Responsive Grant- Performing Arts

The Cullen Foundation's Responsive Grant for Performing Arts aims to enhance the cultural landscape of Erie County by supporting local organizations focused on community performances in music, dance, and theatre. The foundation prioritizes applicants demonstrating fiscal health and sustainability, while providing funding ranging from $5,000 to $125,000 per year. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities and submit audited financials. This competitive grant process fosters impactful artistic initiatives that align with the foundation's mission.

NOTE: December 15, 2025 - January 16, 2026: All applicants must schedule a phone call with Cullen staff prior to submitting an Application. This phone call will indicate your organization's intent to apply and provide an overview of the program for which you are applying.
The Cullen Foundation serves the residents of Erie County by providing funding and support that significantly enhances the education of students in grades pre-K through 12 and advances theatre and the performing arts.
The responsive grant process enables us to gain a better understanding of applicant organizations and learn about the needs of and benefits to the individuals they serve. Ultimately the process results in investments in strong performing arts organizations aligned with our stated mission and focus areas.
In Performing Arts, we support the disciplines of music, dance, singing, and theatre, and our priority is to fund organizations that have a primary focus on community performances.
Cullen Foundation’s responsive grant process is competitive, not all applications are funded. The fiscal health, sustainability, and impact of the applicant organization are important factors in our decision-making.  Audience attendance counts are strongly weighted in our performing arts grant making.
Education
View information on the Education focus area here.
Types of Support
Cullen Foundation has established the following types of support:

• Performing Arts
• Program / project supportGeneral operating supportCapital (building or equipment)Capacity building support
• Performing arts grants will be limited to organizations where the primary focus/mission is community performances.
• Funding Range

An organization may apply for 1, 2 or 3 years of funding, ranging from $5,000 to $125,000 per year (for a $375,000 total maximum). Receiving the maximum $125,000/year request amount is rare and occurs only when the Foundation deems a unique strategic alignment between Cullen Foundation's mission and the program's outcomes. Multi-year grants are made only when the Foundation believes the multi-year nature of the request is essential to the project's success.

Eligibility

Cullen Foundation has established the following eligibility criteria:The organization is a 501(c)(3).The organization MUST submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA for its most recently completed fiscal year. This is Cullen's requirement and is not related to NYS requirements. Performing arts organizations outside of Erie County may apply if they can demonstrate their service to Erie County residents through valid audience participation data.The primary mission of the organization should be directly that of performing arts.

Ineligibility

No funding received will be used for partisan political activity.No funding received will be used for expenses already incurred.No funding will overlap with an existing grant from the Cullen Foundation.The request fits within Cullen Foundation’s performing arts focus area; requests for the following will not be considered:Arts education programsSponsorships including galas, fundraising events, conferences, and travel opportunitiesPrograms and events with a performing arts component that are hosted by organizations that are not members of the performing arts sectorActivities of organizations serving primarily their own membership