Union County arts organizations have a two-month window starting July 31 to apply for up to $15,000 in county funding, part of the Local Arts Program Grant supporting arts programming across the county in 2027.
Nonprofit arts organizations can seek General Operating Support grants of up to $15,000, capped at 40% of their 2027 operating budget. A second track, Special Project Grants of up to $4,500, is open to nonprofits, libraries and local government units for specific projects like concert series, exhibitions or education programs — though this category requires matching funds.
"Help ensure that the arts continue to thrive throughout Union County," Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek said, encouraging eligible groups to apply.
All funded programming has to take place within Union County during 2027, and first-time applicants need a valid Union County mailing address. Applications go through the county's online grant portal, with funding decisions based on artistic excellence, administrative capacity, professionalism, and community impact and outreach. The grants themselves come from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The county is hosting a free virtual Grant Workshop Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. via Zoom, covering the Local Arts Program Grant alongside the HEART Grant and History Grant programs, with guidance and a Q&A session. Register at ucnj.org/cultural-funding-zoom. Questions or portal access issues can go to Local Arts Program Grant Coordinator Martha Sturm at [email protected], with full guidelines posted at ucnj.org/cultural-funding.
Key dates:
- July 31 — Applications open
- Aug. 4, 3 p.m. — Virtual Grant Workshop
- Sept. 30 — Application deadline
