The Arts Grant Round is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in Herkimer and Oneida Counties that provide projects and programs with a focus on the literary, performing, and visual arts. These projects can include, but are not limited to, music, dance, theatre, arts and crafts, painting, and writing. The primary goal is to promote arts-related initiatives in these counties, encouraging creative expression and community engagement in the arts. Nonprofit organizations, including those with fiscal sponsors and government entities, can apply for grants of up to $10,000.

The grant funding is intended to support new or ongoing arts projects or programs, with a specific focus on serving residents of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. To qualify, applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Faith-based organizations may also apply, provided that the projects or programs being funded address non-religious needs or issues. The funding is restricted to initiatives that serve diverse constituencies without regard to religious affiliation. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a clear timeline and measurable outcomes for their projects.

Applications for funding will be accepted from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Award notifications will be made in March 2025. It is important for applicants to ensure that the programs or projects funded by this grant begin no earlier than March 2025. For ongoing projects, only expenses incurred after March 2025 will be eligible for funding.

Preference will be given to organizations whose missions are focused on the arts and to programmatic initiatives rather than operational costs. Only one application per organization will be accepted. Ineligible expenses include financial assistance, scholarships, or loans to individuals; funding for religious or faith-based programming; organizational payroll and operational needs; expenses already incurred; and capital projects.

Applicants should be aware that applications may be shared with Community Foundation fundholders as potential funding opportunities they may choose to support. However, it is important to note that submitting an application does not guarantee funding.