The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs has allocated $52.2 million to bolster over 1,000 cultural nonprofit organizations spanning the city’s five boroughs. The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grant program will allocate these funds to support various entities including performance troupes, community centers, youth engagement programs, and more.
“New York City is the cultural capital of the world, and the Adams administration’s contribution of more than $50m demonstrates our commitment to making this critical sector thrive,” remarked Maria Torres-Springer, the city’s deputy mayor for economic development, housing, and workforce development, in a statement.
“We are thrilled to support more than 1,000 creative nonprofits across all five boroughs, and I want to thank DCLA for all their hard work to bring the arts to all New Yorkers.”
This grant comes at a time of fiscal challenges for NYC, highlighting the city’s enduring investment in its cultural community. A remarkable 76% of eligible applicant groups have been awarded a CDF award, underscoring DCLA’s steadfast dedication to assisting a diverse array of organizations throughout the city’s boroughs.
“In light of the city’s budgetary constraints, DCLA had to undertake a Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) along with all city agencies to reduce expenses. DCLA continues to fund the vast majority of eligible applicants – 76% this year, in line with the historical target of 75% – 80%. Despite the reductions, the total CDF amount of $52.2 million – which includes $7 million in City Council discretionary member items – remains a substantial investment in the diverse pool of awardees that make up the fabric of New York City’s arts and cultural community,” stated the NYC Cultural Affairs statement.
Recipients of the DCLA’s Cultural Development Fund grant must submit an application to be considered for funding.
“This major investment in our cultural community shows that we are committed to supporting this indispensable part of what makes our city thrive. Alongside funding for capital projects, free supplies through Materials for the Arts and the many other ways DCLA supports our arts and culture sector, these CDF awards will foster a healthier, more vibrant city where all New Yorkers have opportunities to connect with cultural programming,” remarked cultural affairs commissioner Laurie Cumbo.
