Erie County Cultural Funding Program - Level 1 (Grants under $50,000)

The Erie County Cultural Funding Program offers annual grants of up to $50,000 for 501(c)(3) arts and cultural organizations in Erie County. These funds support general operating expenses such as salaries, program costs, and utilities. Eligible organizations must have a primary cultural mission and demonstrate their community impact. Importantly, funds cannot be used for capital projects or for activities outside Erie County, ensuring that support remains local.

The Erie County Cultural Funding program provides annual General Operating Support grants to 501c3 arts and cultural organizations within the County. An application must be submitted each year for funding the following year. The funding is for the organization as a whole, not just a particular program/programs.

Eligibility

Funds are limited to current operating expenses including salaries, program costs, fringe benefits, rents, utilities, office supplies, and equipmentEligibility RequirementsBe located and provide services in Erie CountyBe a 501(c)(3) organization with tax-exempt status (must be able to provide one (1) year of the required financial documents including record of tax filing, and information as a 501c3 organization)Have at least ONE of the following definitions of a Cultural Organization as a primary mission of the organization:An organization that operates on a countywide or recognizable community level, which by the nature of its cultural activities and/or collections, is unique, distinctive and of significant qualityAn organization that provides visitors with access to programs and displays of the performing, visual, literary and media arts, and/or to exhibits and collections, which preserve and interpret our cultural, natural and scientific heritageAn organization that particularly serves the cultural needs of significant segments of the County population, thereby contributing to the quality of life in Buffalo and Erie County

Ineligibility

Grant funds may NOT be used for or applied toward any capital project or improvement, nor as a set-off against accounts receivable. No funds received shall be used for any service provided or activity performed outside Erie County.Organizations such as social and/or multi-service, educational, athletic, after-school, or religious organizations for which cultural activity is not a primary purpose are not eligible.