2026 SteamPlant Fee Assistance Grant Program

The SteamPlant Fee Assistance Program was created to help ensure that local arts, culture, and community organizations can continue to access and utilize the SteamPlant Event Center for performances, exhibits, and public events. Through charitable contributions to the Salida Arts & Culture Fund, eligible organizations may receive grants that offset a portion of SteamPlant facility fees, making the venue more accessible and affordable.

The program is made possible through a partnership between the City of Salida and the Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF). The City has committed $5,000 in matching funds to match the first $5,000 donated by the community, helping build support for local arts and cultural programming.

While the Salida Arts & Culture Fund supports a variety of arts and culture initiatives, SteamPlant fee assistance is currently the fund's primary focus. Donations are tax-deductible and restricted to purposes approved by the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC), which annually reviews community needs and available resources to guide funding priorities. You can donate directly to support the Salida Arts & Culture Fund HERE.

CCCF administers the program, including application review, grantmaking, and reporting, ensuring a transparent and efficient process. Fee assistance awards are paid directly to the SteamPlant, reducing the amount billed to awarded organizations and helping local groups bring performances and community events to life.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • The event must be a public performance-based arts event, including live performance or visual arts. 

  • Eligible applicants must be locally based Chaffee County organizations producing arts-focused events. Applicants do not need to have 501(c)(3) status.

  • The applying organization must have an annual operating budget of $150,000 or less.

  • Applicants may receive assistance for up to 30% of SteamPlant fees as funds are available.

  • Organizations may apply up to two times per calendar year.

  • Applications must be submitted at least three months prior to the event date.

  • Applications open July 7, 2026 and events must occur on or before September 30, 2027.

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed within 15 business days (approximately three weeks) of submission.

If awarded:

  • Grant funds will be paid directly to the SteamPlant and applied to the applicant's account.

  • Funds will not be distributed directly to the applicant.

  • If the event does not take place, awarded funds will be returned to the SteamPlant Fee Assistance Fund.

Reporting Requirements

Award recipients must submit a final grant report within two weeks of the event's conclusion.

The report must include:

  • A completed final report form with event details and attendance.

  • The final SteamPlant invoice.

The invoice will be used to calculate the final award amount applied towards the applicant's account, paid directly to the SteamPlant.

Apply Here

Scoring & Award Levels

Maximum Score: 25 Points

Applicants receiving a score of 0 in any category will not be eligible for funding.

Funding Levels

Total Score Award Amount

15–19 points: 15% of SteamPlant fees covered

20–25 points: 30% of SteamPlant fees covered


Scoring Criteria

Community Engagement: Number of people such as volunteers, vendors, and performers engaged in event

0 pts: Less than 5 or unknown

1-2 pts: 6-15 people engaged

3-4 pts: 15-30 people engaged

5 pts: 30+ people engaged

Organizational Experience 

0 pts: First event or no demonstrated history

1-2 pts: Less than 2 years history or no history at scale of request

3-4 pts: 2+ years of event experience with moderate success

5 pts: 2+ years of history successfully delivering performance events

Past Event Attendance

0 pts: Unknown or not provided

1-2 pts: 50 or fewer attendees

3-4 pts: 51–100 attendees

5 pts: More than 100 attendees

Annual Operating Budget

0 pts: Budget exceeds $150,000

5 pts: Budget is $150,000 or less and documented through a profit & loss statement and current-year budget

Artistic Focus

0 pts: Event IS NOT primarily focused on artistic expression and celebration

5 pts: Event IS primarily focused on artistic expression and celebration


Frequently Asked Questions

The fund has multiple priorities. How do I know my donation will support fee assistance?

The current priority for the fund is SteamPlant fee assistance. Each year, the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) will review community needs and available resources and provide recommendations regarding fund priorities and strategy.

How is the City supporting this effort?

The City of Salida has committed $5,000 in matching funds to match the first $5,000 donated, helping encourage community participation and support.

Where does the money go?

Donations are tax-deductible contributions to the Chaffee County Community Foundation's Arts & Culture Fund and are restricted for purposes approved by ACAC.

Fee assistance grants are paid directly to the SteamPlant, reducing the amount invoiced to awarded organizations.

Why is the Chaffee County Community Foundation involved?

The City of Salida partnered with the Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF) to provide a trusted vehicle for charitable giving that supports arts and culture initiatives. CCCF administers the application, review, grantmaking, and reporting processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

How can I donate?

Tax-deductible gifts may be made online, by check, through stock transfers, or through vehicle or property donations. Please indicate "Salida Arts & Culture Fund" in the memo line or gift designation.

Who reviews applications and makes funding decisions?

CCCF staff will review applications using the established scoring rubric and eligibility requirements. Program criteria will be reviewed annually and adjusted as needed to reflect available funding and evolving community needs.

Why is assistance limited to 30% of fees?

The 30% assistance level was deemed to be appropriate to launch the program with $10,000 in funds available to be able to impact multiple organizations. The fee data from the past year was analyzed and cross referenced with the current rates to determine that 30% of fees will be the starting point for this program. Considerations included in the determination was the number of applicants, assistance received in the past (via discounts), and current fees.

Do I need to be a nonprofit organization to apply?

No. Applicants do not need to have 501(c)(3) status. Eligible applicants must be locally based organizations producing arts-focused events that meet the program's eligibility requirements.