Local Arts Support Grant

Local Arts Support Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
Amount: US $2,500 - US $5,000
Last Updated: September 23, 2025

Summary

The Local Arts Support Grant, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, empowers Brooklyn's artists and arts organizations by providing funding for community engagement projects. Designed for nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships, it supports diverse artistic disciplines and does not require matching funds. In 2025, it distributed $265,000 to 63 projects, enhancing local cultural initiatives through performances, exhibitions, and workshops that foster community involvement and enrich the arts landscape.

Overview

Local Arts Support Designed with nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships in mind, Local Arts Support helps develop high-quality local arts projects and programs that focus on community engagement. About this Grant Funded by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Local Arts Support funding is for nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships developing high-quality local arts projects and programs that focus on community engagement. The best proposals identify their community, demonstrate engagement with that community, and thoughtfully describe anticipated outcomes. In 2025, Local Arts Support distributed $265,000 to 63 projects across the borough. What: Support for community arts projects in all disciplines, genres, and styles. Why: To empower Brooklyn’s artists, arts organizations, and audiences by supporting performances; exhibitions; pop-up galleries; workshops; reading series; festivals; public art; and more. There is NO match requirement (you do NOT have to show 10% of other sources of income in the overall project budget)

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who CAN Apply?Brooklyn-based nonprofit organizationsBrooklyn-based individual artists working with a Brooklyn-based nonprofit partner.NYC-based artists working in Brooklyn with a Brooklyn-based fiscal sponsor.Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization (applicant, partner, or sponsor) must have an active board. Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization (applicant, partner, or sponsor) must be able to provide proof of nonprofit status in Kings County using one of the following forms:Internal Revenue Service 501c3 letter (*not an EIN assignment letter)Charter from Board of Regents under Section 216 of the NY State Education LawNYC Charities Registration (Article 7A)Certificate of Incorporation under S.402 of the NY State Not-for-Profit LawBrooklyn-based individual artists applying in partnership with an organization that meets the above criteria, should also submit a letter of commitment outlining their terms of partnership; i.e.; venue/space, marketing support, community engagement, staff/admin support, etc.Funds, if awarded, will be paid to the individual artist.Individual artists working but not living in Brooklyn applying under fiscal sponsorship with an organization that meets the above criteria, should also submit a letter of agreement outlining their terms of sponsorship; i.e. sponsorship fees, pay schedule, venue/space, marketing support, community engagement, staff/admin support, etc. Funds, if awarded, will be disbursed directly to the fiscal sponsor.Program areas of funding include:Dance; Film; Cultural Heritage; Interdisciplinary Arts; Literary Arts; Multi-disciplinary projects; Music/Opera;Theatre; Visual Arts/Crafts.Plan to use most of the money on people. A maximum of $1,000 of grant funds may be used for supplies; materials; software subscriptions; training; equipment; or materials related to the proposed project. Virtual programming and audiences can be included. Grants can prioritize program quality over quantity of viewers/participants.Applicants may submit one LAS application per year.You can submit a proposal for the same or a different project to Brooklyn Arts Fund, too.Eligible applicants may apply to both programs for the same project, or they may apply to both programs for different projects.Projects must be:Public (ADA accessible when possible)In the calendar year 2025 (Jan - Dec)In BrooklynDescribed in a complete application

Ineligibility

Who CAN'T Apply?Nonprofit partner and/or fiscal sponsor who has applied directly to NYSCA or LAS for FY25.Applicants must not:Have an outstanding Final Report for a Brooklyn ArtsCouncil grant in the last three (3) years.Be under the age of 18.Be a full-time student in a higher education program.Be applying for NYSCA or DCLA funds directly or in another county/borough for 2025.Be a New York City public school district, public, private, or parochial school, New York State agency or department, and/or public college or university.Funding cannot be provided for:Other AwardsGOS & Admin Expenses not directly related to projectPrivate Facilities Operating ExpensesParties and Party Expenses or Party EntertainmentPrivate ProgramsEducation in Closed ClassroomsPrograms that are essentially recreational, rehabilitative, or therapeutic; Martial Arts; Culinary ArtsTravel expenses outside of NYCAcquisition of works of artContingency fundsLobbying expensesFees paid to childrenAward request CANNOT exceed the amount left after you minus project income from project expense.Organizations or artists who receive funding at less than the requested amount are not eligible to appeal.