Are you an arts entrepreneur, creative or educator seeking funding for your innovative idea or project? Funding opportunities are now open the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts and CNY Arts. Grants are available to individual artists, educators and arts organizations.
Start by tuning in to an informational webinar series through Facebook Live, and go to https://www.facebook.com/CNYArtsInc/ to participate. Webinars are scheduled:
- Thursday, September 26
- Thursday, October 3
- Tuesday, October 8
- Thursday, October 10
- Tuesday, October 15 (pending demand)
Seminar attendance is required of all applicants. Due to the changes in the application procedure, anyone interested in the Decentralization program is required to attend an informational seminar, webinar or schedule a grants consultation to understand the CNY Arts guidelines and how to prepare an application. Applications that do not meet this requirement will not be considered for funding.
After attending a seminar or participating in a webinar, begin your applications at: cnyarts.submittable.com
Grants are available in these categories:
Community Arts Grants | $500 – $5,000
Community Arts Grants provide support for accessible arts and cultural projects that enhance the cultural climate in our neighborhoods and communities. Nonprofit organizations and individual artists* are eligible.
Deadline: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 by 11:59 PM
*Individual Artists must have a fiscal sponsor or community-based partner to apply for Community Arts Grants
Arts Education Grants | $500 – $5,000
Supports teaching artists and arts educators in engaging students in rich and meaningful artistic experiences in dedicated learning environments. Both K-12 in-school projects and community based learning programs are eligible. Individual artists and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.
Deadline: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 by 11:59 PM
Individual Artist Commissions | $2,500
Individual Artist Commissions support the creation of new work with exceptional community involvement in the creative process. Only individual artists are eligible for this program. Up to four are available per county.
Deadline: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 by 11:59 PM
Call for Panelists
CNY Arts is still seeking a diverse group of professionals with a range of expertise from all across the six-county region to fulfill the Decentralization advisory panelist role. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in participating, please complete the nomination form here!
Helpful Resources
CNY Arts has started a list of resources that are helpful to the grant application process.
10 Tips for Successful Grant Writing by Lisa Chasan-Taber (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
Grant Writing 102: Tips from Successful Grantwriters by the GuideStar Newsletter (GuideStar)
12 Quick Tips for Better Grant Writings by Jay Wilkinson (nonprofit hub)
For more application templates such as project budget and project locations, technical support information, and more, please go to https://weare.cnyarts.org/grants/decentralization/