Frequently asked questions.

I am a first-time applicant to Staten Island Arts, what grant should I apply for?

All applicants should read our SI Arts Grant Program Guidelines​. Potential applicants should also review our What Grant Should I Apply For? flowchart.

First time applicants are eligible to apply for the DCLA Premier Grant, NYSCA Future Culture Creative Placemaking Grant, and the NYSCA ABC Regrant. You must be a Staten Island resident, or Staten Island-based non-profit organization to apply. First-time applicants must attend an application information session.

What grants are available if I’ve received one before?

Those who have received a DCLA Premier grant before, can apply to the DCLA Art Fund grant. We offer the NYSCA Encore grant for organizations WITH a 501c3 or a 501c3 fiscal sponsor. If you are looking for Arts in Education Grants, click here.

How do I apply for a grant?

Each grant has a specific application process. Please review the online guidelines carefully. (Guidelines are available to download once the grant is open for applications). All grant applications are online only. Hard copy applications are not presently available.

Remember: You must be a Staten Island resident to apply. You are strongly encouraged to contact the Grant Administrator associated with your grant, to discuss your application and any questions you may have that relate to your proposal.

What resources are available to me as I prepare my application?

Staten Island Arts’ staff members are available to answer questions about your applications, help applicants find a partner or conduit, and provide other assistance. Information sessions are held for each grant, and it is strongly suggested that applicants attend and discuss their proposal with the grants administrator to clarify any questions you have about the application process.

Who decides which applications are funded?

Decisions are made by an independent panel of professional artists, teaching artists, scholars, school and arts administrators, school-based teachers, civic, business, and community representatives knowledgeable in the granting area. Panelists will base funding decisions on how well each application meets the evaluative criteria specified in the grant guidelines. It is the panel’s responsibility to decide who is to be funded and at what amount.

Want to serve on a panel? It’s fun, and a great way to meet other artists and art lovers in our community! Click the ‘learn more’ link in the introduction on our grants overview page.

The Staten Island Arts’ staff is responsible for the administration of these grants only. Staff members do not and cannot make decisions about the selection of grants or their level of funding.

When will I be notified whether or not my request will be funded?

The panels meet throughout February-April. Applicants will be notified by mail of funding decisions (either for, or against) at the conclusion of the panel’s deliberations. The last notification letters go out near the end of April.

The Staten Island Arts’ staff is responsible for the administration of these grants only. Staff members do not and cannot make decisions about the selection of grants or their level of funding.

What recourse do I have if I believe my application did not receive fair consideration during the panel process?
If the panel determines that your application should not be funded, the applicant can request that the Grant Director provide insights garnered through panel debates as to why the request was refused. If after speaking with the Grant Director, the applicant believes that their grant and/or grant materials were not reviewed properly and wishes to appeal the decision, grievances must be made in writing to Staten Island Arts’ Executive Director. An independent panel will convene to review the original decision, and the entire process will be reviewed by the Staten Island Arts’ Board of Directors. Grantees have the right to accept or decline their awards; however, they cannot contest the amount they have been granted.
Can I apply for multiple grants?

Yes, it is possible to apply for multiple grants if the grant guidelines allow it. However, since the grant program is a competitive process and not all requests can be funded, applicants are encouraged to select the grant which best suits their needs and submit a complete and well thought-through application only in that respective program. Please contact Staten Island Arts if you have any questions about eligibility requirements or guidelines for specific grants.

Need further assistance? Give us a call! 718-447-3329 x1003