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.

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.

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.

Arts Services Inc. will continue to provide assistance and resources for organizations applying for this year’s funding program. Any workshops or similar will be posted here.


learn more