Supports Arts, Tourism and Historic Preservation
Schenectady County is now accepting applications for the 2022 County Initiative Program (CIP). A total of $60,000 is available to local organizations in support of activities in historic preservation, the performing, visual and literary arts, or programs promoting County tourism. Proposed projects must take place from March 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023.
Since 2002, the Schenectady County Legislature has invested over $830,000 of the County’s Hotel/Motel Bed Tax through CIP, which is approximately 10 percent of the overall revenue generated during that time. The Hotel/Motel Bed Tax collected by the County, which is paid by individuals staying at Schenectady County hotels and motels, is used to support Proctors Theatre, fund Discover Schenectady, the County’s tourism bureau, and to sponsor other County events.
“Schenectady County has a vibrant arts community, and the County Legislature is happy to support many of the local events our friends and families look forward to every year,” said Schenectady County Legislator Richard Patierne, Vice-Chair of the Tourism, Arts and Special Events Committee. “We encourage organizations who host events or projects that support historic preservation, the arts or promote tourism within the County to apply for a CIP grant.”
In 2021 $30,000 was awarded to 31 organizations across the County, including Empire State Youth Orchestra, Kids Art Festival, the Freedom Park Concert Series, the Gazette Holiday Parade, and the Glenville Oktoberfest.
Interested organizations can learn more about the program, including general program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and information about the application process, or fill out the online application at www.schenectadycounty.com/legislature/CIP. Applications must be submitted by March 4, 2022.