Deadline: 23-Jul-21
The Cullen Foundation is inviting application for its Responsive Grant to gain a better understanding of organizations and learn about the needs of and benefits to the individuals they serve.
Ultimately the process results in investments in strong performing arts organizations aligned with our stated mission and focus areas.
In Performing Arts, we support the disciplines of music, dance, singing, and theatre, and our priority is to fund organizations that have a primary focus on community performances.
Types of Support
Cullen Foundation has established the following types of support for responsive grants in the performing arts focus area:
- Program support
- General operating support
- Capital (building or equipment)
- Capacity building support
Funding Information
An organization may apply for 1, 2 or 3 years of funding, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per year (for a $300,000 total maximum). Receiving the maximum $100,000/year request amount is rare and occurs only when the Foundation deems a unique strategic alignment between Cullen Foundation’s mission and the program’s outcomes. Multi-year grants are made only when the Foundation believes the multi-year nature of the request is essential to the project’s success.
Eligibility Criteria
Cullen Foundation has the following eligibility criteria for all applicants:
- The organization is a 501(c)(3).
- The organization MUST submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA for its most recently completed fiscal year. This is Cullen’s requirement and is not related to NYS requirements.
- Erie County is our primary geographic service area. Performing arts organizations outside of Erie County may apply if they can demonstrate their service to Erie County residents through valid audience participation data.
- No funding received will be used for partisan political activity.
- No funding received will be used for expenses already incurred.
- No funding will overlap with an existing grant from the Cullen Foundation.
- The request fits within Cullen Foundation’s performing arts focus area; requests for the following will not be considered:
- Arts education programs
- Sponsorships including galas, fundraising events, conferences, and travel opportunities
- Programs and events with a performing arts component that are hosted by organizations that are not members of the performing arts sector
- Activities of organizations serving primarily their own membership.
For more information, visit https://www.thecullenfoundation.org/responsive-grant–performing-arts