Application & Process
Our entire application process is online. Create an online account here.
If you created an account in the past but cannot recall the password, you can reset it by clicking on the “Forgot your Password?” link on our online login page.
No. All grant requests must be submitted online. If this creates a significant obstacle, please contact the Cullen Foundation at 716-800-4280.
Typically the Cullen Foundation runs two open responsive grant cycles each year. The winter grant cycle begins January 1st and the summer grant cycle begins July 1st. However, it’s best to visit our website regularly and check the “key deadlines section” for the next open grant cycle. Also, we use our newsletter to announce upcoming grant cycles, so be sure to sign up through our website.
Join our newsletter list to be notified of upcoming grant cycles.
Prior to filling out an LOI or Application for Cullen funding in our portal (Foundant), organizations are required to have a Pre-LOI call with a Cullen staff member. If you are applying for Education funding, please contact Mary Lou Rubé at MLRube@thecullenfoundation.org. If you are applying for Performing Arts funding, please contact Nick Schifano at NSchifano@thecullenfoundation.org.
No, the Cullen Foundation does not fund individuals. To apply for funding an organization must meet all the required eligibility criteria, including being a 501(c)3, have audited or reviewed financials, and have a mission and service(s) that aligned with our guidelines and mission.
Yes, grant requests may be made for one, two or three years of funding. However, multi-year requests are only approved when the Foundation believes that the nature of the request is essential to the project's success.
Submitting a request before the deadline will not guarantee approval, but it is beneficial to applicants. LOI’s are accepted on a rolling basis so that once an LOI is approved, the applicant can proceed to the Full Application phase. This allows the applicant more time to complete the Full Application. In addition, application review meetings are granted on a rolling basis, so applicants that submit their application early will have preference for available review meetings.
It's highly recommended that applications are submitted 2-3 days in advance of the deadline in order for staff to review and verify that the LOI/application is completed accurately and sufficiently. If information is missing and/or the submission is incomplete, it will be sent back to the applicant to be completed in its entirety prior to the 5 pm deadline.
It's highly recommended that applications are submitted 2-3 days in advance of the deadline in order for staff to review and verify that the LOI/application is completed accurately and sufficiently. If information is missing and/or the submission is incomplete, it will be sent back to the applicant to be completed in its entirety prior to the 5 pm deadline.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors reviews all qualifying applications and determines if they will be funded.
You will receive a phone call and/or written notification of the Foundation Board's decision within 7 days of the relevant monthly board meeting.
Reports are available to view in your Foundant profile once your grant is approved. Multi-year grants have a progress report due at the end of each year with a final report due at the completion of the final grant year. One-year grants have a final report due at the completion of the grant year. Progress Reports are due one month prior to your next grant payment. Final Reports are due one month after the completion date of your grant. For any questions related to reporting please contact Nick Schifano at nschifano@thecullenfoundation.org.
Eligibility & Requirements
The focus on performing arts programming must be reflected in the organization’s mission statement. The organization must be Erie County, NY based and physically headquartered in WNY. The total 501(c)(3) must be dedicated principally to performance, and/or presentation of performing arts programming. Additionally, all other Cullen eligibility requirements and criteria must be met.
Cullen’s Performing Arts “Action Grant” enables past performing arts grantees (since 2015) to apply for up to $10,000 through a streamlined, one-step application process (i.e. no LOI). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be processed within six (6) weeks of receipt; requests can be made for one to three years of funding; and fund disbursement is expedited. All other Cullen eligibility requirements and criteria must be met. Applicants cannot have an open grant with Cullen to apply for/ be considered for this grant.
Erie County is our primary geographic service area with the following exceptions:
Education programs not located in Erie County must serve at least 80% Erie County residents.
For performing arts requests, Cullen Foundation limits funding opportunities to Western NY-based performing art organizations that directly benefit Erie County’s (NY) residents. All applicants should be based in WNY and all Cullen funds will be used toward programs that directly serve Erie County (NY) residents. Neighboring county-based performing arts organizations may apply but must demonstrate with reliable audience data that they serve a large number of Erie County residents (i.e. > than 50% of the organization’s audience members). Organizations traveling to WNY to perform for Erie County residents must partner with and apply through a WNY-based organization with all additional Cullen eligibility criteria in effect (i.e. one open grant per organization).
Education programs not located in Erie County must serve at least 80% Erie County residents.
For performing arts requests, Cullen Foundation limits funding opportunities to Western NY-based performing art organizations that directly benefit Erie County’s (NY) residents. All applicants should be based in WNY and all Cullen funds will be used toward programs that directly serve Erie County (NY) residents. Neighboring county-based performing arts organizations may apply but must demonstrate with reliable audience data that they serve a large number of Erie County residents (i.e. > than 50% of the organization’s audience members). Organizations traveling to WNY to perform for Erie County residents must partner with and apply through a WNY-based organization with all additional Cullen eligibility criteria in effect (i.e. one open grant per organization).
It is mandatory. The Cullen Foundation requires that your organization submit audited or reviewed financials prepared by a CPA as part of the Letter of Intent (LOI) and that statements are for the most recently completed fiscal year.
The only scholarships provided are through our Cullen Scholars program. See Cullen Scholars for more information on the program.
No, Cullen Foundation does not fund and/or sponsor specific events including galas, luncheons and fundraising events, conferences, or travel opportunities including those hosted by or to benefit local education and/or performing arts groups.
No, Cullen Foundation does not fund this type of activity.
Grantees may not apply for additional grant funding from the Cullen Foundation until all previous grant requirements from the Foundation are fulfilled and the grant is closed. A grant is closed when all funding is disbursed and all grant requirements, including the Final Report, are fully executed, complete and approved by our staff. The steps to close out a grant are detailed in the Reporting Guidelines which is also sent to grantees with the grant award letter.
To confirm your eligibility before you begin an LOI, contact Nick Schifano for performing arts requests at nschifano@thecullenfoundation.org or Mary Lou Rubé for education requests at MLRube@thecullenfoundation.org.
Past applicants have indicated that they spend approximately 9 hours or more on our grant process (Pre-LOI Call, LOI, application and application review meeting).
A “Public Inspection Copy” of Cullen Foundation’s Form 990 and Form 990-T are available to anyone who requests inspection of our Annual Returns. For more information or to make an appointment to inspect a copy, contact us at info@thecullenfoundation.org.
Yes! We encourage you to call the Foundation at any stage to talk with a staff member.