Schenectady County is now accepting applications for the 2023 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, 2023 to February 28, 2024.
Since 2002, the Schenectady County Legislature has invested over $950,000 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.
“The County Legislature is proud to have provided over $950,000 in CIP grants over the last 20 years to support local arts organizations throughout the County,” said Schenectady County Legislator Richard Patierne, Vice-Chair of the Tourism, Arts and Special Events Committee. “These organizations host events and programs that our friends and families look forward to every year, attract visitors from around the region, and enhance our residents’ quality of life.”
In 2022 $60,000 was awarded to 34 organizations across the County, including Kids Art Festival, Color the Canal, Duanesburg Summer Theater Program, Glenville Oktoberfest, Schenectady Caribbean Day, DSIC’s Fall Spooktacular, Electric City Barn’s Spring Market, Freedom Park Summer Concert Series, and the Town of Rotterdam Summer Concert Series.
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 February 21, 2023.