Brooklyn Arts Fund

The Brooklyn Arts Fund, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council and funded through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), is a regrant initiative designed to support arts and cultural programming throughout Brooklyn. This funding opportunity aims to uplift and empower local artists and nonprofit organizations by providing direct financial support for community-centered arts projects. In 2025, this program awarded $626,000 across 200 projects, highlighting its significant role in enriching Brooklyn's cultural landscape. The fund supports projects in a wide array of artistic disciplines, including but not limited to dance, film, cultural heritage, interdisciplinary arts, literary arts, music, opera, theatre, and visual arts. Eligible projects must take place in Brooklyn and occur within the 2026 calendar year. The grant is open to Brooklyn-based individual artists, collectives, and nonprofit organizations. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed but not required, and sponsors must be 501(c)(3) entities incorporated in NYC. Organizations with operating budgets exceeding $100,000 for two of the last three fiscal years are not eligible and are encouraged to apply directly to DCLA instead. Funds must be used for direct project expenses and cannot be allocated toward general operating costs, capital expenses, or programs in private settings. Projects must be public-facing and ADA accessible when possible. Applications must demonstrate artistic merit, community relevance, clarity of vision, and a feasible execution plan. Applicants are also encouraged to illustrate how their work uniquely contributes to Brooklyn’s diverse cultural identity. Applications for the 2026 cycle open on September 4, 2025, and close at 11:59 PM ET on November 7, 2025. All materials must be submitted through Submittable. Required components include a completed project narrative, detailed budget using a BAC-provided template, up to 10 recent work samples, and proof of Brooklyn residency or nonprofit status. While not mandatory, participation in BAC's info sessions is highly encouraged and has been shown to improve application success rates. Grant decisions are made by a diverse panel of trained reviewers representing Brooklyn’s rich demographic and artistic landscape. Awards will be announced beginning March 2026, with contracts and disbursements issued starting May 2026. Grantees are required to submit a Change of Scope form, sign a contract, include BAC and funder logos on all materials, and submit a final report by January 15, 2027. Brooklyn Arts Council cannot be the sole funder for a project; applicants must show that at least 10% of the project budget is supported through other means. The program is offered annually and provides not only monetary support but also access to mentorship, training, and a vibrant community of artists and creative collaborators. Applicants may apply to both the Brooklyn Arts Fund and the Local Arts Support program within the same grant cycle, either for the same project or different ones, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for each.

Strong applications clearly demonstrate artistic merit, relevance to Brooklyn communities, and audience benefit. Attend info sessions for tips on writing a successful application.