Program Description and Eligibility
Applications for the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA)’s Capital Feasibility Planning (CFP) Program are now open for Fiscal Year 2026. The program will assist selected not-for-profit cultural organizations with 501(c)3 status considering a capital construction or renovation project. The CFP program will identify a path for the not-for-profit cultural organization to successfully define and initiate a capital project or recommend alternative strategies should another path become more desirable. During the program, each eligible organization will work with a consultant, contracted by DCLA, to conduct a review of the organization’s capital needs in relation to its existing operating model and develop a strategy that is scaled appropriately to align the organization’s capital needs with its administrative and fundraising capacity. If selected, organizations will likely begin work with the consultant at the start of the 2026 fiscal year.
Criteria for eligibility to apply for CFP include receipt of a CDF Panel Recommendation in FY23, FY24, or FY25 and an operating budget between $200,000 and $3,500,000 (based on FY23 filings).
Organization Requirements and Expectations
Accompanying the application is a fact sheet that further explains the process the organization and consultant will engage in throughout the program. Applicants should carefully read the document to better understand expectations for the organization’s engagement, time commitments and responsibilities, as well as the expected outcomes of the program.
Please review the “Fact Sheet for Organizations” for more information on the program’s goals and what is required of organizations taking part.
Some known requirements for an organization participating in CFP include:
- Designating a staff person(s) to be the lead liaison with the consultants and to act as the institutional “point person” for all project matters
- Providing the consultants with a range of background materials within the first month from the project launch
- Participating in bi-weekly check-in meetings with the consultants
- With guidance from the consultants, assembling a:
- Steering Committee (3-4 internal project leads)
- Planning Committee (6-10 individuals comprised of internal and external stakeholders)
- Reviewing all deliverables and coming prepared to discuss and ask questions at regular meetings
- Scheduling and participating in 4-6 Planning Committee meetings
- Scheduling and participating in a final presentation at the end of the project, the details of which will be decided in partnership with the consultants and DCLA staff
Criteria Considered in Review of Applications
Applications are reviewed by a panel of DCLA staff from across the leadership team, the capital unit, and the programs unit. The panel will particularly look for applications that demonstrate the organization’s understanding of the commitment and capacity required to take part in the program, a need for space and/or capital planning, and alignment with the organization’s strategic plan and/or future vision.
The deadline for applications is May 29, 2025, at 5pm.
DISCLAIMER: Participation in the Capital Feasibility Planning program neither guarantees nor precludes organizations from accessing City capital funding.