UPPER MANHATTAN EMPOWERMENT ZONE logo

UMEZ Arts Engagement Grant (UMAE)

UPPER MANHATTAN EMPOWERMENT ZONE

Foundation Annual Grants for ArtsGrants for MusicGrants for DanceGrants for Theater
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Up to $10,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

UMEZ Arts Engagement Grant (UMAE)

Status: Active, ongoing annual program

Geographic Scope: Upper Manhattan (all four uptown Community Boards including Central Harlem, West Harlem, East Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood)

Funding Amount: Up to $10,000 per award

Total Annual Awards:

  • 2018: $250,000 to 37 artists and organizations

  • 2019: $400,000 to 53 artists and organizations

  • 2020: $375,000 to 54 artists and organizations

    • Focus Areas:

  • Dance

  • Multidisciplinary and literature

  • Music

  • Theater

  • Visual arts and media

  • New media

  • Film

    • Eligibility:

  • Individual artists (must be fiscally sponsored)

  • Art collectives

  • Cultural nonprofits

  • Budget requirement: Organizations with budgets under $750,000 (2019 onwards)

  • Must support public engagement with artistic projects

    • What They Fund:

  • Project-based support

  • Public performances and workshops

  • Exhibitions and festivals

  • Educational programming

  • Cultural activities and community engagement

    • Program History:

  • Originally designed as a two-year pilot initiative (2018-2019)

  • Renewed for continued support through 2021

  • Administered in partnership with Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC)

    • Contact Information:

  • Email: info@umez.org

  • Phone: (212) 410-0030

  • Address: 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027

  • LMCC Website: lmcc.net/resources/manhattan-arts-grants/umez-arts-engagement/

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Key Dates:

  • 2019 deadline: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 5 p.m. EDT

  • Applications accepted annually (specific dates vary by year)

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Fiscally-sponsored individual artists

  • Arts organizations with budgets under $750,000

  • Collectives and cultural nonprofits

  • Must support public engagement with artistic projects

    • Application Submission:

  • Submit through LMCC (Lower Manhattan Cultural Council)

  • Online application portal

  • Information available at: lmcc.net/resources/manhattan-arts-grants/umez-arts-engagement/

    • Application Support:

  • Information sessions available

  • Technical assistance provided

  • Detailed eligibility criteria available on LMCC website

    • Evaluation:

  • Juried selection process

  • Review panel of arts professionals and community leaders

  • Diverse panel representing various artistic disciplines and communities

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artsmusicdancetheater

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for ArtsGrants for MusicGrants for DanceGrants for Theater

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    The Fabulous Find Monthly Partnership Grant

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Monthly
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Foundation Production Grant (AFI's Directing Workshop for Women)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    May 1, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Production Grant (Boston University)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    January 1, 2027

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Award for Best Female Director (Columbia University)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    May 1, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Foundation Film Grant (Horizon Award/Sundance Film Festival)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    January 1, 2027

    Annual
    Foundation

    Adrienne Shelly Director's Grant (IFP)

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    October 1, 2026

    Annual

    Ready to apply for UMEZ Arts Engagement Grant (UMAE)?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more