About the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund

This program is designed to fund Art organizations throughout the City of Albuquerque.

The Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (UETF) is a public endowment created by the Albuquerque City Council in 1983.  UETF is a two-year program with planning, application, review, and selection process. UETF supports projects that enhance and enrich culture for city residents.

Overview

At the most basic level, this is how the process works:

1. Organizations apply for UETF Funds.
2. The UETF Board reviews applications and recommends grantees.
3. The Mayor and City Council approves grantees.
4. Organizations receive funds.
5. Organizations report on activities funded.
6. The Public enjoys Arts and Cultural events in Albuquerque.

Who Governs the UETF?

The UETF ordinance provides for an eleven-member board called the UETF Board that is responsible for establishing guidelines. The UETF Board develops criteria for project selection for each two-year granting cycle and provides oversight for each funded project throughout the two years.

What the UETF Funds

The UETF funds projects, not operating expenses. Proposals for arts and cultural services projects must be submitted by non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organizations. The organization must be dedicated to enhancing Albuquerque's cultural vitality in the area of visual art, music, theater, dance, history, or literature. Below are the important criteria used to evaluate each project.

1. All projects must take place within the Albuquerque city limits.
2. All projects should have a favorable economic or cultural impact on the city.
3. UETF funds art, music, theater, dance, history, or literature.

Projects Funded in the Past Include:

• Arts/cultural educational workshops at community centers, schools, senior centers, and other public venues.
• Free performances, exhibits, or cultural festivals.
• Audio, video, or electronic productions.
• Oral histories, cultural research, or plans.
• Historical or literary publications and programs.

View archives of past projects funded by UETF.

General Timeline for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 UETF Funding Cycle

• February 24th, 2023 at 5:00 pm: Application closes
• March 2023: UETF Board reviews applications
• Mid April 2023: UETF Board submits recommendation to Mayor and City Council
• Early June 2023: Final City Council action on UETF and Mayor Recommendations
• July 1st, 2023: Projects may begin

 For more information about Albuquerque's Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, contact the UETF Project Coordinator at [email protected].