September 28, 2020 (Hyannis, MA) – The Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) is opening grant applications for cultural nonprofits seeking financial assistance from the Cape Cod Arts Relief Fund.
“We know our creative community has been significantly impacted by the pandemic,” said AFCC Board Chair Kathryn Kayajan. “The Arts Foundation is committed to addressing this need by providing critical funding to assist cultural organizations in our region as they strategize ways to make it through this difficult time.”
Funding will come from the AFCC’s relief fund, which was launched in April in response to the pandemic. The first round of grants went to over 80 local artists who lost work and income due to COVID-19.
The second round is focused on cultural nonprofits in Barnstable County that have had to pause, reduce, cancel, and/or postpone programming as a result of the pandemic.
Eligible organizations must have a mission that is based on the artistic and cultural initiatives that reflect the vitality, diversity, and history of the arts in Barnstable County. Preference will be given to established nonprofits that provide year-round programming and have at least three years of financials publicly available on Guidestar.
Applicants are eligible for up to $5,000 in financial support from the Cape Cod Arts Relief Fund.
Applications can be accessed at www.artsfoundation.org. The application deadline is Friday, October 16th. Grant announcements will be made in late October.
AFCC Executive Director Julie Wake said the application will serve a dual purpose– it will also include a survey about the impact COVID-19 is currently having on cultural nonprofits and what their needs are moving forward. Results will give the AFCC a clearer picture of regional needs to assist the agency in lobbying local, state, and federal officials for increased funding and support of Cape Cod’s creative economy.
Unlike previous years when the AFCC funded creative programs, this year’s grant funding will focus on immediate needs that allow applicants to address current challenges being posed by COVID-19. Programming grants have been postponed until further notice.
The AFCC has raised nearly $90,000 towards the Cape Cod Arts Relief Fund through the following sources: individual donations, fundraising events, and the Barnstable County Economic Development Council License Plate Grant Program through the Cape Cod Commission.
About the AFCC
The AFCC’s mission is to support, promote, and celebrate the arts and culture of Cape Cod. It fulfills its mission by funding grants, fellowships, and scholarships; by advocating for more awareness on the impact the Cape’s creative economy has on our region and beyond; and by building a strong arts community network through membership. For more information, visit www.artsfoundation.org.
###