Charles E. Culpeper Arts & Culture Grant Program

The Charles E. Culpeper Arts & Culture Grant Program, funded by The Rockefeller Brothers Fund, aims to support diverse artists and cultural organizations in New York City. Due to high demand, applications for 2024 are not being accepted, but the portal will reopen in 2025 for projects in 2026-2027. The program prioritizes community impact, accessibility, and innovative artistic expression, fostering an inclusive arts community that reflects the rich diversity of NYC.

NOTE: Due to the overwhelming number of applications received during the last open call cycle in 2023 and limited funding capacity, we will not be accepting any grant applications for 2024 Please do not submit any Culpeper-related proposals through the general unsolicited portal as they will be automatically declined.The open call portal will reopen towards the third quarter of 2025 for projects occurring in 2026-2027. Additionally, we will not accept any requests to discuss proposals or eligibility.
Goal: Support a Vibrant and Inclusive Arts Community in New York City
The Charles E. Culpeper Arts & Culture grants honor the legacy of Charles E. Culpeper by supporting the artists and arts and cultural organizations that make New York City one of the world's most dynamic creative capitals. The Fund is inspired by the conviction that arts and culture promote free expression, foster a deeper understanding of human experience and diverse communities, and provide a fresh lens on persistent problems and emerging challenges.
Strategies
Supporting the role of artists in the creative process and in the presentation of their work, with an emphasis on artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, women, nonbinary, and disabled.
Providing time, space, and financial resources through residencies in New York City and at the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center at The Pocantico Center, in partnership with artist-led organizations, artist collectives, and cultural leaders.
Elevating arts advocacy efforts, field research, cultural-civic movements, and cultural leadership development opportunities to strengthen the arts and culture field and the creative community.

Eligibility

Prospective grantee organizations in the United States must either be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or seeking support for a project that would qualify as educational or charitable.If the entity conducting the project does not have 501(c)(3) status, the project can be carried out under the auspices of a tax-exempt Fiscal Sponsor.Non-U.S. organizations must satisfy a determination that they would qualify as tax-exempt if incorporated in the United States, or that the project for which support is sought would qualify in the United States as educational or charitable.

Ineligibility

Meetings, publications, or films, including documentaries, unless directly related to a Fund-supported project.Youth activities, including sports, afterschool, and exchange programs.
Capital expenses, including the construction and renovation of buildings.
Lobbying, as well as the planning or organizing of lobbying activities.
Tickets or tables at galas and other fundraising events.