Somerset County Opens 2027 Arts, History Grant Applications

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County is accepting applications for its 2027 Local Arts Program Grant and 2027 County History Partnership Program Grant.

Both annual funding opportunities are aimed at supporting arts and history programming across the county.

The grants are available to eligible organizations, including arts and history agencies, libraries, nonprofits and municipalities.

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission is administering the grant programs.

Completed application packages for both programs must be mailed or hand-delivered by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, County Administration Building, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876.

The county said no late submissions will be accepted.

"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."

According to the county, CHPP was awarded to nine organizations in 2026, while LAP funding was awarded to 18 organizations.

Grant awards can support organizations in different ways depending on need, including maintaining operations, expanding programming or enhancing public access to arts and history.

The Local Arts Program supports the expansion and development of the arts in 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, and eligible applicants may also seek funding for public arts programs, series or projects.

The County History Partnership Program supports organizations that offer New Jersey history programming, history-related services and educational opportunities focused on Somerset County’s past.

History-dedicated organizations may request general operating support for 2027, and eligible applicants may also apply for funding for public history programs, series or projects.

To help applicants, the commission will offer free virtual technical assistance workshops covering grant requirements, funding categories and the application process.

LAP workshops are scheduled for Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. and Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. CHPP workshops are scheduled for Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 2 at 10 a.m.

Participants will receive a Microsoft Teams link upon registration. Workshop details, registration and application guidelines are available at https://bit.ly/CH_Grants.

For more information, contact the Cultural & Heritage Commission at 908-231-7021 or CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov.

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