The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund was established to ensure the survival and strength of the state’s arts, arts education, cultural and historical sector during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
NJACRF will provide financial support to catalyze a more equitable statewide recovery and build resilience for arts, cultural and historical organizations facing disruption and loss.
A core goal of the fund is to contribute to a more equitable recovery for the arts and cultural sector and the State as a whole. As such, broad geographic distribution is a priority, as is ensuring access for the individuals and organizations that have historically had unequal access to resources for support, investment, and capitalization.
A comprehensive relief effort is one that positions arts, arts education, cultural, and historical organizations, as well as individual artists, cultural and historical sector workers statewide to survive the economic crisis and contribute to recovery in the ways the public expects and that only the arts and culture can. From economic revitalization and jobs, to fostering dialogue and unity in the face of issues of social and racial injustice, the arts, culture, and history are critical tools for action and change as we work to rebuild.
Grant decisions will be made by a steering committee comprised of a coalition of funders and stakeholders galvanized around the Fund’s mission to ensure the survival and strength of the arts and culture sector now and into the future. Decisions will be guided by a review panel of arts, arts education, history, and philanthropy experts after a thorough review using this evaluation rubric and follow-up full panel discussion.
A year-round, part-time, paid employee working a minimum of 20 hours per week in an administrative or combined administrative/artistic leadership role. Please note, a part-time solely artistic employee does not meet this eligibility requirement.
Both strategies of giving are critically important for the sector as a whole to endure the financial crisis brought on by the pandemic. As a coalition of statewide, local, and regional grantmakers and service providers with broad collective knowledge of the field, NJACRF seeks to nurture dialogue among cultural leaders and stakeholders statewide to build sector strength that leverages the capacities of individual organizations to create a thriving arts and humanities ecosystem.
A robust cultural sector contributes to broader social and economic activity that contributes to the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities in every corner of the state. Investing in the survival of the industry increases the chances of long-term, sustainable success, with broad-reaching results that impact employment, real estate values, crime and safety, tourism, health and wellness, education, and overall quality of life in New Jersey.
The fund is a public-private partnership, capitalizing on the resources and expertise available through the government, corporate and private philanthropic sectors. Strategic alignment of these partners ensures a coordinated approach to sector support at all levels, ongoing dialogue with the field and stakeholders, and a true commitment to transparency and best practices in grantmaking.
Data generated from the grants process will provide insight into how the evolving crisis is affecting nonprofits and individuals in the arts, cultural and historical sector, and what funders and investors can best do to respond. We will use this information to shape our own strategic investment as well as to bolster advocacy efforts that guide funders and government to effectively support recovery and resiliency in the years ahead.
Yes, if you have submitted your final report and are a qualifying organization. Please check the NJACRF web page and social media for updates on when the application will be available.
Yes, you may apply again. We recommend that you carefully review the panel review rubric to assess your last application and make adjustments that might increase your score.
A budget template will be included in the Fund Guidelines and in the application to help you provide the information needed for our evaluators to adequately review your financial situation. A sample completed budget will also be provided for additional guidance.
