FY26 Nonprofit Arts and Recreation Grant Session 2

The City of Sandy Springs is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the FY26 Nonprofit Arts and Recreation Grant program, Session 2, seeking proposals from duly organized nonprofit organizations to provide arts and recreational programs targeting underserved, diverse, and low-to-moderate income residents within the city. Eligible program categories include athletic programs or leagues, after-school programs or activities, transportation to recreation programs, arts and culture programs or activities, specialty camps or programs, and special needs programs. Deliverables require applicants to provide two years of financial reports, a detailed budget, an executed Memorandum of Understanding, proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and monthly reporting on program metrics demonstrating program performance and impact. The evaluation criteria utilizes a weighted system prioritizing creative programming serving underserved populations (40 percent), program impact and quality (20 percent), program performance measures (15 percent), financial reports (10 percent), nonprofit tenure (5 percent), program partnerships (5 percent), and utilization of matching funding (5 percent). Key deadlines include a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on February 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams; written questions due February 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST; and proposals due through the Bonfire Portal by February 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EST. Evaluation will be completed by March 2, 2026, with optional presentations and interviews to follow, and final selections announced in March 2026. The grant term runs from January 1, 2026, through December 1, 2026.

Organizations that received funding in Session 1 are ineligible to apply for Session 2, creating a set-aside designation that restricts award availability to previously unfunded nonprofit entities. Allowable expenses include on-site staffing, limited administration costs, facility rental, transportation and gas, staff and participant meals, and program supplies, while non-allowable expenses include vehicle purchases, computer equipment, capital purchases, and other expenses at the City's discretion. The maximum grant award is $15,000 per selected nonprofit organization, with actual funding awards potentially less based on fund availability. All applicants must comply with federal and state laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act standards, Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act requirements, and drug-free workplace certifications. The Procurement Officer is Daniel Ramos, and all communications should be directed to DRamos@sandyspringsga.gov.