People do great things with Erie Canalway grants. You can too! Erie Canalway offers annual event sponsorships and grants for projects that help to achieve the goals set forth in our Preservation and Management Plan.
Event and Festival Sponsorship Program
Application opens: March 17, 2021
Deadline: April 16, 2021
Cultural, heritage, and recreational events within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor deliver $1.3 billion annually in economic benefits to communities. In partnership with NYS Canal Corporation, we are awarding funding of $500 for selected events taking place from May through October. Municipalities or nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations are eligible. A minimum one-to-one match is required.
Instructions and Application
Please download instructions here and use the online application to apply. Contact Ashley Quimby-Simoni, Program Manager at (518) 237-7000, Ext. 202 with any questions.
Eligible Events
We support events that help people explore and connect with the Canalway Corridor's heritage, recreational assets, scenic beauty, and unique communities. These events may be, but are not limited to:
- Events that focus on the heritage and culture of the canal. The bicentennial period (1817-1825) of the Canal System continues in 2021. Events that mark this celebration will be given priority consideration.
- Events that promote recreation within the Corridor, especially when they encourage use of the NYS Canalway Water Trail, Canalway Trail, or participation in the Canalway Challenge will be given priority consideration.
- Events that actively include or serve people with disabilities or people from underserved populations. We have launched an Erie Canalway Accessible Tourism Marketing Initiative with the aim of strengthening the Canalway Corridor as an inclusive tourism destination.
- Celebrations of regional food and beverages that showcase a direct connection to the canal. Please note that the cost of food and/or beverages is not eligible for funding; funds may be used to cover marketing, entertainment, or other aspects of the event.
- Events must meet New York State COVID-19 guidelines. In addition, applicants will be asked for a contingency plan or alternative project if the original event cannot be held as planned.
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants
Congratulations to our 2021 IMPACT! Grant Recipients >
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants are made to forward-looking organizations who develop and implement creative place-based projects. Projects submitted for funding consideration must meet at least one of the following Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor goals. Projects that meet multiple goals will receive priority consideration.
Next round of funding: September 2021
| GRANT PRIORITIES |
|---|
| The Corridor’s historic and distinctive sense of place will be widely expressed and consistently protected. |
| The Corridor’s recreational opportunities will achieve maximum scope and diversity, in harmony with the protection of heritage resources. |
| The Corridor will be a “must-do” travel experience for regional, national and international visitors. |
| The Corridor’s current and future generations of residents and visitors will value and support preservation of its heritage. |
| The Corridor’s natural resources will reflect the highest standards of environmental quality. |
| The Corridor’s economic growth and heritage development will be balanced and self-sustaining. |
Award Range and Disbursement: $2,500 to $12,000. A one-to-one match consisting of non-federal support is required. Grant awards are distributed on a reimbursement basis at project conclusion.
Eligibility: Erie Canalway makes grants to not-for-profit corporations with a 501(c)(3) designation, as well as municipalities and federally-recognized Native American tribes located within the Congressionally-designated boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Application Deadline: Friday, October 23rd, 2020.
Contact: Applicants are strongly advised to contact program staff to discuss proposed projects prior to submitting an application. We encourage you to call early in your proposal development to produce an appropriate application. Please contact: Andy Kitzmann, 518-237-7000 x201, andy_kitzmann@partner.nps.gov.
Technical Assistance Grants (TAG)
The Preservation League of New York State offers Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) of up to $4,000 to not-for-profit arts and cultural groups and municipalities managing historic sites, museums, arts facilities and other culturally important institutions. Grants support technical studies carried out by preservation and design professionals.
TAG is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
For more information visit www.preservenys.org/grants.html.