Matching Grant Can Double Donations for Westchester Arts Groups

Many arts and culture groups in Westchester still need support to recover from the pandemic and its challenges despite their continued determination and hard work. During this crucial time, the community can provide much-needed relief to Westchester arts and culture groups through the Art$WChallenge grant program. The annual program currently offers grant money to benefit arts and cultural groups throughout the County. This year, 157 organizations, including an additional eight first time groups, are eligible to receive between $1,500 to $8,500 in matching funds based on their ability to raise private funds through December 15.

Every new donation made to an eligible Westchester arts group will qualify to be matched by ArtsWestchester with the support of Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. With this support, ArtsWestchester had more than $400,000 available to award last year.

Thanks to the Art$WChallenge, past grantees have not only been able to maintain, but to also increase cultural offerings to the community. For instance, funding from 2021 supported New Rochelle Opera’s new production of Tosca last June, and Bethany Arts Community was able to increase its stipend for artists who participate in its extensive residencies. Funds were also the impetus for organizations like ArchForKids to implement their own fundraising campaigns.

Here is a list of organizations participating in this year’s Art$WChallenge:

A version of this article first appeared in the September 2022 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.