Creative Catalyst Fund - General Operating Support

Funder: City of Newark, Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs (administered by Newark Arts)
Geographic Scope: Newark, New Jersey
Address: 17 Academy Street Suite 201, Newark, NJ 07102

Program Overview

Launched by Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs in 2020, the Creative Catalyst Fund supports the local community of artists and cultural organizations. The Fund provides grants to individual artists and small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations with an arts or culture-focused mission. Grants support general operating costs of eligible organizations.

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Newark-based non-profit arts and cultural organizations
• Budget Requirement: Annual operating budgets up to $2 million

Eligible Uses

Awarded funds may be used to cover any operating costs, including but not limited to:

• Staff salaries and benefits
• Rent
• Program-specific expenses
• Costs incurred as a result of the COVID-19 crisis

Matching Requirements

• Grants over $5,000 must be matched by funds raised from other sources
• Grants of $5,000 or less have no matching requirement

Program Status

Note: The deadline for the 2022 cycle has passed. The most recent cycle was announced in 2025. Check website for current application information.

Recent Awardees

The 2022 grant cycle awarded funds to numerous arts and cultural organizations in Newark.