ArtHelps Local Arts Program

The ArtHelps Local Arts Program, administered by Monmouth Arts in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, supports nonprofit organizations and community groups that provide quality arts experiences in Monmouth County. This competitive grant program is designed to ensure accessibility and diversity in the arts, targeting public-serving arts initiatives. It offers three types of grants: General Operating Support, Special Project Support, and Mini Grants. These grants cater to both established arts nonprofits and emerging or smaller organizations conducting arts-based projects. The General Operating Support (GOS) grant is available for established nonprofit arts organizations that are at least three years old and whose primary mission is arts-related. These grants support the overall operational and administrative needs of the organization and are awarded on a two-year cycle. Funding requests must range between $1,000 and $10,000 and are capped at 20% of the organization’s annual operating budget. Special Project Support (SPS) grants target specific arts events or projects and are open to both arts and non-arts organizations, including educational and religious institutions. These grants can cover up to 50% of project expenses, with funding ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Mini Grants, in the amount of $500, are designed for emerging organizations or small-scale projects. These grants are distributed on a rolling basis, with applications reviewed every two months. A total of eight Mini Grants will be awarded in 2025. These grants have a simplified application process and are meant to serve as an introduction to the ArtHelps program. Applications for the 2026 cycle open on April 10, 2025. Free virtual grant workshops, which provide guidance on the application process and accessibility requirements, will be held on April 23, 2025, and May 7, 2025. The application deadline is June 16, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Awards will be announced in October 2025, and contracts are due in December 2025. The grant period runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Final and interim reporting requirements must be met by awardees, with interim reports due in July and final reports in January following the grant year. The program prioritizes projects that serve local artists, promote equity and inclusion, foster community collaborations, broaden public engagement with the arts, support arts education, and preserve cultural heritage. Applications must be submitted through Submittable, Monmouth Arts' grant portal. Guidelines and sample applications are available for download to assist applicants. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Connie Isbell at connie@monmoutharts.org or by phone at 732-212-1890 x101. The physical office is located at 130 Maple Ave., Suite 7B, Red Bank, NJ 07701.