What is the Erie Arts Endowment?
In 1981, Clarence E. Beyers made a significant gift to the Arts Council of Erie to establish the Erie Arts Endowment. This gift, plus contributions from others such as Lydia McCain, has grown into an endowment valued at over $3.5 million.

The Erie Arts Endowment, along with the United Arts Fund Drive, provides funding for Arts Council grants, awarded to community organizations offering performances and arts events throughout Erie County.

Why do we need the Erie Arts Endowment?
Enjoy seeing Lake Erie Ballet perform “The Nutcracker” every year? Like the eclectic atmosphere of the annual Blues and Jazz Festival? The Erie Arts Endowment provides funding to keep programs like these running year after year. By giving to the Erie Arts Endowment, you are contributing to an important source of support for regional artists in music, dance, theater and visual art. Your donation helps to keep the arts in Erie alive.

How can my organization receive funding from the Endowment?
Organizations can receive funding by applying for Arts Council of Erie Grants. For information on applying for funding, read more.

Apply for up to $5,000 for community arts projects in Erie County. Read more about Arts Council Project Grants.

Erie's thriving arts community doesn't take summers off! While you're enjoying beautiful weather, check out some of the excitng arts events happening around town! And remember, there's always something to do on EnjoyErie.com!

In our 2007-2008 fiscal year, the Arts Council of Erie distributed over half a million dollars in grants. Your support makes this possible!

View a complete list of our grant recipients here.