2025 Union County Local Arts Grants

The Union County is accepting applications for its Local Arts Grants. Donor Name: Union County State: New Jersey County: Union County (NJ) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board and the NJ State Council on the Arts, have made funds available to support local arts through a State/County block-grant partnership for non-profit arts organizations and non-arts organizations located in and serving the residents of Union County. LAP funds are awarded to organizations (“re-grantees”) that demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in producing arts activities, to promote the growth and expand the public impact of arts organizations and arts projects. Goals  LAP provides funds for arts programs in Union County to further these goals: create public recognition of the value of the arts strengthen local arts organizations, artistically and administratively foster and reward artistic excellence increase the availability of quality arts experiences to the general public increase accessibility to the arts through compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) broaden, deepen and diversify participation in the arts foster collaborations and partnership-building  promote expanded public and private support of local arts activities Applicants are encouraged to address any of these Special Areas of Interest: highlight the excellence of New Jersey artists and/or contemporary artists  incorporate diverse programming and artists demonstrate effort to reach a diverse audience and/or underserved communities present programs that appeal to families  promote high-quality, lifelong arts education. Type of Support Eligible organizations may apply for funding in one of two categories:  General Operating Support (GOS)  This category is exclusively for arts organizations, and is not project-specific. Request cannot exceed 40% of organization’s total projected annual operating budget. Applicants should present the full range of their organization’s operations and must demonstrate high standards of artistry and management. Special Project (SP)  This category is open to both arts and non-arts organizations, to fund an arts project or arts series. Examples of Special Projects are: Series of performances, films or presentations Programs for youth, senior citizens, or people with disabilities Culturally specific work  Enhanced costuming, orchestration, choreography or marketing  Arts education  Board development or staff training Strategic planning Marketing and Publicity ADA assistive services Technical Assistance. Funding Information Minimum Request: $1,500 Maximum Request: For General Operating Support (arts organizations only), $15,000 is the maximum request. Requested amount for GOS applicants cannot exceed 40% of organization’s total projected 2025 operating budget. For a Special Project, $5,000 is the maximum request. Grant Period The LAP Grant operates on a 12-month fiscal period. Use of Funds General Operating Support This grant is for arts organizations only, and is not project-specific. Expenditures using grant funds may include, but are not limited to: Staff salaries Consultants  Professional development  Internet, phone or other utilities  Printing and postage  Marketing, publicity and advertising Materials or supplies Leased equipment  Fundraising and development  Assistive services or equipment (ADA)  Insurance and audit expenses  Domestic travel and transportation Special Project This grant is project-specific. Funds must be used to pay expenses for the Project only: Fees for outside professional artists Fees for other outside Professionals Printing & postage Materials or supplies Rented space or equipment Maintenance costs Marketing, publicity and advertising Staff training Board development Strategic planning ADA assistive services Arts education. Eligibility Criteria  Applications are accepted from eligible organizations planning to provide the Union County public with a high-quality arts program or arts project. Arts organizations may apply for General Operating Support (GOS) or a Special Project grant (SP). Non-arts organizations may apply for a Special Project grant (SP) to fund an arts project or series. Local Arts Grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations meeting the following requirements: Is Union County-based; activities take place in Union County and benefit Union County residents  Organization is incorporated in the State of New Jersey for a minimum of two years Has IRS tax-exempt status in accordance with Sections 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 or pending same. Local Arts Grants may also be awarded to libraries, schools, and units of government for a specific Arts project. For more information, visit Union County.