Encouraging leadership and the sharing of good practices through professional development will advance our creative economy, support professionals and businesses, and enhance cultural dialog.

Si prefiere leer esta información en español, por favor haga clic aquí. Se puede responder a la solicitud en español. Un miembro del personal de la Oficina de Artes y Cultura traducirá sus respuestas para que sean revisadas.

For this application in other languages please contact the Office of Arts + Culture Program Manager Sarah Harrison at harrisons@bouldercolorado.gov.

Purpose

Encouraging leadership and the sharing of good practices through professional development will advance our creative economy, support professionals and businesses, and enhance cultural dialog.

Details

Total funds: $8,000 split between two cycles.

Cycle: Twice annually. Opportunities must take place in the calendar year the application is submitted.

Maximum Amounts for Scholarships: The costs of registration, travel and expenses up to $500 for programs which take place in Colorado, or up to $1,000 for programs that take place out-of-state, or $500 for on-line opportunities.

Professional Development Grant applications are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to those who have met all the requirements of application. Staff may take applications to the Arts Commission for review should they have questions. Online and in person programs are acceptable.

Details: Individuals may apply for any professional development opportunity they wish. In addition, we encourage participation in two specific programs:

DEADLINES: Two deadlines. These are awarded by Office of Arts and Culture staff. Staff reviews applications and awards are announced at the next meeting of the Boulder Arts Commission following the notification of decision.

How to Apply

Get Informed

Review the below information in full.

Grant Portal

Log onto the Boulder Arts Commission online grant portal. If you have not logged on before, make a profile. Applications must be submitted using our online grant applications.

Application Contents

  • Online application form
  • Resume
  • Information on Professional Development Opportunity

Application Confirmation

Look for an automated email message confirming receipt of your application.

Application Review by Staff

Professional Development Scholarships are awarded by the Office of Arts and Culture staff. Staff reviews applications and notifies applicants on the date noted in the timeline. Awards are announced at the next meeting of the Boulder Arts Commission following the notification of decision.

Completion of Paperwork

When a grant is awarded, staff from the Office of Arts and Culture will contact the successful applicant to complete any necessary paperwork.

Decision Timelines

Professional Development Grants, Round One

  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025 – Applications open
  • Wednesday, January 29 at 11:59 p.m. – Deadline for applications
  • January 29 to February 7 – Staff review of applications (10 days)
  • Friday, February 7 - Notification of decisions

Professional Development Grants, Round Two

  • Wednesday, February 26 – Applications open
  • Monday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m. - Deadline for applications
  • March 31 to April 14 – Staff review of applications (15 days)
  • Tuesday, April 15 - Notification of decision

Eligibility Requirements

  • General eligibility. Meets all general eligibility requirements.
  • Open to all. Anyone may apply once the general eligibility guidelines are met.
  • Professional development opportunities must take place after the grant funding decision and before June 2026.
  • Award Limitations. One scholarship per individual will be awarded each year. Consideration will be given to maximize the number of organizations participating.

Review Process

  • Deliberation. Proposals for Professional Development Scholarships are approved through administrative review by staff of the City of Boulder Office of Arts Culture and awards are announced at the next meeting of the Boulder Arts Commission following the deadline.
  • Evaluation of applications. Professional Development Grant applications are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to those who have met all the requirements of application. Staff may take applications to the Arts Commission for review should they have questions.
  • Evaluation criteria.
    • Contribution to Boulder culture
    • Professional experience (resume)

Apply

Log onto the Boulder Arts Commission online grant portal to preview and apply. If you have not logged on before, make a profile. Applications must be submitted using our online grant applications.

Appeals Process

Written Appeals Process. The deadline for a written appeal is 14 days after funding decisions has been made by the Boulder Arts Commission. Find more information about the appeals process.

Reporting

Grant report forms are on the Boulder Arts Commission grants software. Log in with the same user name and password utilized to submit the application. After logging in, go to the ‘Dashboard’, then you’ll see a ‘Follow Up’ section for the grant. On the far right is the ‘Edit’ button. That will take you to complete the final report.

After you submit the report you’ll receive email confirmation and copy of the report via the email that you have included in the report. Contact Sarah Harrison at harrisons@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-3907 if you do not receive email confirmation.