Does Your Cultural Or Arts Organization Need A Grant?

Donny Levit -
Photo via New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

One of the most common conversations we have with artists is about fiscal support for their projects. Our neighbors have big ideas, and form the cultural and often ideological backbone to what happens here.

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs offers an annual grant through their program called the Cultural Development Fund.

The application deadline for the upcoming grant process is Monday, February 8, 2016.

Their website describes the program’s goals:

“Through the CDF process, the agency awards support for a vast array of programs provided by many of the City’s largest cultural organizations as well as neighborhood-based groups that represent New York’s extraordinary cultural breadth. CDF Applications are submitted online each year through this website, and reviewed by panels made up of experts in the field and representatives of the City’s elected officials.”

The program does have a series of requirements in order to qualify for the grant:

  • Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located and operating in any of the five boroughs of New York City.
  • Incorporated as a nonprofit in New York State as of your organization’s Fiscal 2014, and compliant with annual State and Federal filing requirements for nonprofit organizations, including Charities Bureau filings.
  • Organizations whose incorporation dates are in their FY15 or FY16 will not be eligible to apply during this cycle. In this case, organizations must wait until they have a two-year history to apply.
  • In possession of a Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN) unique to the organization.
  • Currently certified tax exempt under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(3). Incorporated nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status may apply using a fiscal conduit that is approved by DCLA.
  • Able to demonstrate at least two years of cultural public service in NYC prior to applying for DCA funding, as substantiated by the required financial documents and proof of programmatic activity for the organization’s Fiscal 2014 and 2015.

If your organization is eligible, all details for the process are located at the Cultural Development Fund site.

Is your organization in need of 501(c)(3) status? You can contact Fractured Atlas for assistance. Please note that Fractured Atlas is not affiliated with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Good Luck!