Essex County Arts Council has announced they are accepting applications for their Cultural Assistance Program (CAP) Grant. Grant funds are available to any arts, historical or preservation organization; library, museum or organization providing public programs for Essex County residents.

Application deadline is March 15th via email to essexcountynyarts@gmail.com. The Arts Council no longer accepts mailed applications and only accept PDF format. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Technical assistance is available.

Eligibility

• 2019 CAP funded organizations must have a final report on file, submitted by February 1st, 2020, to be eligible to apply for 2020 funding.
• Any arts, historical or preservation organization; library, museum or organization providing public cultural programs for Essex County residents.
• Organizations located outside of Essex County must provide documentation of how they serve Essex County residents.
• Projects must be open to the public.
• Projects must be completed by December 31, 2020.
• The organization must demonstrate managerial and fiscal competence.
• Organizations no longer need to be a member of ECAC to apply for a CAP grant.

CAP Grants will support but are not limited to the following:

• Programming expenses
• Artist fees and honorariums
• One-time use materials for programs and workshops
• Partial fees for program administration
• Advertising
• Rental space for the event
• Rental of equipment
• Lighting & Sound
• Costumes
• Professional fees and services

CAP Grants will not support the following:

• Equipment purchases (computer, theatrical or gallery lighting, sound system, exhibit systems)
• Capital improvements, building repairs, permanently installed signage
• Fundraising expenses/receptions

Grant Support Offered (one application per organization)

Project Support — maximum award is $1,000.
General Operating Support (GOS) – maximum award is $1,000. To qualify, organizations must have an annual budget of over $65,000 and at least one paid staff member.

In prior years the average grant award was $562.50.

More information can be found on the Essex County Arts Council website.