Orange County Venue Subsidy for Arts and Culture

Overview

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, through United Arts of Central Florida, offers venue rental subsidies for 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Orange County. The program provides performance and exhibition platforms at publicly accessible venues to elevate production value and access to cultural programming.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
• Award notification: Wednesday, November 20, 2025
• Project period (venue dates must occur within): Tuesday, October 1, 2025, through Monday, September 30, 2026
• Final report due: 45 days after venue rental completion

Eligibility

• Must meet eligible NTEE codes (includes visual arts, performing arts, museums, cultural centers, humanities, historical organizations)
• Cannot be public/private government entities, faith-based organizations, fraternal or sports organizations, political organizations, or adjuncts to for-profits
• Operating budget must be under $50,000,000
• One application per October 1–September 30 period
• Must be in good standing with prior United Arts or Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs grants

Program Requirements

• Apply for either a single event/festival or a season subsidy
• Must provide formal venue quote with contact information and confirmed event/production dates
• Organizations applying for multi-venue seasons must have previously received grants from United Arts or Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs
• Funding subsidizes venue rental and venue-related costs only (security, stagehands, sound/lighting engineers, ushers, custodial)
• Does not cover staffing, artists, other programmatic expenses, or third-party invoices

Award Amount

• Up to 50% of total venue rental cost, maximum request of $60,000
• All proposals must include itemized venue quote with related venue costs
• Funding is competitive; not all qualified projects will receive full funding or full amounts requested

Award Payments

Payments made in up to two disbursements: 50% upon acceptance of Funding Agreement and insurance certificate, balance after project completion and reimbursement documentation. For awards under $2,500, full award agreement is complete upon initial notification. If project is completed before receiving funding agreement, applicant may request entire amount in one payment upon documentation.

Eligible Venues

Events must occur in publicly accessible venues in Orange County, such as Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Plaza Live, The Abbey, Orange County Convention Center, parks, community centers, school auditoriums, churches, and other cultural organizations' venues.

How to Apply

Submit application online by October 31, 2025. Staff available until 4:00 p.m. on application deadline to provide assistance. Approval carries no assurance of funding in subsequent years.