2023 Cultural STAR Applications Now Open

The Cultural STAR program provides grants for arts and cultural programming and organizations within the City of Saint Paul.

Applications are now open for the 2023 funding round. Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, July 21 at 4 p.m.

Find more details, specific program guidelines and a link to the application at stpaul.gov/cultural-star.

About the program

Cultural STAR grows Saint Paul's economy by strengthening the arts and cultural sector and supporting downtown as a vital cultural center.

These grant funds can be used for projects and programs that attract audiences, develop and improve cultural facilities, or build capacity of artists and cultural organizations. At least 80% of Cultural STAR funds must be awarded to projects and organizations located in the Cultural District of downtown Saint Paul.

Program changes for 2023

The Saint Paul City Council recently adopted guideline changes for Cultural STAR to provide a more consistent program schedule and increase accessibility to grant funds while also accounting for a permanent decrease in the amount of annual funding. These changes include:

  • Only one Cultural STAR application cycle per calendar year 
     
  • Grant requests of up to $50,000 will no longer require matching funds. Going forward, only grant requests of over $50,000 will require one-to-one matching funds in the full amount of the Cultural STAR funding request.

Project types

Three types of projects are eligible for grants through the Cultural STAR program: 

  • Special Project grants are made to groups wishing to offer quality arts activities, in any discipline, within the geographic boundaries of the City of Saint Paul. Grant requests may include costs for artists and other personnel, postage, supplies, printing, travel and other expenses necessary to carry out the project. 
     
  • Organizational Development grants are for projects designed to strengthen the management, administration or operations of the recipient organization. Such activities must 1) advance the mission of your group, and 2) have the potential for significant or long-term impact. 
     
  • Capital Project grants are for acquiring or upgrading physical assets such as buildings and equipment. Such activities must have the potential for significant or long-term impact and the expenditures must be depreciable.

Special projects and organizational development work must take place between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024 to be eligible for this funding round. For capital projects, the work must happen between August 1, 2023 and July 31, 2025. 

Information sessions and other helpful resources

Want to learn more about the program and what makes a successful application? Check out the following resources: 

Last Edited: June 21, 2023