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How to Apply

  1. Review Eligibility and other requirements as well as the application Levels information
  2. Check for latest updates on the Home page
  3. IF you are a NEW applicant: Request an account for your organization to access the application by visiting erie.gov/Cultural/AccountRequest
    • Only one account will be created per organization. If multiple people are needed to complete the application, they will need to share the log in information.
    • Once you receive a username and login link from us, change your password for your organization's account. You will then be able to access the application (starting February 21st, 2024)
  4. Register for the applicant briefing
    • Briefing 1 - Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 at 6:00pm - Registration
    • Briefing 2 - Thursday, February 22nd, 2024 at 6:00pm - Registration 
  5. Gather your attachments in one easily accessible computer folder. Attachments needed according to application Level are listed on the Application page. All attachments must be labeled per the directions in the FILE NAME column at the bottom of the Application page
    • All attachments must be submitted in PDF formats only. If you attempt to attach an excel, or any other file type, the website will reject your application. 
    • This website - https://smallpdf.com/ can assist you in converting file types and/or reducing file sizes. 
    • Printing to PDF (try to print the file, but instead of selecting a printer, choose Adobe PDF/equivalent feature); this will "flatten" the file, making it simpler/smaller.
    • Arts Services Initiatives (ASI) can provide assistance with your application; please contact them well in advance of the due date at: http://www.asiwny.org/ or (716) 833-3004). 
    • All entities applying for funding are required to have Bylaws, a Conflict of Interest Policy, and a Whistleblower Policy regardless of employee number or budget size. Resources, Definitions, and Descriptions are available here
  6. Log in to the website and to the Application page for the application link (access limited to registered organizations). Enter all information, attach all documents, review, edit, review, and once all items are correct to the best of the organization's ability, submit.
    • You can save a draft and return to it multiple times before submitting the application. Just log back in to the website and go to the same link on the Application page. Or, check the "Submissions" tab in your account page.
    • We recommend your write your responses to narrative questions in Word/similar software, and copy paste them into the application.
  7. There will not be any other confirmation of application receipt than that provided by this website (When your application has been submitted, a webpage will open containing the following message "Thank you, your submission has been received." and you will receive a confirmation email).
    • If you do not receive these messages, read through this page, follow the directions/instructions, and resubmit. 
    • If your application is incorrect or incomplete, we will contact you as soon as possible to correct it. Please do not resubmit unless otherwise indicated in these instructions or by Mariely Ortiz. Only the first submission will be processed/considered otherwise as we begin processing your application immediately upon receipt.
    • We will only contact you, in the following months, if we need additional information.

Online Application and Submission

All applications are to be filled out and submitted via this website. Should this create a hardship for your organization, Arts Services Initiatives (ASI) can provide assistance; please contact them well in advance of the due date at: http://www.asiwny.org/ or (716) 833-3004. You may also contact our department (ECDEP) at 716-858-1916 or mariely.ortiz@erie.gov.

REMINDER - Do NOT contact us to confirm your application was received.

  • If your application is submitted correctly through this website, you will receive the following message: "Thank you, your submission has been received." and a confirmation email. 
  • If you do not receive these messages, read through this page, follow the directions/instructions, and resubmit. 
  • If your organization registered for an account but we do not receive your application, we will contact you to ensure all intended applications are received.
  • If your application is incorrect or incomplete, we will contact you as soon as possible to correct it. Please do not resubmit unless otherwise indicated in these instructions or by Mariely Ortiz. Only the first submission will be processed/considered otherwise as we begin processing your application immediately upon receipt.

Please note you are required to submit all items for your application level. If you do not submit required items, your application will be rejected. Failure to submit all items will result in an incomplete application and will have a negative impact on your score.

If you have questions about the application process, contact the Department of Environment and Planning at (716) 858-1916 or mariely.ortiz@erie.gov.

Deadlines

Level 1 applications must be received by WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024.

Level 2 and 3 applications must be received by WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024.

  • Assistance with the submission will be available until 4:30pm on each due date.
  • Late or incomplete applications will negatively affect your score.
  • Do NOT contact us to confirm your application was received. If your application is submitted correctly through this website, you will receive the following message: "Thank you, your submission has been received." and a confirmation email.
    • If you do not receive these messages, read through this page, follow the directions/instructions, and resubmit. 
    • If your application is incorrect or incomplete, we will contact you as soon as possible to correct it. Please do not resubmit unless otherwise indicated in these instructions or by Mariely Ortiz. Only the first submission will be processed/considered otherwise as we begin processing your application immediately upon receipt.
    • If your organization registered for an account but we do not receive your application, we will contact you to ensure all intended applications are received.