Simplified, Online Application Process Means Detailed Information, Less Paper

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz unveiled the County’s 2017 Cultural Funding Application, which must be completed by eligible organizations seeking any level of Erie County funding. The application will be available in its entirety online, streamlining the process by which cultural organizations can apply for funding and also providing step-by-step guidance to applicants in organizing and submitting their information. As a pilot project, the process for 2017 also includes a Short Form for organizations seeking smaller grants.

“This cultural funding application process is an efficient and thorough way for interested organizations to submit their information in a comprehensive and timely manner,” said Poloncarz. “It includes a checklist for applicants to follow with clearly delineated spaces for information such as organization budget size, eligibility criteria, and many other necessary types of financial information. I encourage all applying organizations to carefully review the application’s instructions, complete the online application, and submit it in a timely fashion.”

Poloncarz added, “In addition, this year there is a separate category for organizations seeking smaller grants, with directions on how to apply. We are blessed with a vibrant and dynamic arts community, and I want to thank both the members of the Erie Arts & Cultural Advisory Board for their hard work and also the County’s considerable arts community for the contributions they make to our economy.”

Organizations meeting the stated Eligibility Requirements must complete their online application at www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding  by 11:59 PM on JUNE 10, 2016. All applications will be submitted via this website. Late or incomplete applications will negatively affect an organizations’ application score. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Erie Arts & Cultural Advisory Board.

On Thursday, May 5th at 4:00 PM, interested organizations are encouraged to attend an applicant briefing during which time the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning will provide an overview of the online application and answer questions about it. The voluntary briefing will take place in at the auditorium of the Burchfield Penney Museum, 1300 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo NY 14222.