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Home / Government / Departments / Business Innovations, Education & Opportunity / Arts & History Grants

Middlesex County Arts & History Grant Programs

Arts & History Grants

Middlesex County has a strong and long-standing legacy and tradition of supporting arts, culture and history. We aspire to reach all County residents through these funding programs, available to qualifying organizations.

Historic Preservation & Capital Grants

Historic
Preservation & Capital Grants

 

Operating Support Grants

General Operating Support Grants

 

Program Support Grants

Program Support Grants

 

Grant Programs

For guidance on which grant program best meets your needs or questions on how to apply, contact our grant services representatives at 732-745-4489 or email artsandhistory@co.middlesex.nj.us

Middlesex County Arts & History Grants – Apply Here!

2022 General Operating Support and Program Support I & II Grant Guidelines

2022 Historic Preservation & Capital Grant Guidelines

Middlesex County Arts Partner Brand Guidelines
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Historic Preservation And Capital Grants

What is it?

Connecting past and present, these annual or multi-year grants support the development of new facilities or improvements that fortify Middlesex County’s rich legacy and future. From the infrastructure upgrade of New Brunswick’s 1921 Vaudeville theatre to the historic preservation of Monroe’s Dey Farm, these grants support “bricks and mortar” projects or investments in capital equipment that enhance the community and connect residents to arts, history, and culture.

Eligibility Requirements

Middlesex County-based nonprofits or municipalities with “open to the public” facilities located in Middlesex County.

Required Financial Documentation

Independently certified financial audit most recently completed two fiscal years. All 501(c)(3) organizations seeking grants will need to submit their most recent IRS Form 990.

Grant Period

Jan. 1, 2022 thru Dec. 31, 2022 (multi-year grants continue, in line with the calendar year)

Declaration of Intent (DOI) Due

August 3, 2021. For historic preservation projects a planning document is required showing project goals, cost estimates and models of sustainability.

One-on-One Conferences

July 13 - July 15, 10am-3pm
July 27 - July 29, 10am-3pm

Application Due

August 31, 2021 at Midnight

Grant Size

Grants of up to $15K annually

Application Basics

Narrative Questions; Budget; Construction Documents. (including Data Arts Profile)

Match component

Cash Match 50%

Reporting requirements

Final report is required to receive final 25% grant funding. Final payment will not be issued without the inspections and final report.

Guidelines

Full guidelines (available July 1, 2021) for Historic Preservation and Capital Grants Program

Have questions?

history@co.middlesex.nj.us

Combinable with other grants?

Organizations may apply for one Historic Preservation and Capital Grant during each cycle. May also apply for General Operating Support, Program, but receive no more than a total of two grants per cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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General Operating Support Grants (GOS)

What is it?

A two-year General Operating Support Grant provides funding to established Middlesex County nonprofits that deliver arts and history programming to Middlesex County residents as a part of their primary mission. This support ensures that the established institutions have the operating and administrative funding needed to sustain valuable programs. GOS grants are awarded with a two-year commitment, subject to contract stipulations and available funds.

Eligibility Requirements

Middlesex County-based nonprofits that provide arts or history programs primarily to County residents. Applicant organizations must have a primary mission of arts or history, be at least five years old, and have paid administrative staff. Municipal or state agencies are not eligible for general operating support.

Required Financial Documentation

Independently certified financial audit most recently completed two fiscal years. All 501(c)(3) organizations seeking grants will need to submit their most recent IRS Form 990.

Grant Period

Jan. 1, 2022 thru Dec. 31, 2022

Declaration of Intent (DOI) Due

August 3, 2021

Grant Writing Workshops

Attendance at a grant writing workshop is encouraged for all applicants but is mandatory for new applicants, or applicants that did not apply in the last three grant cycles. Workshops will be held virtually on June 23, 29; July 15, 21, 27. Go to www.middlesex.smapply.io to register.

Application Due

August 31, 2021 at Midnight

Grant Size

Grants from $10K-$300K

Application Basics

Narrative Questions; Budget; Support Documents. (including Data Arts Profile)

Match component

Cash Match 25% (Grant Request Size cannot be more than 25% of operating budget)

Reporting requirements

Final report is required to receive final 25% of grant funding. Final payment will not be issued without submission of final reports.

Have questions?

artsandhistory@co.middlesex.nj.us

Combinable with other grants?

Organizations may apply for one GOS Grant each cycle. May also apply for Historic Preservation and Capital, but receive no more than a total of two grants per cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Program Support Grants

What is it?

Provides annual funding to nonprofit organizations for the delivery of specific projects and programs for Middlesex County residents. Supports program-specific costs and administrative support required to deliver those programs. This program supports organizations in bringing arts and history to life in Middlesex County. Program Support Grants are divided into two categories – to serve both small and large organizations.

Eligibility Requirements

Middlesex County-based nonprofits and municipalities who provide arts, cultural or history-focused programs primarily for Middlesex County residents. Grant-funded activities take place in Middlesex County and are available for the public. Organizations do not need to have arts, culture or history as their primary mission.

Required Financial Documentation

Program 1 - IRS Form 990 or Independently certified financial audit for the most recently completed fiscal year. DataArts Funder's Report required.


Program 2 - IRS Form 990 or Independently certified financial audit for the most recently completed fiscal year. In lieu of a DataArts Funder's Report, a Statement of Financial Activity is required.

Grant Period

Jan. 1, 2022 thru Dec. 31, 2022

Declaration of Intent (DOI) Due

August 3, 2021

Grant Writing Workshops

Attendance at a grant writing workshop is encouraged for all applicants but is mandatory for new applicants, or applicants that did not apply in the last three grant cycles. Workshops will be held virtually on June 23, 29; July 15, 21, 27. Go to www.middlesex.smapply.io to register.

Application Due

August 31, 2021 at Midnight

Grant Size

Program 1 - $5,001 K to $50K
Program 2- $1K to $5K

Application Basics

Program 1 - Narrative Questions; Budget; Support Materials. (including Data Arts Profile)


Program 2 – Narrative Questions; Budget; Support Materials.

Match component

Program 1 - Cash Match 20%
Program 2 - Cash Match 15%

Reporting requirements

Final report is required to receive final 25% grant funding. Final payment will not be issued without submission of final reports.

Have questions?

artsandhistory@co.middlesex.nj.us

Combinable with other grants?

Organizations may apply for only one grant in this category. May also apply for Historic Preservation & Capital, but receive no more than a total of two grants per cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

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Innovation & Exploration Grants

What is it?

Supports new programs and projects that expand the creative boundaries of Middlesex County. Each year, this program provides nonprofits and artists collaborating with nonprofits the support they need to incubate new ideas, take calculated risks, reach new audiences, and push the County and its municipalities to be leaders in arts, history and culture.

Eligibility Requirements

Middlesex County-based nonprofits and individual artists or historians, in partnership with a nonprofit. Activities must take place in Middlesex County and be available to the public.

Required Financial Documentation

Independently certified financial audit or review most recently completed fiscal year. All 501(c)(3) organizations seeking grants will need to submit their most recent IRS Form 990.

Grant Period

July 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2020

Declaration of Intent (DOI) Due

March 1, 2019

Mandatory Workshops

Grant Writing (GWW) Regional Training Institute (RTI)

GWW: Feb. 22, 23 2019 (pick one)
RTI: TBA (pick one)

Application Due

April 1, 2019 Midnight

Grant Size

Grants from $5K to $100K

Application Basics

Narrative Questions; Budget, Support Materials. (including Data Arts Profile)

Match component

Cash Match 25%
(Grant Request Size cannot be more than 25% of operating budget)

Reporting requirements

Final report is required to receive final 25% grant funding. Final payment will not be issued without submission of final reports.

Guidelines

Full guidelines (available spring 2019) for Innovation & Exploration Grant Program

Have questions?

artsandhistory@co.middlesex.nj.us

Combinable with other grants?

Organizations may apply for only one grant in this category. May also apply for Historic Preservation & Capital, General Operating Support, but receive no more than a total of two grants per cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Neighborhood Grants

What is it?

Engage grassroots groups and build connections beyond the walls of Middlesex County’s established cultural institutions. In partnership with neighborhood organizations, these grants help County residents support and experience the arts, history, and culture embedded in their communities, and support the growth of neighborhood-based artists and historians.

Eligibility Requirements

Middlesex County-based individuals or groups of residents from specific neighborhoods and municipalities, in partnership with community-based organizations that have a demonstrated track record partnering with residents and representing or serving a specific municipality, neighborhood or community. Grant funded activities must take place in Middlesex County and be available for the public

Required Financial Documentation

Optional
Organization (or its fiscal agent) must submit Independently certified financial audit most recently completed fiscal year, or IRS Form 990.

Grant Period

Bi-Annual
Jan. 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2019
July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020
Fall 2019 (TBA)

Declaration of Intent (DOI) Due

Bi-Annual Spring 2019

Mandatory Workshops

Grant Writing (GWW) Regional Training Institute (RTI)

GWW: Feb. 22, 23 2019 (pick one)
RTI: TBA (pick one)

Application Due

Spring 2019

Grant Size

Grants $5K or Less

Application Basics

Narrative questions; budget; support materials. (Optional Data Arts Profile)

Match component

Optional: In-Kind Matching Funds

Reporting requirements

Final report is required to receive final 25% grant funding. Final payment will not be issued without the mandatory final reports.

Guidelines

Full guidelines (available spring 2019) for Neighborhood Grant Program

Have questions?

artsandhistory@co.middlesex.nj.us

Combinable with other grants?

Organizations may apply for only one grant in this category during each cycle and are not eligible for any other grants during the cycle. Organizations may receive Neighborhood Grants for no more than two years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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