Funding Amount

Varies (part of $1.4+ million annual pool)

Deadline

September 10, 2026

156 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

UMEZ Arts Engagement Grant Program

Overview: Manhattan Arts Grant program supporting arts projects within UMEZ (Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone) boundaries with emphasis on community engagement and cultural development.

Geographic Scope: UMEZ area in Manhattan; specifically targeted toward Upper Manhattan communities

Eligible Applicants:

  • Individual artists

  • Artist collectives

  • Arts organizations

  • Community organizations

  • Based in or serving UMEZ communities
  • Focus Areas: Arts engagement in underserved communities, cultural programming within UMEZ boundaries

    Funding History: In 2019, LMCC awarded over $1.4 million through Manhattan Arts Grants programs to 270+ recipients

    Requirements:

  • First-time applicants and returning applicants who have not attended an information session since 2016 are required to attend an information session before applying

  • Projects must serve UMEZ area communities
  • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (212) 219-9401

  • Email: info@lmcc.net

  • Address: 125 Maiden Lane, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038
  • Related Programs: Part of Manhattan Arts Grants (also includes Creative Engagement and Creative Learning)

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Deadline: September 10 annually at 5:00pm EST

    Required Steps:
    1. Attend an information session (mandatory for first-time applicants and returning applicants who have not attended since 2016)
    2. Complete online application
    3. Submit all required materials by deadline

    Application Resources:

  • Information sessions held throughout July-August

  • Eligibility Quiz available to determine program fit

  • Fundraising Fundamentals workshops offered free covering:

  • - Project budgeting
    - Work sample selection
    - Grantwriting basics
    - Funding ecosystem overview
    - Cultivating individual donors

    Required Materials (typical for Manhattan Arts Grants):

  • Work samples

  • Project budget

  • Artist/organization statement

  • Project narrative and description

  • Documentation of UMEZ community connection/focus
  • Application Details: Guidelines and forms available through LMCC website

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artscommunity-servicescommunity-development

    Categories

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