Lydia McCain Fund

• Amount: $11,000 total available for grant awards

• Source: Endowment

• Eligibility: Erie County 501(c)(3) arts organizations and grassroots arts organizations using a fiscal sponsor

• Application Window: Rolling until October 31

• Grant activity period: February - January

• Notification date: January 31

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

• The applicant is an Erie County arts organization with 501(c)(3) 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 grant period (February 2025 - January 2026).

• The applying organization and proposed project align with the values outlined in Erie Arts and Culture’s equity statement.

• The requested need does not qualify for funding through another EAC grant opportunity.

Grant funding may cover eligible project costs incurred during the grant activity period, such as:

• Project-specific materials and supplies

• Fees/stipends for artists and/or contractual personnel

• Marketing and promotion costs

• Facilities rental for project-related events

• Ongoing programs or operational costs

• Capital improvements or land acquisition

• Activities with a religious or political purpose

• Reimbursement for expenses incurred outside of the grant activity period

• Hospitality, food, or beverages

• Lobbying activities

Project Description: In one page, provide a project description addressing the following:

• Does the project fill an artistic gap in Erie County?

• Project’s relevance to EAC’s principles of artistic quality

• Integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) principles

• Definition of success and plans for project evaluation

• Internal and external stakeholders involved, including collaborators, partners, and staff

• Project timeline

• Total cost for the project (with provided budget form)

• Amount requested

Virtual information sessions will be held to assist applicants. Specific dates for these sessions will be announced on our social media pages and via email.

Project (50 points):

• Well-planned and relevant to the Erie County community (15 points)

• Alignment with Erie Arts and Culture’s strategic priorities (15 points)

• Appropriate timeline for scale and scope (10 points)

• Appropriate budget for scale and scope (10 points)

Impact (25 points):

• Commitment to delivering a quality artistic product (15 points)

• New and innovative or implements an audience development initiative (10 points)

Stakeholders (25 points):

• Confirmed sources of funding (15 points)

• Qualified internal stakeholders with new perspectives and/or professional expertise (10 points)

Applications reviewed by EAC staff for eligibility. Staff determine funding recommendations, which are approved by the Programs Committee and BOD.

• Interim check-in calls with grantees to track progress and identify additional needs

• End-of-cycle round table, oral reports in small peer groups