SCHENECTADY — The Schenectady County Legislature is excited to announce that applications for the Arts & Culture Grant program are now being accepted.
Previously recognized as the County Initiative Program, these grants have been a significant source of support for nonprofit organizations, school districts, and local municipalities. Since 2002, over $950,000 has been awarded to more than 750 projects that focus on arts, culture, and tourism, funded by a portion of the county’s hotel and motel occupancy tax collections.
The revamped program introduces new criteria, broadening the range of programs that can qualify for funding. Applicants now have the opportunity to apply for funding for up to two projects, which can be a single event or a series of events. Additionally, artists and groups without nonprofit status can collaborate with a qualifying agency, as per the latest news release.
In a new development this year, a single agency can now partner with multiple community organizations to assist them in securing grant funding.
In the previous year, numerous projects were funded under this program, including the town of Glenville’s annual Oktoberfest, the Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady’s Steinmetz Park Family Fun Day, and the Rotterdam PBA’s annual National Night Out event.
“We have restructured our grant program to increase accessibility and magnify its impact on our communities, families, and tourism. This modification ensures that a broader range of events, programs, and organizations can benefit, thereby enriching the cultural fabric of our community,” stated Richard Ruzzo, a District 1 legislator who also serves as the vice-chair of the Tourism, Arts & Special Events Committee.
Organizations that wish to apply must be a 501(c) 3 non-profit, school district, municipality, or community organization that hosts an event or programming in Schenectady County. The event or programming should be aimed at performing, literary, visual or cultural arts, historic education, or anything that would boost Schenectady County tourism.
Applications can be found online on the county’s website and must be submitted by March 14. For any queries, please email: legislature@schenectadycountyny.gov.
Agree: Great news! Excited to see Schenectady County prioritizing community development by revamping their grant program. Looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have. #CommunityDevelopment #Grants