The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) is once again putting money behind imagination. On July 1, the agency officially opened applications for its 2025 – 2026 Downtown Creative Collaborators Grant (DCCG), offering local creatives up to $50,000 to activate public spaces with innovative, community driven events in the heart of the city.
Now in its latest iteration, the DCCG aims to transform Downtown Miami into a dynamic stage for culture, art, and connection, spanning rooftops, plazas, parks, and historic corners. The grant program supports projects that showcase the city’s vibrant spirit, encourage tourism, and offer locals memorable experiences rooted in Miami’s global identity.
Downtown is our canvas. We’re calling on dreamers and doers to help keep the city pulsing with life and creativity.
said Miami DDA leadership in the program’s announcement.
What’s New This Cycle
Running from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, the DCCG offers 15 grants across three tiers:
- Tier 1 ($5,000 – $7,500): Small scale activations like pop-up art, plaza performances, and local run clubs.
- Tier 2 ($10,000 – $15,000): Medium sized festivals, public art installations, and neighborhood markets.
- Tier 3 ($20,000 – $50,000): Major events with regional draw, including parades, large concerts, and city scale cultural festivals.
The program is reimbursable, and applicants must secure additional funding sources beyond personal contributions or Miami DDA funds. First-time applicants are required to submit a comprehensive business plan, while returning applicants must document past event experience.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: July 1, 2025
- Participant Meeting: July 14 at 2:00 PM (in-person and Zoom)
- Submission Deadline: August 18, 2025 at 11:59 PM
- Selections Announced: October 18, 2025
Downtown as the Stage
The grant prioritizes activations that are free or low-cost for residents, encourage multimodal transit, and spotlight Miami’s diverse communities, food scene, and historic legacy. Projects that draw visitors to Downtown restaurants and retail, highlight local artists, or incorporate family friendly programming will be given special consideration.
Applicants should think rooftops with skyline views, hidden courtyards, breezy plazas, and street corners that come alive with sound and story
reads the call.
Grant recipients must dedicate at least 10% of their funding to marketing efforts, including digital, print, and PR, to maximize public engagement and DDA visibility. Proof of these expenses, along with analytics and sponsor recognition, will be required in post-event reporting.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be for-profit or nonprofit entities in good standing (verified via Sunbiz), and the event must occur within Miami DDA boundaries. All projects must show proof of co-funding, permits (if applicable), and a clear marketing and implementation plan.
The selection process will be led by a Grant Review Committee appointed by the DDA’s Executive Director, made up of Downtown stakeholders, residents, and staff.