Lydia McCain Fund Special Projects Grant
The Lydia McCain Fund Special Projects Grant supports innovative, one-time public arts projects in Erie County that promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Funder: Erie Arts and Culture
Due Dates: October 31, 2026 (application deadline; rolling until October 31)
Funding Amounts: $11,000 total available for awards; one-time grants for project costs within activity period
Summary: Supports innovative, one-time public arts projects in Erie County that demonstrate uniqueness and align with Erie Arts and Culture’s values.
Key Information: For Erie County 501(c)(3) arts organizations and grassroots groups with a fiscal sponsor.
Description
The Lydia McCain Fund Special Projects Grant, offered by Erie Arts and Culture, is designed to support new, innovative public arts projects in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The grant focuses on one-time efforts that fill an artistic gap in the region, introducing disciplines, concepts, or audiences not currently served. Projects must align with the funder’s values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) and demonstrate high artistic quality. The grant encourages collaboration and community engagement, and funded projects must take place between February 2025 and January 2026.
Applicants are expected to present a well-developed project plan, clear alignment with strategic priorities, a realistic budget, and a plan for evaluating impact. Grantees will participate in progress check-ins and peer-group reporting to share outcomes and best practices.
