The Cullen Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in Erie County by supporting education for students in grades pre-K through 12 and advancing theatre and the performing arts. Through funding and support, it seeks to make significant enhancements in these areas for the benefit of Erie County residents.
The Cullen Foundation's grant program focuses on two main areas: Performing Arts and Education. In the realm of Performing Arts, it supports organizations primarily involved in community performances, including music, dance, singing, and theatre. The foundation's responsive grant process is designed to closely examine applicant organizations, assessing their impact and the benefits they bring to individuals they serve. Grants are competitive, and decisions are based on factors such as fiscal health, sustainability, and the potential impact of the organizations. Types of support offered include program or project support, general operating support, capital investments (building or equipment), and capacity building support, with a strong priority on funding organizations where community performance is the central mission. Organizations may request funding for 1 to 3 years, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per year, up to a maximum of $300,000. Maximum funding requests are rarely granted and are reserved for projects with a unique strategic alignment with the Foundation's mission and expected outcomes. Multi-year grants are considered only when necessary for the project's success.