Local Arts Program

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is accepting applications for the 2026 Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant. This annual program supports the growth and sustainability of arts-related initiatives within Somerset County, New Jersey. Funding is made available through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and is distributed by the Commission to eligible local organizations for public-facing creative programs and general arts support. Eligible applicants include local arts agencies, nonprofit organizations, public libraries, and municipal entities that operate arts programming. Funding is available for a variety of eligible activities, including public art events, performance series, creative placemaking initiatives, art education workshops, and other projects that broaden community access to the arts. Organizations whose mission is exclusively focused on the arts may apply for general operating support, while those hosting specific arts-related projects may seek special project funding. Creative placemaking initiatives, which integrate arts into community revitalization efforts, are also eligible. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, managerial and fiscal responsibility, and a history of quality arts programming. The grant process is competitive, and funding decisions are based on artistic merit, administrative competence, community impact, and compliance with grant guidelines. Applications must clearly describe the intended program or project, identify the population served, and provide a detailed budget and justification for the requested funds. For 2026, grant funding is contingent on appropriations from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Matching funds are required for both Special Project and Creative Placemaking grants; however, there is no matching requirement for General Operating Support. In 2025, a total of $200,000 was awarded for arts projects throughout the county. Completed applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission at the County Administration Building in Somerville, New Jersey. The submission deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025. Online submission is not available. A virtual Technical Assistance Workshop will be held via Zoom on August 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. This workshop is strongly encouraged for applicants to gain insight into application requirements, funding priorities, and submission procedures. Registration is available through the grant website. For more information, applicants may contact the Commission office at (908) 231-7021 or email CulturalHeritage@co.somerset.nj.us. Additional guidelines and materials are available at http://bit.ly/LAPGrant.

Attend the August 19 Zoom workshop to strengthen your understanding of application requirements and maximize competitiveness. Emphasize accessibility, community reach, and managerial readiness.