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About the Cultural Umbrella Program

The Cultural Umbrella is a funding program administered by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts through an allocation from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The program channels a portion of the county's tourist development tax (bed tax) to support cultural organizations and events that attract visitors, extend their stays, and enrich the cultural landscape of the Florida Keys.

Cultural Umbrella funds are distributed annually to qualified arts and cultural organizations throughout Monroe County. the Arts Council serves as the designated agency responsible for reviewing applications, making funding recommendations, and monitoring grant compliance on behalf of the TDC.

Eligibility Requirements

Organization Requirements

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
  • Must be based in and primarily serving Monroe County
  • Must have been in operation for at least two years
  • Must have arts or culture as a primary component of the organization's mission

Program Requirements

  • Programs must be open to the public
  • Activities must take place within Monroe County
  • Programs must demonstrate tourism impact
  • Funds cannot be used for capital improvements or endowments

Application Process

Applications for Cultural Umbrella funding are accepted once per year, typically in the spring for the following fiscal year (October 1 through September 30). The process includes the following steps:

1

Letter of Intent

Organizations submit a brief letter of intent describing their programming and anticipated funding request. This allows the Arts Council staff to provide early guidance.

2

Full Application

Complete applications include organizational budget, program descriptions, marketing plans, tourism impact projections, and supporting documentation.

3

Panel Review

Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of arts professionals and community members who score proposals based on artistic merit, organizational capacity, and tourism impact.

4

Award & Contracting

Funding recommendations are presented to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners for final approval. Funded organizations execute grant agreements with the Arts Council.

Reporting Requirements

Organizations receiving Cultural Umbrella funding are required to submit reports throughout the grant period to document the use of funds and measure program outcomes.

  • Quarterly Reports: Financial summaries and program activity updates due within 30 days of each quarter end.
  • Attendance Tracking: Documentation of audience attendance at all funded programs and events, including visitor vs. resident counts when possible.
  • Final Report: A comprehensive year-end report including full financial accounting, program outcomes, audience data, media coverage, and photographs.
  • Acknowledgment: All funded programs must include the Monroe County TDC and the Arts Council logos in promotional materials and signage.

Downloadable Documents

The following documents are available for current and prospective Cultural Umbrella applicants.

Cultural Umbrella Application Form (PDF)

FY 2026-2027 application form and instructions

Budget Template (Excel)

Required budget format for all applicants

Quarterly Report Template (PDF)

Required reporting form for funded organizations

Final Report Template (PDF)

Year-end report form with financial reconciliation

Logo Usage Guidelines (PDF)

TDC and the Arts Council logo files and usage requirements