Responsive Grant Program for Performing Arts in New York

The Cullen Foundation of Western New York, Inc., based in Buffalo, New York, operates as a private foundation that supports local nonprofit organizations in the areas of education and performing arts. The Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Western New York residents through strategic grantmaking. Its Responsive Grant Program for Performing Arts is designed to support organizations that are primarily focused on community performances in disciplines such as music, dance, singing, and theatre. The goal of this funding initiative is to invest in strong performing arts organizations that align with the Foundation’s mission while addressing community needs through engaging and impactful programming. The grant process for performing arts is competitive and places a strong emphasis on the fiscal health, sustainability, and impact of the applicant organization. A key metric in the evaluation is audience attendance, which serves as a proxy for community engagement and program effectiveness. Applicants may request funding for one, two, or three years, with annual awards ranging from $5,000 to $125,000. The maximum total funding per grant is capped at $375,000. However, receiving the maximum amount is rare and is typically reserved for programs that exhibit a unique strategic alignment with the Foundation’s objectives. Multi-year grants are awarded only when the Foundation deems them critical to the success of the proposed project. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a primary mission in the performing arts. Audited or CPA-reviewed financial statements for the most recently completed fiscal year are required at the time of submission. While the Foundation’s geographic focus is Erie County, New York, organizations outside of this area may apply if they can demonstrate significant service to Erie County residents through valid audience data. The grant excludes support for arts education, art therapy, fundraising events, sponsorships, travel, and programs with only partial performing arts components hosted by non-arts organizations. The types of support available through the Responsive Grant Program include general operating support, program support, capital investments for equipment or building, and capacity-building initiatives. For capital support, Cullen Foundation requires that all necessary project funds be secured before releasing their contribution. This ensures that funded projects are financially viable and ready for implementation. For the Summer 2025 grant cycle, the Letter of Intent (LOI) phase opens on July 1, 2025, and closes on July 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis within that window. Prior to submitting an LOI, all applicants must schedule a phone call with Cullen staff between June 23 and July 23, 2025, to express their intent and receive guidance on the application. Approved applicants will be invited to submit a full application, which is due by September 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Review sessions will occur in September and October, with award decisions communicated in October. Payments are scheduled for distribution on December 1, 2025. Applicants can direct inquiries or schedule their mandatory calls by contacting Nick Schifano at NSchifano@thecullenfoundation.org or by phone at 716-800-4280. The Foundation encourages early submissions for both the LOI and full application stages to ensure timely review and engagement.

Submit early and schedule mandatory phone call with staff to ensure thorough review.