Monroe County announced today that online applications are now open for mid-sized arts organizations to receive non-restricted operational funding. Nearly $900,000 is available to help offset 2025 expenditures for local groups.
While Monroe County sets aside annual funds to support arts and cultural organizations, this money was historically used to support large arts and cultural organizations, while mid-sized organizations received only a small fraction of the funding.
“Monroe County continues to increase investments in our creative economy,” said county executive Adam Bello. “When I first took office, Monroe County allocated only $45,000 to mid-sized arts organizations.”
This year, the $900,000 is a portion of $1,350,000 allocated to community festivals and mid-size arts organizations; larger arts, cultural and educational entities received a separate funding of $2,960,500.
“These unprecedented investments help stabilize organizations and impact the quality of life of our residents by ensuring that we proudly remain a community of the arts,” said Bello.
Qualifying applicants must have a significant presence (including a physical location) in Monroe County, an operating budget of $50,000 to $4,000,000 and proof of at least one tax year operating as an LLC or 501(c)3. The organization’s primary mission must also be directly related to arts and culture; festivals, event venues and individual artists may not apply.
On August 5, the county will offer a virtual training with a Q+A session for those interested in learning more: register here. (Those are not able to attend can review a posted video after the session.)
Organizational grantee funding will depend on several factors, including number of eligible applicants, evaluation of responses and funds available.
Read more, including FAQs, and apply here.
Leah Stacy is the editor of CITY. She can be reached at leah@rochester-citynews.com.
This article appears in Dec 1-31, 2024.
