The Yonkers & Mount Vernon Arts Initiative is a grant program managed by ArtsWestchester that supports cultural organizations in Yonkers and Mount Vernon, New York. The initiative aims to enhance local cultural programming, improve community spaces, and contribute to the economic and artistic development of the region. Funded with support from the Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators, the grant provides financial assistance for arts-related projects that directly benefit the residents of Yonkers and Mount Vernon.

Eligible organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in funding for projects that take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Only nonprofit cultural organizations headquartered in either Yonkers or Mount Vernon are eligible to apply, and projects must take place in the city where the organization is based. The program funds publicly accessible arts projects such as exhibitions, performances, festivals, film screenings, and public art installations, but excludes capital projects, fundraising events, tuition-based programs, and city-operated programs. Additionally, organizations that have received funding from other ArtsWestchester grants in 2025 must propose a separate and distinct project for this initiative.

Applications must be submitted online via ArtsWestchester's Submittable platform by Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines and ensure their proposals meet all eligibility and funding criteria. Selection is based on a competitive review process that evaluates artistic merit, community impact, financial viability, and commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. A panel of artists, educators, and community members from Westchester County will score applications, and final funding decisions will be approved by ArtsWestchester's Board of Trustees. Grant recipients will be notified in late June 2025.

To assist applicants, ArtsWestchester will hold virtual and in-person information sessions, including one on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM via Zoom. Interested applicants are encouraged to RSVP for these sessions and contact grants@artswestchester.org with any questions regarding the application process.

Grant recipients must comply with contractual obligations, including crediting ArtsWestchester on all promotional materials, submitting reports, and ensuring that funded activities adhere to accessibility and community engagement requirements. Appeals for rejected applications will be considered only under specific circumstances, such as review errors or incomplete information provided by ArtsWestchester.