The Westmoreland County Local Arts Grant Program is offered by the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation, under the authority of the Westmoreland County Commissioners. The grant program’s purpose is to provide funding to support local art projects and programs that are accessible to the residents of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The program is designed to encourage and enhance public participation in the arts by supporting projects delivered by non-profit arts organizations and local government entities that provide arts programming and services in the county.

Funding through this program is limited to non-profit corporations and local government entities that provide arts services in Westmoreland County. Eligible applicants must possess a Federal Identification Number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service and must demonstrate non-profit status. The program is authorized under Pennsylvania Acts 87, 88, 89, 90, and 92 of 1979, as well as Acts 3 and 4 of 1989, which permit county governments to provide funding to non-profit arts organizations.

The grant specifically funds project-based activities in performing and visual arts. Eligible projects may include music, dance, theater, puppetry, sculpture, painting, photography, and crafts. The program does not fund capital expenditures, purchase of equipment, religious activities, academic-credit projects, fundraising events, private or out-of-county exhibitions, or hospitality expenses. The maximum grant award will cover up to 60% of eligible project costs, with typical grant awards ranging between $200 and $2,000.

Applications for the 2025 program must be submitted to the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, or postmarked by that date. Funded projects will be selected by an independent local arts board and submitted to the Westmoreland County Commissioners for final approval by June 5, 2025. All awarded projects must occur between June 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, with a final report due by January 31, 2026.

Applications must include a completed application form, a project narrative, a detailed budget, proof of non-profit or tax-exempt status, the organization’s current fiscal year budget, a financial report for the last complete year, and selected descriptive or promotional materials. Applicants must thoroughly answer all criteria questions, covering project description, community access, audience size, budget accuracy, financial need, promotional plans, and artistic qualifications of participants.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Lauren Titterington, Communications Coordinator, at ltitteri@westmorelandcountypa.gov or by phone at 724-830-3962. Additional information and downloadable applications are available at www.WestmorelandCountyPA.gov/Parks under the ‘Press Releases’ section.