Arts Programs in Tompkins County
This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and individual artists in Tompkins County to create professional public arts events that engage diverse communities and address local cultural needs.
The 2025 Grants for Arts Programs (GAP) provide funding for professional-quality public arts events in Tompkins County, including performances in theater, music, and dance, as well as visual art exhibitions, literary events, and artistic films. These grants are part of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Statewide Community Regrant (SCR) program, which aims to make exceptional arts programming accessible to diverse populations and support the growth of local cultural resources. Eligible applicants include Tompkins County nonprofit organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and individual artists or groups working through a nonprofit fiscal sponsor based in the county. Organizations applying directly to NYSCA in the same year are ineligible. Projects must be open and accessible to the public and demonstrate a clear community need, with a preference for those reaching diverse cultures and underserved populations within Tompkins County. Applicants can request up to $5,000, which is also the maximum award for entities applying across multiple NYSCA SCR programs, including the GAP, Arts Education, and Artist in Community Grants. Funds can be used for specific project expenses, such as artist fees, marketing, promotional activities, space rental, and technical assistance. All funded projects must actively engage and promote access to the broader community. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are due by Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Required materials include a completed application form and a budget document, both of which are available for download. If technical issues arise, applicants can use Google Docs or contact programs@artspartner.org for assistance. Final reports documenting the use of funds are due 30 days after project completion or no later than December 15, 2025. The GAP Grant supports projects that enrich the artistic and cultural fabric of Tompkins County, with a particular focus on inclusivity and community impact. Applicants are encouraged to review examples of past grant recipients for inspiration and to craft proposals that address unmet community needs. For additional guidance or to access grant materials, applicants can visit the Community Arts Partnership website or contact their team directly.
Award Range
Not specified - $5,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Who Can Apply to the GAP Grant? 1) NOT FOR PROFITS • The applicant must be a Tompkins County based not-for-profit organization (a 501(c)(3) or NYS State not-for-profit organization either incorporated in NY State or registered to do business in NY State with a NYS Charities Registration) or a Tompkins County government agency, municipality, or Tribal Nation. • The applicant must be: located in Tompkins County with a Tompkins County mailing address, have as their primary mission providing services to residents of Tompkins County, and have an active Tompkins County board of directors which meets at least 6 times per year. • Exception for Tribal Nations: Applicants can be accepted from Tribal Nations located anywhere in NYS, regardless of county. Please contact the grant administrator for information about providing documentation. 2) INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS or COLLECTIVES • Individual artists, groups or collectives, and unincorporated entities can apply through a not-for-profit Fiscal Sponsor Organization that meets the requirements above, or can apply with an involved Tompkins County baed Community Partner. The Community Partner can be a business or organization. • Please contact Robin: • If recommendations for locating a Fiscal Sponsor are needed (at least a month of lead time is recommended), or to learn about Community Partners. • To request a PDF outlining the responsibilities and requirements of the Fiscal Sponsor or Community Partner. • Individuals being fiscally sponsored for funding must be 18 years of age at the date of submission, be a current Tompkins County resident (proof may be required), and may not be enrolled in a full-time degree program in 2025
Geographic Eligibility
Tompkins County (NY)
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
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