Erie County unveils 2016 cultural funding application

Simplified online application process means detailed information, less paper

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz has unveiled the county's 2016 cultural funding application, which must be completed by eligible organizations seeking any level of Erie County funding. The application, available in its entirety online, streamlines the process by which cultural organizations can apply for funding and also provides step-by-step guidance to applicants in organizing and submitting their information.

"This cultural funding application process is an efficient and thorough way for interested organizations to submit their information in a comprehensive and timely manner," Poloncarz said. "It includes a helpful checklist for applicants to follow while completing their entry, with clearly delineated spaces for various types of information such as organization budget size, eligibility criteria and many other necessary types of financial information. I encourage all applying organizations to carefully review the application's instructions, complete the online application, and submit it in a timely and environmentally friendly fashion."

Poloncarz added, "I want to thank the members of the Erie Arts & Cultural Advisory Board for their hard work, and also the county's considerable arts community for the contributions they make to our economy. They truly are a dynamic and vibrant component of life in Erie County."

Organizations meeting the stated eligibility requirements must complete their online application at www.erie.gov/CulturalFunding by 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 10. All applications will be submitted via this website. Late or incomplete applications will negatively affect an organization's application score. The Erie Arts & Cultural Advisory Board will review submitted applications.

At 4 p.m. Thursday, May 7, interested organizations are encouraged to attend an applicant briefing during which time the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning will provide an overview of the online application and answer questions about it. The voluntary briefing will take place in at the auditorium of the Buffalo History Museum at 1 Museum Court.