Middlesex Co. Announces Workshop Series To Support Orgs Seeking 2026 Grant Funding

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County is preparing to distribute funding to support local arts, history, and historic preservation projects through its 2026 grant cycle, beginning with comprehensive grant writing workshops starting Tuesday.

The Arts Institute of Middlesex County, in partnership with the Board of County Commissioners, is offering these grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations throughout Middlesex County. The funding supports a wide range of initiatives including arts programming, history and folklife projects, historic preservation efforts, and capital improvements that serve the public.

Workshop Schedule and Requirements

The grant writing workshops will be offered in both virtual and in-person formats from June through August to accommodate various schedules and preferences. The first session kicks off Tuesday at 1 pm via Zoom, followed by additional opportunities:

• Thursday, July 10 at 10 am - East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway, NJ
• Tuesday, July 22 at 2 pm - The Lodge in Thompson Park, Jamesburg, NJ
• Thursday, August 7 at 6 pm via Zoom

While attendance is encouraged for all applicants, workshops are mandatory for first-time applicants and organizations that haven't applied within the last three grant cycles. This requirement ensures that newcomers receive proper guidance through the application process while allowing experienced applicants flexibility in their preparation.

Personalized Support Available

Organizations unable to attend scheduled workshops can arrange individual consultations with grant coordinators. The Arts Institute has designated specialized contacts for different project types:

• Arts & Capital Projects: 732-745-3052 or richard.simon@co.middlesex.nj.us
• History/Historic Preservation: 732-439-0171 or michael.moran@co.middlesex.nj.us

Important Deadlines

Grant applicants should mark their calendars for two critical deadlines:

• Tuesday, August 19, 2025: Declarations of Intent must be submitted
• Tuesday, September 16, 2025: Complete grant applications are due

Registration and Next Steps

Organizations interested in participating can RSVP for virtual workshops through the grants submission website at https://middlesex.smapply.io/. The same platform will be used for submitting applications later in the cycle.

The 2026 grant cycle represents an opportunity for local organizations to secure funding for projects that enrich community life while preserving and celebrating Middlesex County's cultural heritage.