LI Grants Academy

Suffolk County Pilot: Launching Spring 2026

The LI Grants Academy is a new training and support initiative designed to build the systems our region needs to compete for and secure a more equitable share of funding.

The program provides structured, hands-on support for artists and cultural organizations preparing to apply for funding, combining:

• Workshops and grant clinics
• One-on-one consultations
• Fiscal sponsorship for eligible projects

Participants are supported through the full application process, from early development through submission.

The inaugural Suffolk County pilot is made possible through support from the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation.

→ Learn more: LI GRANTS ACADEMY

Scholar-Artist Awards

2027 Applications Now Open

The 2027 Scholar-Artist Awards application cycle is now open.

Each school may nominate one student per discipline across five categories, recognizing high school seniors who demonstrate excellence in both the arts and academics.

Deadline: June 1

→ Start a nomination: SCHOLAR-ARTIST AWARDS APPLICATION

Creative Community Huddle

April 13 | 10:00 AM (Virtual)

Where Should You Focus Right Now? Navigating the Current Funding Landscape

With multiple funding opportunities open and more on the horizon, this session will focus on helping organizations cut through the noise and identify where to focus their time and energy.

Participants will have space to share what they’re pursuing, what they’re skipping, and how they’re approaching the current funding landscape.

This conversation will also directly inform the development of the Long Island Grants Academy, ensuring it reflects real-time needs across the field. Please join us and share your perspective. As always, this session will be conversational, peer-driven, and grounded in real-time needs.

→ Register: CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUDDLE- APRIL

Federal:

FY2027 Appropriations Process Underway

Arts funding conversations are actively underway at the federal level, with Congress currently accepting funding requests for FY2027. Your voice as a local arts leader carries weight. When legislators hear directly from constituents about the impact of arts funding in their districts, it strengthens the case for continued investment.

Americans for the Arts has developed a comprehensive Appropriations Guide to support this process, including:

• Step-by-step instructions for submitting requests
• Ready-to-use language and statistics
• Guidance across key funding areas, including the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and Arts Education

This is a timely opportunity to ensure Long Island’s arts sector is represented in federal funding conversations.

→ Download the toolkit: AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS APPROPRIATIONS RESOURCES

State:

Budget Negotiations Enter Final Phase

New York State’s budget process is entering a critical phase, with both the Senate and Assembly releasing their one-house budget proposals ahead of the April 1 deadline.

There is strong momentum for the arts in both houses, as both the Senate and the Assembly are pushing for a significant increase to the Governor’s proposed FY27 arts allocations.

Advocates from across New York were in Albany this week for Arts Rally, meeting with legislators and reinforcing the importance of sustained and equitable investment.

Final negotiations with the Governor are now underway, and the coming days are critical. We will keep you updated as announcements are made.

New LIAA Membership Perk:

Discover Long Island Arts & Culture Partnership

Through a new partnership with Discover Long Island, active LIAA organizational members now have access to significantly discounted Tier 2 partnerships, creating a more accessible entry point into the region’s tourism and promotional network.

This directly reduces a key barrier: organizations can now access partnership benefits, and become eligible for opportunities like the Destination Development Grant, without committing to the full standard membership cost upfront.

Discounted Partnership Levels:

• Organizations under $1M budget: $100 (standard $500)
• Organizations over $1M budget: $200 (standard $500)

What this includes:

• Dedicated social media features across Discover Long Island platforms
• Business listing on DiscoverLongIsland.com
• Ability to post events, offers, and promotions
• Opportunities for inclusion in regional campaigns and initiatives
• Invitations to networking and industry events

Discover Long Island’s marketing reach spans more than 10 million people across digital platforms, campaigns, and media providing meaningful visibility for participating organizations.

→ Learn more and join: LIAA MEMBERSHIP