The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (DEP), in collaboration with the Erie County Arts and Cultural Advisory Board (EACAB), has launched the 2026 Arts and Cultural Funding Program. This initiative provides annual General Operating Support grants to eligible nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and cultural organizations located within Erie County, New York. The application portal opens on Friday, February 21, 2025, and deadlines vary based on funding levels.

Applicants must apply annually for funding and will choose from one of three application levels based on the amount requested. Level 1 applications can request up to $50,000 and are due by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Level 2 requests (over $50,000 up to $200,000) and Level 3 requests (over $200,000) are due by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. All funding requests must not exceed 20% of the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year operating expenses. Funding is not guaranteed and is subject to review and available county funds.

For 2026, several updates were made to the application based on feedback from the arts and culture community and the Erie County Cultural Plan. These include clearer questions about board, staff, and audience demographics, a revised “Programs Form” for listing past activities, a new section on accessibility and inclusion, and improved guidance on surplus/deficit reporting. Only one user account per organization is permitted, and new applicants must register early to gain access to the grant portal at www.erie.gov/Cultural.

To assist applicants, two in-person applicant briefings will be held. The first is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, NY, and the second on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library. These sessions will cover eligibility, the application process, and portal navigation. Recordings will also be made available via Erie County’s YouTube page.

All applicants must meet nonprofit status requirements for at least one year and submit consistent financial documentation aligned with federal and state standards. Applications will be evaluated based on performance indicators such as governance, financial management, and program impact. Late or incomplete applications will be penalized. Those needing special accommodations can contact Mariely Ortiz at mariely.ortiz@erie.gov or call 716-858-1916.