Responsive Grant - Performing Arts

The Cullen Foundation’s Responsive Grant in Performing Arts is a competitive funding opportunity designed to support strong, community-centered performing arts organizations. The Foundation operates a responsive grant process to better understand the needs of applicant organizations and the communities they serve, ultimately aligning its funding decisions with its mission to strengthen the performing arts landscape in its primary service area. The program emphasizes supporting the disciplines of music, dance, singing, and theatre, with a particular focus on organizations committed to community performances. Cullen Foundation places significant value on audience attendance counts as a key metric in assessing applications. The grant is structured to provide flexible support that may span one, two, or three years, with annual funding ranging from $5,000 to $125,000 and a maximum total grant of $375,000. While the highest funding level is rarely awarded, it is reserved for organizations whose projects demonstrate exceptional alignment with the Foundation’s strategic goals. The Foundation is also open to providing multi-year grants if such funding is deemed critical to the success and sustainability of the proposed project. Funding types supported under the grant include program support, general operating support, capital support (buildings or equipment), and capacity-building support. For capital grants, funds are disbursed only after the grantee secures the full cost required for the project or item. Eligibility for this grant is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) status that can submit audited or reviewed financial statements for their most recent fiscal year, prepared by a certified public accountant. The Foundation prioritizes applicants based in Erie County, New York. However, performing arts organizations outside Erie County may apply if they can demonstrate audience participation from Erie County residents. Applicants must have a primary mission dedicated to the performing arts. Ineligible uses of funding include arts education, art therapy, sponsorships of fundraising or travel events, programs hosted by non-performing arts organizations, and member-only organizational activities. The 2026 Winter grant cycle officially opens on January 1, 2026. Before applying, all prospective applicants are required to schedule a call with Cullen Foundation staff between December 15, 2025, and January 16, 2026. This call is mandatory and serves to discuss the applicant’s intent to apply and to review the proposed project. Letters of Intent (LOIs) are accepted on a rolling basis from January 1 through January 23, 2026, with early submissions encouraged. Applicants will be notified within one week if they are invited to submit a full application. The deadline for full applications is March 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Following submission, selected applicants will participate in an application review session during March or April, with final funding decisions issued in April 2026. Award payments are scheduled to be distributed by June 1, 2026. The Cullen Foundation conducts two responsive grant cycles per year for its performing arts funding. The second, or Summer cycle, begins each July. The program is not rolling but follows a recurring, biannual schedule. Applicants are encouraged to join the Foundation’s mailing list to stay informed about future deadlines and opportunities. The Foundation’s evaluation process considers fiscal health, organizational sustainability, community impact, and mission alignment, ensuring that funded programs deliver meaningful benefits to the public and help sustain a vibrant local performing arts sector.