Organizer Information
Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is a nonprofit arts organization founded in 1962 that supports and promotes arts and culture throughout The Bronx, New York. Since 1982, BCA has administered the Community Engagement Grants (CEG) Program to strengthen the cultural life of the borough by funding high-quality, community-based arts projects. The program supports artists, collectives, and nonprofit organizations working across artistic disciplines and encourages projects that reflect the experiences, identities, and needs of Bronx communities.
Title & Description
Community Engagement Grants (CEGs)
The 2027 Community Engagement Grants Program: Arts Fund, Community Arts Fund, and New Work Fund provides financial support for Bronx-based artists and arts organizations developing projects that engage local communities. The program supports public-facing artistic activities, including performances, exhibitions, talks, workshops, and other forms of community participation.
Applicants may apply for one or multiple funding streams through a single application. The grants aim to encourage creative projects that strengthen access to the arts, support artistic development, and create meaningful connections between artists and Bronx residents. The New Work Fund specifically supports the creation and development of new artistic works.
Categories
Eligible artistic disciplines include, but are not limited to:
- Visual Art
- Performing Arts
- Literary Arts
- Media Arts
- Community Arts
- New Artistic Works
- Multidisciplinary Projects
Eligibility
The opportunity is open to Bronx-based artists, artist collectives, ensembles, and nonprofit arts organizations.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Individual artists must:
- Be based in The Bronx with a primary Bronx mailing address.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Not be enrolled as a full-time student.
- Artist collectives or ensembles must:
- Include at least one Bronx-resident artist.
- Identify a lead artist or administrator as the primary contact.
- Nonprofit organizations must:
- Have official nonprofit status (501(c)(3)) for at least one year before applying.
- Maintain a compliant board of directors.
- Have an artistic mission or history of arts programming.
Projects must engage at least one segment of the Bronx community through activities such as exhibitions, public performances, discussions, workshops, or community participation.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected applicants receive project-based grants through three funding categories:
- Arts Fund (AF): Grants of up to $10,000 supporting a wide range of arts projects.
- Community Arts Fund (CA): Grants of up to $7,500 supporting community-based arts activities.
- New Work Fund (NW): Grants of up to $5,000 supporting the creation of new artistic work.
Applicants may combine funding sources for the same project, with maximum awards depending on applicant type:
- Individual artists without fiscal sponsors: up to $15,000
- Individual artists with fiscal sponsors: up to $17,500
- Collectives and organizations: up to $17,500 depending on eligibility
Funds may support eligible project expenses such as artist fees, materials, supplies, marketing, publicity, administrative project costs, and limited equipment purchases.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
- Award Notifications: Spring 2027
- Grant Fund Distribution: March 2027
- Project Period: January 1–December 31, 2027
- Final Report Deadline: 15 January 2028
Location
The Bronx, New York City, United States
Additional Details
The Community Engagement Grants Program prioritizes projects that demonstrate creativity, public service, and feasibility. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of Bronx artists, arts professionals, and community leaders.
Projects must directly benefit Bronx communities and use grant funds only for approved project expenses. General operating costs, hospitality expenses, and contingency funds are not eligible.
Applicants who receive funding must comply with grant agreement requirements, including submitting a final report after project completion.