Expanding Access to Arts Funding in WNY
Applications Accepted Beginning May 1
We are thrilled to share news of the launch of Expanding Access to Arts Funding in WNY, a new partnership between New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Cullen Foundation with an infusion of grant dollars for Western New York (WNY) arts programming. Funded by a special NYSCA grant of $300,000, the one-time opportunity encourages arts-focused applications that benefit the residents of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming counties.
The funding targets nonprofits outside of NYSCA’s recent grantees in an effort to increase arts engagement, accelerate collaborative efforts, and reach new audiences through unique arts programming opportunities. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations located in the six (6) eligible counties that have not received NYSCA funding, either directly or through a Statewide Community Regrant site (SCR) in 2020, 2021 or 2022. The funds are to be used for arts-related projects or programsto be completed between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023.
By expanding the eligibility for NYSCA funds, beyond current arts grantees, the Expanding Access to Arts Funding in WNY program inspires collaboration between other nonprofit sector members and local artists and arts groups who are their potential partners. Priorities of the regrant partnership include providing new opportunities for community members to engage with the arts, promoting access to arts and cultural opportunities in underserved communities, and elevating the WNY region’s rich racial and cultural diversity.
The application process opened May 1 and has a June 22, 2022 deadline. Details can be found at https://www.thecullenfoundation.org/special-2022-arts-grants . Grant awards will vary depending on the size and scope of the project with a maximum award of $5,000. Cullen Foundation is staffing and operating the application process. A panel of emerging arts leaders will review applications and determine recipients. Decisions will be announced in August 2022.
Have a question about an open grant, how to apply for a grant, or any of our programs? Cullen staff is here to help – please reach out through our website, phone, or email.