Online Grant Application Opens Wednesday February 18; Applicant Briefing Scheduled to Guide Applicants Through Funding Process
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (“DEP”), in conjunction with the Erie County Arts and Cultural Advisory Board (“EACAB”), announces the kickoff of the 2027 Arts and Cultural Funding Program with an online grant application opening Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The Erie County Cultural Funding program provides annual General Operating Support grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and cultural organizations within Erie County. Eligible organizations must apply each year for funding the following year.
There are three (3) application levels. Each applicant will choose their qualifying level and complete one application per organization. Level 1 applications may request up to $50,000; Level 2 applications may request more than $50,000 and up to $200,000; and Level 3 applications are for requests of over $200,000. The 2027 grant amount requested should not exceed a dollar amount higher than 20% of the organization’s most recently completed fiscal year operating expenses.
The website, erie.gov/Cultural, has been updated for easier navigation, as well as a new application guidebook (to be released with the application).
New applicants must register at www.erie.gov/Cultural/AccountRequest well before the grant application deadline to access the grant portal. Only one account is allowed per organization. This account enables applicants to complete their application in multiple sessions before submission. Prior applicants can continue using their existing accounts to update their application for 2027 funding. We remind all applicants that only https://www3.erie.gov/Cultural/ (/cultural being critical) will allow them access to the application; no other county web page will allow the organization to log in to the application.
Organizations meeting the stated Eligibility Requirements must submit their application online at www.erie.gov/Cultural. The EACAB and DEP staff will review submitted applications.
Submission assistance is available on weekdays until 4:00 PM. Level 1 applications are due by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, April 15. Level 2 and Level 3 applications are due by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, April 22.
DEP staff and EACAB members will offer an educational briefing to include an overview of the program, eligibility and requirements of grant applicants, and creating an account, etc.
Organizations are strongly encouraged to attend the applicant briefing offered in person and through Webex. Recordings of the briefing will be available on Erie County’s YouTube page.
The applicant briefing will be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Buffalo & Erie County Central Library (1 Lafayette Sq, Buffalo, NY 14203). The Central Library may be reached at (716) 858-8900.
Webex access will be available at erie.gov/Cultural.
New applicants are highly encouraged to attend the briefing.
Eligible nonprofit organizations must have at least one (1) year as a 501(c)(3) organization. All application attachments must be consistent with the organization’s federal and state nonprofit reporting requirements.
Funding is not guaranteed. All applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated performance measures such as the organization’s financial management, governance, and programming, with funding distributed according to available funds for the 2026 calendar year designated by the County Executive. Late or incomplete applications will negatively affect an organization’s application score.
Contact Colette Balisteri at 716-858-1572 or colette.balisteri@erie.gov if your organization or representatives require special accommodations.
