MONROE COUNTY EXECUTIVE ADAM BELLO ANNOUNCES GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR MID-SIZED ARTS GROUPS

Nearly $900,000 in non-restricted operational funding available for mid-sized arts organizations

ROCHESTER, NY—Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced the launch of an online grant application for mid-sized arts organizations seeking funding for 2025 operating expenditures.

Applications and FAQ are available at: www.monroecounty.gov/artsgrant. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

“Monroe County continues to increase investments in our creative economy. When I first took office, Monroe County allocated only $45,000 to mid-sized arts organizations. This year, we are investing a combined $1,350,000 in community festival funding and mid-size arts funding,” said County Executive Bello. “These unprecedented investments help stabilize organizations and impact the quality of life of our residents by ensuring that we proudly remain a community of the arts.”

Qualifying organizations will receive funding to offset operating expenses. Organizational

funding will depend on several factors including number of eligible applicants, evaluation of

responses, and funds available. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• The organization must have a significant presence in Monroe County—conducting at

least 50% of its operations in Monroe County and maintaining a physical location in the

county;

• The organization must have been legally recognized for at least one year as a 501(c)3

organization or LLC with a tax filing;

• The organization’s primary mission must be directly related to arts and culture;

• The organization’s annual operating budget (operating expenses) must be between

$50,000 and $4,000,000.

Monroe County will offer a virtual training session with a question-and-answer session for arts

and cultural organizations interested in learning more about how to apply for funding. This

session will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5. To register, visit: https://www.monroecounty.gov/artsgrant.

After the training session, individuals who were not able to attend can review a posted video.