The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is now accepting applications for the 2027 Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant and the 2027 County History Partnership Program (CHPP) Grant.
These annual grant opportunities support the development of local arts and history programming throughout Somerset County and are available to eligible organizations including arts and history agencies, libraries, nonprofits, and municipalities.
"In 2026, our grant programs awarded $289,250 to support arts and history initiatives across Somerset County," said Commissioner Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission. "This funding helps re‑grantees strengthen programming across visual, performing, and public history offerings, all of which play a role in preserving our cultural heritage. I encourage eligible organizations to apply so we can continue expanding access to meaningful cultural, arts, and history opportunities for residents."
In 2026, CHPP was awarded to nine organizations, and LAP funding was awarded to 18 organizations. Grant awards support re‑grantees in different ways depending on their needs, allowing organizations to maintain operations, expand programming, or enhance public access to arts and history.
The Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant supports the expansion and development of the arts within Somerset County. Funding is available to organizations that provide art‑related programming, services, or creative placemaking projects. Arts‑dedicated organizations may request general operating support for 2027, while any eligible applicant may apply for funding to support public arts programs, series, or projects.
LAP Virtual Technical Assistance Workshops
The County History Partnership Program (CHPP) Grant supports organizations that offer New Jersey history programming, history‑related services, and educational opportunities that deepen public understanding of Somerset County's past. History‑dedicated organizations may request general operating support for 2027. Eligible applicants may also apply for funding to support public history programs, series, or projects.
CHPP Virtual Technical Assistance Workshops
Completed LAP and CHPP grant application packages must be mailed or hand‑delivered by 4:00pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to: Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, County Administration Building, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876.
Both grant programs are competitive. Applicants must demonstrate managerial competency, fiscal stability, excellence in programming, and the organizational capacity to successfully implement a proposed project or initiative. To assist prospective applicants, the Commission will offer free virtual technical assistance workshops that provide an overview of grant requirements, funding categories, and the application process. Participants will receive a Microsoft Teams link upon registration. Workshop details, registration, and application guidelines are available online. No late submissions will be accepted.
These grant opportunities are made possible by funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission. For more information, contact the Cultural & Heritage Commission at (908) 231‑7021 or email [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.
