The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is accepting grant applications for the 2026 Local Arts Program (LAP). The deadline is Friday, September 12, 2025 at 4:00pm.
The LAP grant supports the expansion and development of the arts within Somerset County and is available to local organizations, such as arts agencies, libraries, nonprofits, and municipalities that offer art-related projects, programs, services, and development.
“This grant supports the creative programs that local artists and organizations are seeking to develop and maintain in our communities,” said Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. “In 2025, $200,000 was awarded for special projects and initiatives across Somerset County. The arts are an important part of our communities, and many residents have benefited from the creative spaces, art exhibits, and educational workshops that come from these grants.”
Grant Guidelines - Grant funding is competitive. Applicants are required to demonstrate their managerial competency, fiscal stability, excellence in arts programming and organizational capacity to execute a proposed program or project.
Grant funding may be requested for art programs, series, or creative placemaking projects that are accessible to the public. If the applicant’s mission is solely arts-dedicated, then grant funding may be requested for general operating support in 2026.
The LAP grant for 2026 is contingent on funds made available to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. There is a match requirement for Special Project and Creative Placemaking grants. There is no match required for general operating support grants.
Application Deadline - LAP grant applications are due by 4:00pm on Friday, September 12, 2025. Applicants must mail or hand-deliver the completed application package to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, County Administration Building, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, New Jersey 08876. For more information and application guidelines, visit http://bit.ly/LAPGrant.
LAP Grant Virtual Technical Assistance Workshop - Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual workshop to better understand the LAP grant process and guidelines.
The LAP Technical Assistance Zoom Workshop is set for August 19, 2025 at 6:00pm. To register for a workshop session, visit http://bit.ly/LAPGrant. A Zoom link will be sent to participants upon registration.
For more information, contact the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission office at (908) 231-7021 or [email protected].
The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.
