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Give for Greatness 2015 grant applications now being accepted

by jmaloni

Submitted

Wed, Sep 16th 2015 09:05 pm

Program of Arts Services Initiative of WNY to fund cultural organizations in five counties

Arts Services Initiative of Western New York has announced grant applications are now being accepted for its Give for Greatness program. Up to 30 grants providing general operating support in the amount of $1,000 each will be distributed thanks to several fundraising initiatives throughout the year. Information and applications are available at www.asiwny.org. Applications are due no later than noon on Oct. 23.

To be eligible, an organization must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have 501(c) 3 or NYS CHAR 500 status (current or pending) or be fiscally sponsored by another organization that meets this criteria
  • Have cultural activity or programming as its primary purpose
  • Be located in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus or Chautauqua counties
  • Have a current operating budget of under $350,000
  • Receive less than $20,000 in county funding (or no county funding) for programs or operations
  • Be willing to recognize Give for Greatness and ASI as a funder if funds are received.

"The guidelines honor the legacy of Give for Greatness in that they're meant to empower small, emerging and underfunded groups that provide quality cultural programming," ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said. "With Give for Greatness now a program of ASI, we're expanding eligibility to our entire service area of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties and doubling the number of grants available."

Funds for the Give for Greatness grants were raised through several fundraising events in late 2014 and throughout this year:

  • The Kootsie Ball (Rupp Family Foundation)
  • Lawyers for the Arts
  • The "Best of Broadway" event on Sept. 20 and the "Corporate Battle of the Bands" on Nov. 21

The "Best of Broadway" program features a combination of regional theater companies and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra with associate conductor Stefan Sanders. Hosted by Randall Kramer, artistic and executive director of MusicalFare Theatre, the program will include selections from popular musicals such as "In the Heights," "West Side Story," "Candide," "Chicago" and "Frozen," with performances by The Rogue Repertory, MusicalFare Theatre, Irish Classical Theatre Co. and a vocal quartet starring Kevin Kennedy, Tom Owen, Debbie Pappas and Michele Marie Roberts.

"The BPO is pleased to support Give for Greatness by providing our orchestra and venue for the event," said Daniel Hart, executive director of the BPO. "We believe in strong collaborations within the cultural community for the betterment of all. We all contribute to the rich vibrancy of our region!"

This is a non-ticketed event with donations accepted in the lobby of Kleinhans Music Hall. More information about "The Best of Broadway" and the "Corporate Battle of the Bands" can be found at www.giveforgreatness.org.

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