Skip to main content

Apply for UETF Funds

How to apply for UETF Funds.

Urban Enhancement Trust Fund: Fiscal Year 2028-2029 Application

Apply for the UETF FY2028-2029

Application Deadline: October 23, 2026 at 2:59 pm

Quick Links

Find on this Page

Documents to Download

UETF FY 2028-2029 Application

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2028-2029 cycle of the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (UETF) seeks to provide funding to projects that address the needs of the diverse communities that comprise the City of Albuquerque. This two-year funding cycle will prioritize projects that positively impact residents, neighborhoods, and communities by providing direct access and increased opportunities for quality cultural activities and programming by, for, and about a broad representation of our city's population. 

We welcome and encourage all arts and cultural organizations, and non-arts organization nonprofits in partnership with an arts and cultural organization to submit projects that benefit Albuquerque's diverse population in the areas of music, theater, dance, creative writing, visual art, performance art, installation, photography, film, teaching artists, arts education, culturally-based craft workers and culture bearers. Priority will be given to projects which enhance cultural development in, or are led by people from historically underserved communities. Organizations who have not received City Council non-recurring funds or a UETF regular cycle grant are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Funding Timeline

The UETF is a two-year cycle. Funds become available for services provided under an executed contract beginning July 1, 2027 (CABQ Fiscal Year 2028) and ending June 30, 2029 (CABQ Fiscal Year 2029). 

Following notification of approved project in Spring 2027, contracts for services will be drawn up between the organizations and the City. Projects may begin after the UETF funding is available July 1, 2027 and the contract is executed.

UETF Funding

Organizations may request up to $15,000 for arts and cultural projects. Please note that awarded projects may not receive the full amount requested from UETF. Awarded contracts will be no less than $5,000 and no more than $15,000 for the two-year cycle. Awarded funds will included Gross Receipts Tax. 

For FY2028-2029, the total projected funds is $400,000.

Please note that the UETF cannot be the sole source of project funding, but that in-kind and volunteer hours are acceptable forms of matching funds. 

UETF funds projects, not organization's general operating expenses. All provisions of the "anti-donation" clause of the Constitution of the State of New Mexico apply. Funds cannot be used for capital expenditures such as purchasing a building, purchasing equipment or vehicles, etc. Funds can be used to purchase consumables such as rentals, promotions, advertising, or participant stipends. 

Eligibility and Required Attachments

Proposals for projects must be submitted by an arts and cultural organization, collective, or community group that is a not for profit, tax exempt 501(c)3 or in partnership with one, that is based in New Mexico. Proposed project must take place within Albuquerque city limits, including South Valley up to Coors Blvd SW and Interstate-25 as well as North Valley up to Highway 528. 

Organizations may submit up to 2 applications including: 

  1. 1 application for their own project/program and 1 application as a fiscal sponsor; or
  2. 2 applications as a fiscal sponsor

Organizations cannot submit 2 applications for their own project/program.

IRS Letter of Determination

All applications must include a copy of the organization's IRS letter of determination. Applications using a fiscal agent or fiscal sponsor, must submit the fiscal agent's IRS letter of determination along with endorsement, see below.

Fiscal Sponsor Endorsement

Applications using a fiscal agent or fiscal sponsor must provide a letter of agreement acknowledging their role as the fiscal agent sponsoring the project and application, and the fiscal sponsor's IRS letter of determination. Required fiscal sponsor endorsement documents must be uploaded. 

APS Endorsement

Applications which involve student participation at schools during regular hours or that require off site travel during the school day must include a letter of APS support that states the activity is constructive to or supplements the school's curriculum, that it will be welcomed at the selected or specified school(s). APS endorsement documents may include a letter of support from a representative of the administration of the proposed school partner, or a statement from the teachers whose classes will be involved. Endorsement documents must be uploaded. 

Statement of Cultural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

To support a full creative life for all, the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund Board has adopted the following statement of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion championing policies and practices that will utilize the following definition in all processes and procedures of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable community. 

Cultural equity embodies the values, policies, and practices that ensure that all people - including but not limited to those who have been historically underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion - are represented in the development of arts policy; the support of artists; the nurturing of accessible, thriving venues for expression; and the fair distribution of programmatic, financial, and informational resources. 

The Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (UETF) strives to contribute to making Albuquerque a national role model among cities working toward equity and inclusion. We envision a city of people whose success, safety and health are not pre-determined by their race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, socioeconomics, immigration status, disability, or personal background. A city where all communities, artists, performers, writers, and cultural workers have the power support, and monetary investment they need to share their own stories, practice their culture, and create art on their own terms. 

Discrimination Prohibited. Any entity receiving funding through the UETF shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical handicap or disability. 

Deadline

The deadline for application submissions is Friday, October 23, 2026 at 2:59 pm. Applications must be submitted electronically using the online form. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Information Sessions

Public Art Urban Enhancement Division Staff hosted in-person and virtual information sessions to review the application and answer questions. Watch the virtual information session.

Open Zoom Hours

Staff are hosting open Zoom hours for interested applicants to ask clarifying questions and receive help with any technical issues. 

When: Monday, October 19, 2026 from 12 pm to 3 pm

Where: Zoom 

Meeting ID: 674 656 7837

Questions

Questions can be directed to Public Art Urban Enhancement Division Staff at [email protected]. 

Return to top ↥

How Applications are Scored

All applications are scored or rated using a 100-point score system based on the following criteria and percentages. Applications must receive a final score of at least 65 out of 100 points to be eligible for funding. Please see Scoring Rubric for more information.

  • Project Description - 25 points
  • Organizational Commitment - 20 points
  • Impact on Community - 20 points
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access - 25 points
  • Budget - 10 points
  • Total - 100 points

Return to top ↥

Application Questions and Worksheet

Applicants can use the UETF FY 2028-2029 Application Worksheet and the Scoring Rubric to prepare answers. Please note that the application platform does not have a save and return function. 

Legal Name of Organization:

Legal Name of Fiscal Sponsor Organization, if applicable: 

Primary Contact Name: 

Primary Contact Email: 

Primary Contact Phone Number:

Best mailing address for organization: 

Name of organizational representative with legal capacity to sign agreement: 

Legal Representative Email: 

Legal Representative Phone Number: 

  1. What will you do with the money? 
    Please provide a short video (under 1 minute long) or a written statement (150 word maximum) telling us what you would do with a UETF grant. This is not scored.

  2. Organization Mission Statement 
    If you are a fiscally sponsored project please include both the mission statement of the project organizer and the organization serving as your fiscal sponsor. Mission statement(s) are not scored and do not count against the total application word count.

  3. Project Description (300 word limit - 25 points)
    Describe the proposed project or activities. All projects should have a favorable economic, educational, or cultural impact on the city. 

  4. Organization Information
    A. Organizational Commitment (300 word limit - 20 points)
    How is your organization uniquely suited to fulfill this project? Include information on the project's accountability measures, evaluation process(es), or self-identified metrics for success.

    B. Key Personnel (200 word limit)
    Description of up to two key Artist/Professional and two key Administrative/Fiscal/Fundraising personnel and their role in the project. 

  5. Impact on the Community (300 word limit - 20 points)
    Please explain how a specific population(s) will be served by the project, how the organization has worked in the population(s) the project will serve, and how any members of your organization are part of the identified population(s) served. 

  6. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (two questions - 25 points combined)
    The City of Albuquerque has identified racial equity as a priority goal to address longstanding, racially disparate economic and social outcomes. Local government dollars used for contracting, consulting, and procurement should benefit a broad representation of Albuquerque's population. 

    A. Values, processes, and protocols (200 word limit)
    Describe how your project is committed to diverse, equitable engagement and outcomes at every level of the project. 

    B. Leadership and populations served (200 word limit)
    Describe:
    1. The demographics of the leadership of your organizations and/or project; and
    2. The demographics of the proposal's beneficiaries as specifically as possible. 

  7. Budget
    Project Budget and Budget Narrative (100 word limit - 10 points)
    The budget narrative should describe briefly how the UETF funds will be used for this project. Describe all other sources of cash funds and in-kind contributions for this project including city, county, state, and federal grants or contracts for services, other nonprofit organizations' contributions, earned revenue, and other community support. 

    The scope of all budget costs should be as complete as possible. Each cost should be a separate line item. Budget items should include: 
    1. The requested funding from UETF
    2. Funding from other sources
    3. Detailed descriptions of in-kind contributions
    4. Possible additional expenses

Download and complete the Budget Form. Upload the filled out form in the application. 

Additional Documents to Upload:

  • IRS Letter of Determination: Attach file. Document size limit is 10mb. All applications must include a copy of the organization's IRS letter of determination. Applications using a fiscal agent or fiscal sponsor, must submit the fiscal agent's IRS letter of determination along with endorsement, see below. 
  • Fiscal Sponsor Endorsement Statement: Attach file. Document size limit is 10mb. Applications using a fiscal agent or fiscal sponsor must provide a letter of agreement acknowledging their role as the fiscal agent sponsoring the project and application. 
  • APS Endorsement Statement: Attach file. Document size limit is 10mb. Applications which involve student participation at schools during regular hours or that require off site travel during the school day must include a letter of APS support that states the activity is constructive to or supplements the school's curriculum, that it will be welcomed at the selected or specified school(s). APS endorsement documents may include a letter of support from a representative of the administration of the proposed school partner, or a statement from the teacher(s) whose classes will be involved.

Application Agreement and Value Statement

The Urban Enhancement Trust Fund (UETF) strives to contribute to making Albuquerque a national role model among cities working toward equity and inclusion. We envision a city of people whose success, safety and health are not pre-determined by their race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, socioeconomics, immigration status, disability, and personal background. A city where all communities, artists, performers, writers, and cultural workers have the power, support, and monetary investment they need to share their own stories, practice their culture, and create art on their own terms.

Discrimination Prohibited.  Any entity receiving funding through the UETF shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical handicap or disability.

By submitting this application, I agree that I have answered all of the questions to the best of my ability, and agree to the value statement above.

Return to top ↥

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is there a save button on the application form? No, there is no save and return function. The application form must be completed all at once. Applicants may use the Application Worksheet to prepare answers ahead of time.

  2. Is there a minimum or maximum word count for the application? The maximum word count for the application is 1,750 words total, excluding organization contact information, mission statement, and budget. There is no minimum word count, but applicants are strongly encouraged to submit robust answers that fully explain the project/program funds are requested for within each section word count. 

  3. Can projects or organizations without tax-exempt status apply for UETF funds for a community involved project/program? Yes, entities without tax-exempt status can submit for a UETF grant with a non-profit fiscal sponsor or agent. Applications using a fiscal agent or sponsor with 501(c)3 status must include the fiscal sponsor's IRS letter of determination and endorsement statement. 

  4. How many applications can an organization submit? Applicants may submit up to 2 applications including: 1 application for their own project/program and 1 application as a fiscal sponsor or 2 applications as a fiscal sponsor. An organization cannot submit 2 applications for their own project/program.

  1. Does UETF help non-exempt groups find fiscal sponsors? No, it is up to the applicant to identify a fiscal sponsor and negotiate any terms to the fiscal sponsorship. Applicants looking for a fiscal sponsor, may look at the Past and Current Projects listing on the UETF webpage to identify some potential fiscal sponsors.

  2. Is there a limit that the fiscal sponsor can receive? Can fiscal sponsors be paid for other services, such as the use of space? If applying with a fiscal sponsor, the applicant would negotiate any terms (including potential use of space) with the fiscal sponsor organization prior to submitting the application. Typically, fiscal sponsors will take an overhead amount from the awarded amount, determined between the fiscal sponsor and applicant.

  3. Does the age of the nonprofit organization matter? No, the age of the organization does not matter. 

  4. Does the organization have to be in Albuquerque to apply for UETF funding? No, the organizations must be based in New Mexico but the project/program must take place within the Albuquerque city limits, including South Valley up to Coors Blvd SW and Interstate-25 as well as North Valley up to Highway 528. 

  5. Can an organization submit an application for a project/program if they've received UETF funding or City Council non-recurring funds before? Yes! The UETF Board, Public Art Urban Enhancement Division staff, and the Department of Arts & Culture encourage legacy organizations as well as emerging organizations to submit a project/program for UETF funding. 

  6. Is priority given to certain types of organizations or to organizations that do not receive other City funding? All organizations are encouraged to apply. The UETF application process prioritizes proposed projects that enhance and celebrate arts and culture in Albuquerque in the areas of music, theater, dance, literature, history, and visual art. The UETF Board does not look at prior applications or prior funding when scoring applications. UETF staff do not score applications, but do complete a review and may provide information about past funding for a project if this is requested by the UETF Board.

  7. Is it possible to request support for part of a larger program? If so, do applicants need to include the entire budget for the larger program or only the individual part that support is being requested for? Yes, if requesting support for part of a larger program include the overall cost of the program as well as the requested support and funding from UETF.

  8. Can the funds be used for a program, not just a specific project? UETF usually funds projects that happen within an overarching program. Applicants are encouraged to look at their programs and projects, to identify a specific project they would like to focus the request from UETF towards.

  9. Is it possible to submit for a project, for example a mural project, with a process for choosing an artist(s) without having the specific artist already picked by the application deadline? Yes, mural projects may be submitted for consideration for UETF funds. Funds could be used to help with artist stipends, materials, and/or workshops related to the mural project. The artist(s) do not need to be identified by the application deadline, but applicants are strongly encouraged to provide as much known information about the project and key personnel as possible. Please note that mural projects funded by UETF cannot act as a Sign which is defined as “any display to public view of letters, words, numerals, emblems, pictures, or any parts or combinations thereof designed to inform or advertise or promote merchandise, services, or activities” in the City of Albuquerque’s Integrated Development Ordinance Section 14-16-5-12. Additionally, UETF funded mural projects will not be maintained or repaired by the City’s Public Art Program.

  10. What kind of statistics are helpful for the UETF Board’s review? What if a project is a follow up or continuation of one that was funded by UETF previously, can the current application show previous project impact, reach, and statistics? Applicants are strongly encouraged to include the community or communities that the project reaches or impacts and the type of project. Ongoing projects that have previously been funded by UETF (through the regular two-year cycle or Resiliency Residency) may apply and be considered. Yes, the impact, reach, and statistics for the ongoing project may be included in the application.

  11. Is it helpful to have other funding sources? Yes, proposed project must have additional funding sources as UETF cannot be the sole source of project funding. Any additional funding sources should be included in the budget narrative and the Budget Form. In-kind and volunteer hours are acceptable forms of matching funds. Types of matching funding, does not affect the overall application score. UETF funding cycles are often ahead of other grants in New Mexico and can be included as a source of matching funds for other grant applications if awarded.

  12. Should non-financial or non-confirmed financial support be included in the Budget and/or Budget Narrative? Yes, applicants are encouraged to share if they are actively looking for additional funding and support at the time of submitting the application.

  13. Does support from other City, County, or State sources help with the application and where should this be listed? Any additional support (including from other City, County, or State sources) should be listed in the Budget Narrative and Budget Form.

  14. If the project involves multiple schools, do endorsement letters from each individual school need to be provided? If a proposed project involves multiple schools, the applicant may work with APS Administration to provide an endorsement but it is also helpful to include a list of the participating schools along with a contact from those schools confirming they are interested in participating.

  15. Can organizations charge for the public to attend or ask for donations? Are projects that are free and accessible given a boost in scoring? Yes, organizations can charge for the public to attend events and may ask for donations. This does not affect funding from UETF. No, projects that are free and accessible are not given a boost for scoring, but this may be included in the application.

  1. How much does UETF have to award for FY2028-2029? Is this more or less than last funding cycle? For FY2028-2029, the total projected funding amount is $400,000. The projected amount is more than FY2026-2027 amount of $300,000.

  2. What is the maximum funding amount an organization can request for a proposed project/program? Organizations may request up to $15,000 for arts and cultural projects.

  3. Is the maximum funding request amount for both years or per year? The requested funding amount of between $5,000 and up to $15,000 is for both years. UETF staff will work with selected organizations to develop the payment method and schedule for the awarded funds.

  4. Will projects receive their full request if selected for UETF funding? UETF works to fund projects as close to the requested funding amount as possible, but projects may not receive the full amount of requested funds from UETF. Awarded contracts will be no less than $5,000 and no more than $15,000.

  5. How can a proposed project land as close to the requested amount from UETF as possible if awarded? Scores and awarded amounts from UETF, are based on the strength and quality of the proposed project, so applications should be direct and clear about the project.

  6. How can the funds be used? Funds cannot be used for capital expenditures such as purchasing a building, equipment, vehicles, etc. However, funds can be used to purchase consumables such as paper, film, paint, paint brushes, etc. or for other services such as rentals, artist stipends, live performances, promotions, and advertising. 

  7. When would the UETF funds be available? The two-year funding cycle will begin July 1, 2027 (CABQ Fiscal Year 2028) and end June 30, 2029 (CABQ Fiscal Year 2029) after City Council approves the UETF Board's recommended appropriations. The Division will prioritize agreements for projects/programs that happen close to the beginning of the fiscal year, but cannot promise the distribution of funds until the final budget is appropriated by City Council and an executed contract is in place.

  8. When will organizations be notified of award? Organizations will be selected in Spring 2027. Award notifications will be announced once City Council approves appropriations in late June 2027. 

  9. What happens after a project/program is awarded UETF funds? Following City Council's approval of the UETF FY 2028-2029 funding cycle, organizations will be notified of award and Division staff will begin the contracting process. Contracts will outline the payment structure and contract amount includes Gross Receipts Tax. Awarded organizations will also be asked to provide two reports each fiscal year about the project/program - a Planning Report and an Activities Report.

  10. How are funds dispersed if awarded? The UETF is a contract for services that is similar to a grant. UETF staff will work with the organization to determine the scope of the contract and discuss the payment structure for the project. Once under contract, the organization will provide planning and activities reports related to the awarded project as well as invoice based on the payment structure in the contract. 

  11. What if the awarded organization does not use all of the funds? Organizations are strongly encouraged to use all funds if awarded for non-capital expenditures. If an awarded project is unrealized, UETF staff will work with the organization and the funds will be redistributed for future UETF projects and funding cycles. 

  12. If selected, does UETF provide additional support? UETF staff will check in with awarded organizations/projects during the two-year cycle. UETF Board members may attend performances or events. Organizations should not solicit or provide comped tickets to UETF Board members. Awarded organizations may provide dates for projects to UETF staff to share with the Board.

  13. Does UETF provide access to City owned facilities? What performance venues are owned and operated by the City? If a project takes place at a City owned facility, staff can help connect organizations with the facility management and notify them that this is a City sponsored project, however any rental agreement would be between the facility and the managing organization. Organizations may submit a request for special waivers or reductions of fees for City facilities. City owned facilities include, but are not limited to:
    • South Broadway Cultural Center and John Lewis Theatre
    • KiMo Theatre
    • Route 66 Visitor Center
    • Albuquerque BioPark
    • Albuquerque Museum of Art
    • Albuquerque and Bernalillo Public Libraries
    • City of Albuquerque Community Centers
    • City of Albuquerque Senior Centers
    • City of Albuquerque Multigenerational Centers

  14. Can organizations receive feedback on applications? Yes, following the award notifications in June 2027 applicants may reach out to [email protected] for feedback based on the UETF Board review. Feedback will not be provided on specific elements of an application during the review process. 

Return to top ↥