ArtsWestchester Awards $1.3 Million in Grants to Local Arts Groups

ArtsWestchester has awarded $1.3 million in grants provided by Westchester County government to local cultural organizations.

This significant investment will support a wide range of artistic and cultural programs that serve residents across the region. So far in 2025, ArtsWestchester has awarded funding that includes $52,000 for projects that support access to arts programming in Yonkers and $54,000 to support Juneteenth events throughout the county held earlier this year.

Cultural institutions receiving awards include: the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah ($40,000); the River’s Edge Theatre Company in Ardsley ($3,000); and MorDance in Yonkers ($3,500).

A complete list of recent ArtsWestchester grant recipients is available on its website.

“The continued partnership from the County Executive and Board of Legislators underscores their appreciation of the arts as a dynamic force enriching Westchester County’s culture and fueling its growth,” says ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. “On behalf of ArtsWestchester, we extend our congratulations and gratitude to all the grantees. Their programs and services enrich our communities and solidify Westchester’s reputation as a thriving center for artistic innovation and cultural vitality.”

County Executive Ken Jenkins explains, “Westchester County is proud to partner with ArtsWestchester in making these critical investments in our local cultural institutions. The arts are not only a source of inspiration and creativity, but also a powerful driver of community connection and economic vitality. By supporting these organizations, we are ensuring that residents in every corner of the County have access to diverse and meaningful cultural experiences.”

Westchester County’s cultural grants help the creative community through various funding categories:

• Basic Program Support: Provides essential funding to organizations offering year-round programs and services.
• Arts for People with Special Needs: Supports organizations that provide arts-based services to people with disabilities.
• Project Support: Supports small and mid-sized cultural organizations with grants for specific public programming, such as film series, concert series, or education-based workshops.
• Mount Vernon and Yonkers Arts Initiatives: Support community-based cultural organizations in providing programs and services, while also revitalizing neighborhoods, facilities, and city parks where these events take place.
• Juneteenth Celebration Grants: Juneteenth Grants support community-based arts Juneteenth celebrations. Activities in all arts disciplines are eligible for support and may include but are not limited to art-making workshop series, performances, festivals, screenings, and readings.

Additionally, The Art$WChallenge matching grant, open now, provides one-for-one matching funds to eligible organizations in Westchester County. Every new dollar donated (up to a maximum amount set forth in our guidelines per organization) between Friday, August 15, 2025 through Monday, December 15, 2025, is eligible to be matched by ArtsWestchester with the support of Westchester County Government. For the 2025 Challenge, approximately 175 eligible organizations of all sizes and disciplines are participating to meet the match, over $400K is available. Details here.

ArtsWestchester has a 60-year legacy of championing the arts as a catalyst for community development and economic growth. This round of grant funding reaffirms the organization's commitment to creating a vibrant and equitable cultural ecosystem in Westchester County.