The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (“DEP”), in conjunction with the Erie County Arts and Cultural Advisory Board (“EACAB”), announces the kickoff of the 2024 Arts and Cultural Funding Program with an online grant application opening Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

The Erie County Cultural Funding program provides annual General Operating Support grants to nonprofit 501c3 arts and cultural organizations within Erie County. Eligible organizations must apply each year for funding the following year.

“Arts and cultural organizations are a valued and vibrant sector of our economy, providing thousands of jobs, generating millions of dollars in tourism, recreation and entertainment spending, and enriching our community in multiple ways,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “My administration has always been a staunch advocate for these groups, supporting hundreds of organizations with nearly $77.5 million in operational funding and over $35 million in capital funding since I took office in 2012.  Even in lean years, such as the pandemic, our support for these groups in total increased and Erie County   benefitted as a result. I urge all to get involved in the 2024 funding program and let’s keep moving forward together.”

“Our award-winning program strives to ensure that public support is allocated in ways that have a measurable impact on our local community and that funds will be effectively executed and managed. While the lead time is long, the process and the honest feedback will actually help applicants to build capacity and grow stronger each year,” added Connie Campanaro, Chair of the Erie County Arts & Cultural Advisory Board (EACAB).

There are three (3) application levels. Each applicant will choose their qualifying level and complete one application per organization. Level 1 applications may request up to $50,000; Level 2 applications may request more than $50,000 and up to $200,000; and Level 3 applications are for requests of over $200,000. The 2024 grant amount requested should not exceed a dollar amount higher than 20% of the organization’s fiscal year 2022 operating expenses.

New applicants must register at www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding well before the grant application deadline to access the grant portal. Only one account is allowed per organization. This account enables applicants to complete their application in multiple sessions before submission. Prior applicants can continue using their existing accounts to update their 2024 application.

Organizations meeting the stated Eligibility Requirements must submit their application online at www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding . The EACAB and DEP staff will review submitted applications.

Submission assistance is available on weekdays until 4:30 PM. Level 1 applications are due by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, April 19. Level 2 and Level 3 applications are due by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, April 26.

DEP staff and EACAB members will offer educational briefings to include an overview of the program, eligibility and requirements of grant applicants, a walk-through of the online application, creating an account, etc. Recordings of the briefings will be available on Erie County’s YouTube page.

Organizations are strongly encouraged to attend one of two applicant briefings offered in person and through Webex. The first briefing will be held at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library (1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14208). In-person attendees are not required to register in advance; however, those wishing to attend via Webex must register before 6:00 PM, March 1 at www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding.

The second briefing will be held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 2, 2023, and will include the same educational material but offered at an alternate location: the Hamburg Library (102 Buffalo St., Hamburg, NY 14075). The Hamburg Library has a limited in-person capacity; therefore, in-person and virtual attendance registration is needed. Registration links are available at www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding.

Eligible nonprofit organizations must have at least one (1) year as a 501c3 organization. All application attachments must be consistent with the organization’s federal and state nonprofit reporting requirements.

Funding is not guaranteed. All applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated performance measures such as the organization’s financial management, governance, and programming, with funding distributed according to available funds for the 2024 calendar year designated by the County Executive. Late or incomplete applications will negatively affect an organization’s application score.

Contact Mariely Ortiz at 716-858-1916 or mariely.ortiz@erie.gov  if your organization cannot attend the briefings or representatives require special accommodations.

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