Cultural Facilities Matching Grant Program

Purpose

The Cultural Facilities Matching Grant Program (CFMGP) is established to promote economic development within Hillsborough County through preserving community cultural assets that enhance tourism, arts and culture, entertainment and community education.

Policy

Available grant funds will be awarded to participating agencies identified in this policy on a minimum of 1:1 matching basis for capital improvement projects (Project). No award recipient shall receive more than $500,000 in awards in any County budget year under this program. Grant awards will be based on the merit of applications and funds available will be determined by and are subject to an annual appropriation from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Multi-year requests up to three years are allowable under this policy.

Participating Agencies

Applications submitted by the following participating agencies are eligible for consideration under this policy:

  • The Children’s Museum of Tampa, Inc. (dba Glazer Children’s Museum)
  • Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, Inc.
  • Museum of Science and Industry, Inc.
  • Tampa Bay History Center, Inc.
  • Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Inc. (dba David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts)
  • Tampa Museum of Art, Inc.
  • Tampa Theatre, Inc.
  • The Florida Aquarium, Inc.
  • The Victory Ship, Inc.

Application Cycle

Funding applications must be submitted by the application deadline established by the County each year for participating agencies to receive funding in the next immediate fiscal year. Award of grant funds is subject to appropriation by the BOCC, and the funding cycle will begin on the first day of the County’s fiscal year (October 1).

Project Timing

A participating agency must complete their project within the time frame defined in the executed Funding Agreement between the agency and the County.

Merit-Based Award Amounts

CFMGP funding is competitively awarded based on the merit of applications and subject to funding availability. Although a participating agency’s application may be eligible for consideration under this policy, it is not guaranteed that the applicant will receive a funding award. In instances where budgeted funds become reduced or unavailable for this program, the County may reduce available funding or forgo the program.

The maximum grant award amount is $500,000 per fiscal year. Multi-year requests up to three (3) years are accepted with award maximums as follows:

  • One-year requests cannot receive an award amount that exceeds $500,000
  • Two-year requests cannot receive an award amount that exceeds $1,000,000
  • Three-year requests cannot receive an award amount that exceeds $1,500,000

If a participating agency is awarded funding for a multi-year request, the participating agency cannot apply for new funding for the fiscal year following completion of the participating agency’s multi-year project. For example, if a participating agency is awarded $1,000,000 for a two-year request, the participating agency must wait one full fiscal year following full completion of the project submitted for the two-year request before submitting any new requests for funding.

Additionally, if a participating agency is awarded funding for a multi-year request, the maximum payment request that can be made in each fiscal year cannot exceed the total awarded amount divided by the number of years that the award spans (the “Annualized Awarded Amount”). However, if a participating agency that is awarded funding for a multi-year request receives payment in any fiscal year that is less than the Annualized Awarded Amount in either the current and/or previous fiscal year such that there is an unspent amount (the “Unspent Annualized Award Amount”), then the Unspent Annualized Award Amount can be requested within a future award year of the original multi-year request. The ability to access the Unspent Annualized Award Amount does not imply any extension of the original term of the multi-year award Funding Agreement. All funds must still be spent within the multi-year term established in the multi-year award Funding Agreement.

Any participating agency awarded a multi-year award shall not apply for a new award during any fiscal year that they are already receiving an award. In other words, there shall be a fiscal year break between any multi-year award and the next award to a participating agency. Any participating agency which did not receive all or part of a multi-year award in any of the five fiscal years prior to a proposed award year, will be given a preference for funding.

New funding applications will not be considered if a participating agency’s current active projects receiving CFMGP funding under this policy are not fully encumbered, executed and scheduled for completion within the project completion period defined in the Funding Agreement between the agency and the County. An award is considered to be active if a duly executed Funding Agreement is in place and a project has not reached substantial completion as determined by County personnel consistent with County standards.

Application Review Team

Funding applications will be reviewed by the Economic Development Department, the Capital Programs Department, and other appropriate County departments to determine compliance with County policies and program goals as defined by this policy.

Application Review Process

Funding applications will be evaluated based on a standard set of criteria outlined in this policy. Applications in compliance with these criteria from participating agencies will be eligible for funding, however, eligibility does not in any way guarantee that the applying agency will receive a funding award.

Final Decision on Awards

Upon review by County staff, recommendations and contract award amounts will be forwarded to the BOCC for final approval. The BOCC herein delegates signature authority to the County Administrator to execute a funding agreement with the applicant based on the terms approved by the BOCC.

Eligibility Requirements

No Agency will be funded under both the County’s Cultural Facilities Matching Grant Program and the County’s Historic Preservation Challenge Grant Program. Nor will an agency be funded under this program if in the same fiscal year of consideration, they have been awarded a specific capital-based funding grant by the BOCC. Agencies are strongly encouraged to discuss their project with staff and conduct their own due diligence in advance of applying for any program, so that the Agency may determine which program is best for their project.

Project Types

Projects eligible for funding must fall within one or more of the following project types and meet the Economic Development Department’s desired policy objectives.

  1. Repair/Rehabilitation/Restoration – This type is defined as: the interior and/or exterior repair, rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction of an existing facility. Projects may include, without limitation, renovation of an existing property to meet code requirements, installation of security related equipment or improvements, or structural stabilization of structures that without emergency measures may be lost, and all associated engineering and architectural costs.
  2. Compatible Additions – This type is defined as: a project that will improve the cultural, educational, or recreation activities of the community. It must be in keeping with the agency’s core operations or activities. It may also include projects that reduce future operating costs or are essential to maintaining the health, safety and welfare of the visitors or occupants of the facility.
  3. Energy Efficiency – This type is defined as: a project that reduces energy, water or material consumption that results in a net cost savings to the agency. This may include, but is not limited to, lighting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, photovoltaic and electric car charging station projects.

Project Requirements:

All of the following requirements must be met for a project to be eligible for funding under this program.

  • The project must be located in Hillsborough County (incorporated or unincorporated).
  • The applicant must have the financial resources to fund total project costs (including grant funds). Where financial resources are not shown available at the time of application, the applicant must provide information that proves a plan to fund project activities prior to project commencement.
  • Grant payments are made on a cash reimbursement basis and the 1:1 match is required.
  • The applicant must match all the County grant funds by at least a 1:1 ratio. At least 50% of the applicant’s match must be in the applicant’s cash or in-kind service, equipment donations or volunteer labor, which otherwise meet program requirements. The applicant’s match may not be provided solely through other grants. A minimum of 50% of the match (in other words, 25% of Total Project Budget) must be provided by the applicant.
    • Example:

    • Total Project Budget

      Match

      Percentage

      CFMGP Grant Request

      $250,000

      $50% of Budget, Reimbursement of Cash Expenditures Only

      In-Kind Contributions/State Grant

      $125,000

      25% of Budget, Match

      Cash Contributions

      $125,000

      25% of Budget, Match

      Totals

      $500,000

      100%

  • Applications must demonstrate that the total project budget will be covered by committed available funding sources.
  • All work must be performed by qualified professionals licensed in the State of Florida and/or contractors licensed in the State of Florida or working in conjunction with a qualifying agent and who are otherwise authorized to provide or perform services in the State of Florida.
  • All construction (including new construction) shall meet existing building codes.
  • Prior to distribution of any grant funds, all building plans must be reviewed by the County’s Capital Programs Department for application consistency and all required permits, licenses and approvals required for the project must be obtained. (Note: that plan approval by such entities is not required as a condition of application, but must be obtained prior to receipt of any funding.)
  • Projects selected for funding will not be subject to the requirements of Board Policy 04.05.00.00 Capital Funding for Outside Agencies with the exception of clause 4.3.3 which stipulates provisions that shall be included in Funding Agreements. This clause shall apply.
  • Physical construction, which is subject to program funding, may not commence prior to the project time period as defined in the Funding Agreement.
  • Grant funds cannot be used for project operating expenses or property acquisition.
  • Work must be completed within the time frame specified in the Funding Agreement.
  • The participating agency must provide an audit of their financial statements for the year most recently ended.

Application Requirements:

The application shall be completed and submitted to the County via the County’s online grants management platform and must include all requested documentation necessary for the Application Review Team to thoroughly review the project. Alternate methods for submission can be arranged on a case-by-case basis if an applicant is unable to submit via the online platform. The following items will be requested from the applicant:

Part A – Introduction

The applicant shall provide an overview of the project. In addition to the overview, the following information shall be provided:

  • Name of Project
  • Contact Information for All Parties – Owner(s), Contractors, Consultants, etc.
  • Project Manager Name and Contact Information
  • Total Project Cost
  • Grant Amount Requested
  • Legal Description and Folio Number(s)

Part B – Description of Project - Construction elements

The applicant shall provide a description of construction-related activities to be carried out as part of this project. Based on the size and scope of the project, the applicant shall provide preliminary drawings describing the following:

  1. Site Plan
  2. Floor Plans
  3. Elevations and Sections
  4. Material Descriptions
  5. Photographs of existing conditions with attached notes describing work to be carried out.
  6. Project Schedule
  7. Any additional documentation necessary to describe the scope of the Project may be provided.

Part C - Financial Elements

The applicant shall provide all financial information necessary to evaluate conformance with the financial requirements of the CFMGP.

  1. Overall project budget defining the scope of the project, the amount of the grant requested, amount of matching funds provided by the applicant, any other sources of income and the expenditures necessary to accomplish the project. Matching fund documentation for this element shall be submitted to the County consistent with the requirements of the State of Florida’s Cultural Facility Grant Program.
  2. Estimate of non-construction expenditures necessary to define all proposed costs for non- construction elements in detail and indicating income source to be used to pay for each item.
  3. Estimate of construction cost shall define the cost for each construction element of the project and shall include reasonable documentation of construction cost estimates indicating income source to be used to pay for each line item.
  4. Applicants must provide documentary proof (a commitment letter or similar) to evidence each source of funding necessary to complete the Project (except for the funding source being sought through the grant application). The total cost of the Project must be covered by the Total Project Funding.
  5. All ad Valorem taxes on property must be current.
  6. Title to the property must be clear with the exception of mortgage liens.

Part D – Review Criteria

The applicant shall provide a description of how the project meets and/or exceeds each of the applicable review criteria and sub-criteria (described in this document) as they apply. Each criteria item (refer to the “Review Criteria” section below for a description of each criterion) shall be described.

Submittal Format

The application shall be completed and submitted to the County via the County’s online grants management platform and must include all requested documentation necessary for the Application Review Team to thoroughly review the project.

Review Criteria:

The following six (6) review criteria shall be used by the Review Team to evaluate all building projects. The application must address each of the six on a separate page for each.

  1. Facility Preservation and Enhancement
    • Life of the facility is extended by the project
    • Project enhances the ability of the agency to increase attendance and enhance the customer experience
    • Project enhances the aesthetics of the facility and is consistent with the Tampa Bay area’s identity
    • Future increased renovation/maintenance costs are controlled by the preventative nature of the project
    • Project provides for a more efficient facility design
    • Project promotes energy conservation and may result in an operating savings
  2. Leveraging
    • Leverages matching fund grant in terms of financing, expertise and networking
    • Demonstrates monetary leverage of County matching funds of 1:1 (or greater)
    • Demonstrates collaborative and synergistic approach, including with other economic development projects and partners
  3. Economic Development Impact
    • Demonstrates a well-thought-out idea and model that has the potential to be sustainable and generate economic development
    • Creates permanent local jobs and potential for sustained economic impact and growth
    • Creates construction jobs
    • Uses local contractors
    • Uses local suppliers/materials
    • Increases retail/entertainment-related sales tax
    • Generates local business
    • Attracts cultural events, exhibits, performances and conferences that would not have resulted without the facility enhancement, and
    • Adds value to the local economy
  4. Quality of Project
    • Demonstrates appropriate design and quality of proposed materials
    • Demonstrates the ability to achieve a successful project result (in terms of construction completion, business growth and/or economic development during the funding cycle)
    • Enhances performances and cultural activities
    • Enhances educational and learning experiences in culture and the arts
    • Creates/expands public use of space
    • Creates visibility in the community
    • Alleviates or prevents endangerment of property
    • Provides for improved safety of customers
  5. Quality of Project Team
    • Demonstrates qualifications, track record, and ability of the applicant and professionals composing the project team to successfully complete the project
  6. Performance Evaluation
    • Provides appropriate criteria and milestones for determining/measuring the success of the Project in achieving the business/implementation plan and schedule compliance
    • Defines relevant outcome indicators and targets during and after the grant cycle (such as revenue generated, jobs creation, tourist visits, etc.)

Funding Process After Award Approval by the BOCC

Within six (6) months from the approval of the BOCC to provide funding, applicants will be required to enter into a formal Funding Agreement with the County specifying the dollar amount awarded, how outcomes will be measured, contract duration, the terms of funding and other Funding Agreement terms. The applicant may retain one or more project contractors to carry out and complete the project. Prior to execution of the Funding Agreement, the project budget must be verified by submission of competitive bids. If multiple bids cannot be obtained, the applicant must submit a notarized affidavit explaining the unique qualifications of the selected contractor and detailing the efforts made to solicit competitive proposals. In addition, an executed construction contract, or other suitable documentation confirming costs to complete the project. For in-kind labor or materials, documentation must be furnished substantiating the estimated value of any in-kind contributions. Depending on the size of the project and grant award, the County will determine whether the grant award should be disbursed at the conclusion of the project or whether payments should be made periodically based on agreed-upon phasing of the project.

Proper documentation of the project expenses that are reasonable in amount and directly related to and necessary for completion of the project will be required prior to disbursement, including appropriate contractor lien waivers.

For each progress payment (in the case of a phased project) or within sixty (60) days of the completion of the project, the grant awardee shall submit to the County a request for payment (or if completed, a Project Completion and Inspection Request form) together with applicable Project Invoices. It is the intent of the CFMGP to disburse payment(s) upon receipt of an acceptable invoice and satisfactory inspection of the project by authorized representative(s) of the County and all other local governmental agencies with jurisdiction over the project, and verification that the project has been completed according to the application submission, permits and approvals, and related project documents, including certification of applicant’s supervising professionals (where applicable).

Upon approval of the Funding Agreement by the BOCC, funds will be appropriated/committed for the project approved.

Last Modified: 3/12/2026, 6:33:21 PM