The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program are now available for Union County non-profit organizations, individual artists and scholars. Projects related to local history, the arts and humanities are eligible for consideration for funding in the HEART Grant funding program.
“We are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Union County HEART Grant program. These grants are a testament to our commitment to preserving our local history, fostering the arts, and promoting the humanities in Union County,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We invite our non-profit organizations, individual artists, and scholars to seize this opportunity and bring their creative visions to life. Together, we can continue to enrich our community and strengthen the cultural fabric that makes Union County so special.”
The HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) program serves as a catalyst for Union County’s non-profit organizations, artists and scholars, enhancing their ability to connect residents with programs and activities.
Along with civic groups and cultural organizations, past HEART Grant recipients have included individual poets, writers, historians, painters, photographers, musicians, dancers and more. Organizations can request a grant of up to $3,000, with a 25% cash match required for any amount over $1,000. Individuals can request up to $1,000, with no cash match required.
All projects funded under the HEART Grant Program must directly benefit Union County residents and increase appreciation for Union County history, the arts and humanities, demonstrating that cultural assets are a vital part of community life, education and well-being, economic development and cultural heritage tourism.
“In 1998, we established the HEART Grant program with the aim of nurturing a vibrant arts and cultural landscape in Union County,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural & Heritage Advisory Board. “Over the years, this initiative has garnered tremendous enthusiasm. We eagerly anticipate yet another season of dynamic programming that will bring enlightening, educational, and entertaining experiences to thousands of our residents.”
Activities must take place in 2024 between January 1st and December 31st to be considered for funding. Applicants must be Union County residents or Union County based non-profit organizations with programs taking place in Union County. The online application deadline for first-time applicants is Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The full application must be completed by Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Hard copies are no longer being accepted.
The HEART Grant program is administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. To receive the 2024 HEART Grant guidelines, visit ucnj.org/ cultural or email HEARTGrant@ucnj.org. For more information of all Cultural and Heritage Affairs programs call 908-558-2565 (NJ Relay users dial 711).