Applications meeting the following priorities will be given consideration for Special Projects funding:
 

• The applicant is an arts organization with 501c3 status, or a grassroots arts organization using a fiscal sponsor. 
• The project is unique in Erie County, either in artistic discipline, concept, scope, target audience, or any other consideration. 
• The project is timely, and will be completed within the fiscal year. 
• The applying organization and proposed project align with the values outlined in Erie Arts & Culture’s equity statement.
• The requested need does not qualify for funding through another EAC grant opportunity.
   

Erie Arts & Culture will make an effort to avoid funding projects that duplicate existing efforts in Erie County or funding projects that may be better facilitated by another organization due to scope and/or staff capacity. 

Erie Arts & Culture defines a “Project” as a one time, public effort that involves some degree of innovation or risk taking. Projects may turn into programs over time. However, this funding will not support ongoing programs. Those interested in applying for sustaining grants should seek funding from other Erie Arts Endowment grants or the PA Council on the Arts' Creative Sector Flex Fund. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 31, and all applicants will be notified of their award status on January 31.

Erie Arts & Culture will award grants to nonprofit arts organizations with 501c3 status partnering with artists to develop arts and cultural programming. EAC will prioritize requests that activate partnerships with folk and traditional artists. 

Awards from the McBrier Fund will support artist stipends as part of the overall program costs. Stipend amounts will vary depending on the year’s endowment distribution. Organizations may apply for more than one stipend if their programming uses multiple artists. 

EAC will only support requests that demonstrate the artist’s active involvement in the planning process and if applicable, demonstrate a commitment to building authentic relationships with folk and traditional artists and culture bearers. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 31, and all applicants will be notified of their award status on January 31.

Erie Arts & Culture seeks grant review panelists to help create panels to review applications submitted to the organization for funding consideration throughout the year, including grants for individual artists as well as those for arts organizations. Panels are integral to the grantmaking process, providing a critical review, comments, and scores of all applications to a particular grant program.

We work hard to balance the composition of these panels by artistic discipline, race/ethnicity, ability, arts experience, and gender expression. Panels are composed of individuals who represent a broad range of artistic and cultural viewpoints and geographic and ethnic diversity. We welcome you to apply to share your expertise and talent as a grant panelist.

As a panelist, you will have the opportunity to develop connections with peers who share your passion for art and culture while supporting your community. Panelists are a vital force in the decision-making process, get an up-close look at the grantmaking process and learn about the many ways artists and art organizations make a difference across the community.

Panelist Responsibilities

• Attend an orientation meeting to get familiar with the grant program, review process, scoring criteria, and Submittable platform.
• Read and rate each grant application according to the review criteria. Reading the grant applications must be done in advance of the panel meeting on your own time. You should expect to spend several hours reading, reviewing, and scoring the applications.
• Attend the panel session. The panel meeting is typically 1-2 hours and is a one-time commitment where you will discuss the applications and make a funding recommendation with your fellow panelists.