Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA)

Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF)

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is excited to introduce a new grant program, the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF), for the 2023-2024 grant year. The CSFF is designed to address the changing needs of dynamic PA arts organizations with average annual revenue between $10,000 - $200,000. This grant program offers grantees the flexibility to use $5,000 grants in ways that ensure the most significant impact for their organizations and communities.

    • Amount: $5,000

    • Source: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA)

    • Eligibility: Arts organizations located in Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties with average annual revenues between $10,000 - $200,000

    • Application Window: July 1 - August 31

    • Grant Activity Period: January - December

    • Notification Date: November 30

    • Administrative expenses

    • Programmatic expenses

    • Project-related expenses

    • Activities outside the activity period of the grant

    • Activities with a religious purpose

    • Payments to lobbyists

    • Cash prizes and awards

    • Benefit activities

    • Hospitality expenses (e.g., receptions, parties, gallery openings)

    • Capital expenditures, including equipment costing $500 or more

    • Competitions

    • Performances and exhibitions not available to the public

    • Read the Guidelines:

    • Eligibility Checklist:

      • Complete the eligibility checklist in advance to ensure your organization qualifies for the grant and has all the necessary application materials prepared. This checklist is included within the application form and must be completed before submitting your application.

    • Submit Your Application:

      • Erie Arts and Culture will accept applications to the Creative Sector Flex Fund from July 1 to August 31, 2024. Complete your application online through the Submittable platform.

    • PPA Partner Staff Review: Applications are reviewed for eligibility.

    • Advisory Panel Review: Eligible applications are evaluated based on criteria such as community value, diversity, equity, inclusion, and stewardship.

    • Notification: Applicants will be notified of the status of their applications, award amounts, and grant award agreements.

  • 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.

    • The PCA has retired Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts’ (PPA) Entry to Program Stream and Program Stream grant programs to align better with industry trends and their strategic plan goals.

    • For additional grant opportunities, visit the PA Council on the Arts' Apply for a Grant page and EAC's Grants page.

Ready to apply? Use the button below to access the application via Submittable.

Please note, the application is only visible during the application window.

Questions? If you have any questions or need more detailed information, please contact our team at info@erieartsandculture.org.