have not been awarded in the previous cycle. If not able to attend the workshop, sign up for virtual review with Trudy@UnitedArtsCFL.org
8. Have a checking account with a licensed financial institution.
9. Currently prepare at least quarterly financial statements (Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement), also called Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities, that are reviewed and approved by the board (either signed statements or shown in board minutes to have been approved); within 9 months of fiscal year-end. The level of financial statements required (self-reported, to reviewed financials, to audited financial statements) and the maximum amount of the request is based on the three-year average of operating revenue, as reported on the IRS Form 990's
10. File an annual IRS Form 990 (also acceptable: 990-EZ, 990-N with additional financial statements or documentation of annual revenue.
11. Have a UEI number.