statewide community re-grants program

The Statewide Community Regrant (SCR) program, administered by the CREATE Council on the Arts, channels public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to inspire and empower individual artists and cultural organizations in Columbia, Greene, and Schoharie Counties. Its fundamental goal is to ensure access to the arts, recognizing their pivotal role in community enrichment, economic vitality, and overall well-being. The SCR grants support a diverse range of artistic expressions, fostering creativity as a communal asset while promoting cultural diversity, inclusivity, and the dynamic evolution of artistic practices in the region.

An integral aspect of the SCR program is its focus on community involvement which includes a peer panel composed of local community members. Community stakeholders know from lived experience what a community's unique needs and aspirations are and they bring insight into the review process of grant applications.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Projects must take place in and benefit residents of the Applicant’s county of residence with arts and or cultural programs. 

• Projects must take place in the same county as the Fiscal Sponsor or Community Partner.

• The applicant’s programs or projects must take place in their respective county during 2026. 

• The applicant’s programming, administrative practice and Board membership (where applicable) does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, class, color, sexuality, gender, gender expression, religion, age, nationality, disability, marital status, or military status, in any of their activities or operations.

TIMELINE / IMPORTANT DATES

• January - December 2026 – 2026 SCR Project Period.

• February 2026 – Peer Review Panels held. CREATE Board approves funding recommendations. 

• March 2026 – Award notifications sent and announced publicly (unawarded applicants may appeal decisions within 10 days of notice). Contracts are sent and must be returned within 30 days of the issue date. Checks are sent once CREATE receives all signed contracts and W9s. Funds will not be released until CREATE has received grant monies from NYSCA for distribution. SCR project period begins January 1st, 2026.

• Spring 2026 – Award Ceremony held TBD.

• December 1, 2026 – FY25 projects Final Reports due.