- Believe in Syracuse, Onondaga County
Salt Springs Springfest I $4,750
Salt Springs Springfest is a free, family‑friendly neighborhood celebration of local arts, history, and culture grounded in the spirit of springtime renewal, featuring local vendors, food, live music, theatre, kids’ activities, a literacy station with Soule Branch Library, and a new 14‑stop Salt Springs Historical & Cultural Trail. The festival highlights the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness of the Salt Springs community. - Greather Strathmore Neighborhood Association, Onondaga County
Art on the Porches I $3,360
Art on the Porches is a free art event in the Strathmore neighborhood celebrating art, community, and city living. We aim to create a day of fun and welcoming celebration for neighbors, city residents, and visitors from CNY and beyond. There are opportunities to purchase art, enjoy local music, and partake in art workshops. Art on the Porches also celebrates the neighborhood’s historic architecture and gives visitors a taste of city living. - Syracuse International Film Festival, Onondaga County
Film Festival’s 23rd Year I $3,700
The 2026 Syracuse International Film Festival presents year-round screenings, collaborations, and community events across Central New York. Committed to celebrating diverse voices in film, the festival emphasizes inclusion, education, and cultural engagement. These activities build anticipation for the 23rd Annual Main Festival in October, offering a dynamic platform that supports independent and underrepresented filmmakers while fostering meaningful connections between artists and audiences throughout the region. - Syracuse Contemporary Dance Company, Onondaga County
In Concert 2026 I $2,350
Syracuse Contemporary Dance Company’s In Concert 2026 is a two-night contemporary dance festival showcasing a wide range of movement styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Kathak, and Hip Hop. Through a thoughtfully curated program, the festival celebrates the creativity and diversity of talented choreographers and dancers from Central New York. - Amberations, Onondaga County
21st Fall Festival I $5,000
Amberations Fall Festival is a full day of live music, arts, crafts, food and activities. Our event is hosted on our 40+ acres and utilizing the adjacent Otisco Lake Community Center. Those who attend have the opportunity to support local artisans, take part in arts and craft activities, enjoy 5+ musical acts and more while appreciating the beauty of our acreage, animals and the Otisco Valley. - Keepers Connections, Onondaga County
Mosaic of Cultures Art Festival I $3,250
The Mosaic of Cultures Art Festival is a one‑day multicultural celebration showcasing the creativity and heritage of Syracuse’s immigrant, refugee, and international communities. Featuring visual art, artisan stalls, dance and music performances, cultural demonstrations, and family activities, the festival creates a vibrant, welcoming space that highlights global traditions. It strengthens cross‑cultural understanding, builds community pride, and uplifts underrepresented artists by providing an inclusive platform for expression and connection. - Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, Onondaga County
Storytelling with Children Festival I $4,750
Storytelling with Children is a one-day, child-centered arts festival in Onondaga County featuring Grimm Fairy Tale author Adam Gidwitz, and noted storytellers: Vanessa Johnson, Bruce Coville, Perry Ground, and Paul Solyn, with the purpose to spark children’s imagination in an immersive experience as artists and storytellers. Designed for children ages 3–12, the festival integrates folk traditions, spoken word, and hands-on artmaking. CBS-CS commits to creating equitable access to culturally rich arts programming for local families. - Light A Candle For Literacy, Onondaga County
Parade and Children’s Book Festival I $4,500
The Light A Candle For Literacy Parade and Children’s Book Festival is a free, community-wide celebration promoting literacy and family engagement. The event begins with a joyful parade featuring children, families, and community partners, followed by a festival with local children’s authors, book signings, free book giveaways, live performances, and interactive literacy activities. The festival combats summer reading loss while inspiring a lifelong love of reading. - Friends of Lipe Art Park, Onondaga County
2026 Art Extravaganza I $5,000
The summer Art Extravaganza festival will celebrate the creativity that exists in Syracuse. Hosted at Lipe Art Park, this event will feature local musicians and the unveiling of new public art. - Blackbird Film Festival, Onondaga County
Blackbird 2026 I $2,750
The 2026 Blackbird Film Festival will take place in late August at the historic Manlius Cinema, bringing bold, independent cinema to Central New York. The festival showcases innovative short films from emerging and established filmmakers around the world, alongside filmmaker Q&As, panels, and community events. Blackbird creates an intimate, welcoming space where artists and audiences connect, celebrate storytelling, and experience independent film beyond the traditional multiplex environment. - Syracuse Polish Festival, Onondaga County
2026 Polish Festival I $5,250
Since its inception in 1954, the Polish Scholarship Fund (PSF) has served to protect and promote Polish culture, heritage, history and traditions by organizing the Polish Festival in Syracuse as an annual celebration of the Polish community in the Central New York area. To further this goal, our organization awards several $1,000 scholarships each year to deserving students in our district. - German-American Society of CNY, Onondaga County
Oktoberfest 2026 I $2,500
German-American Society Oktoberfest is greater Syracuse’s only German festival sponsored by a non-profit, cultural organization. The Oktoberfest will feature authentic music, dancing, games, German food and beverages, and plenty of Lederhosen and Dirndl. Oktoberfest is a family-friendly event, with a separate children’s area with face-painting, crafts, and games. Free admission, free parking, and unlimited fun for all. - Downtown Syracuse Foundation, Onondaga County
2026 Arts & Crafts Festival I $3,000
The Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival is a three-day showcase of ~150 of artists, craftspeople, and performers centered in Downtown Syracuse. The family-friendly festival attracts over 30,000 people annually. The event is a part of The Syracuse Art Trail, a collaboration celebrating visual and performing arts throughout Downtown Syracuse. - Syracuse Community Connections, Onondaga County
Museum of Dance Festival I $5,000
The Museum of Dance Festival is a multi-genre public dance event showcasing diverse cultural traditions from across Syracuse and Onondaga County. Featuring artists including Blessings in Motion, Monique Woods, Dominique Dawkins, and Joshua Williams, the festival blends performance and education through artist-led presentations. The event culminates in a Dance for Peace finale promoting unity, cultural appreciation, youth engagement, and community connection. - Joined Artists, Musicians & Singers, Onondaga County
Annual Musicians Cookout + Unveiling of Southside Musical Legacy Plaque I $3,000
Celebrate at JAMS Free Annual Musicians Cookout at The Spirit of Jubilee Park, featuring performances by area musicians and youth groups. This event honors the legacy of local artists who’ve kept live music thriving and aims to inspire the next generation to carry on this tradition. A special highlight will be the unveiling of a large metal plaque on the one‑year anniversary of erecting JAMS Performance Stage, recognizing hundreds of past and present musicians. - The Syracuse Orchestra, Onondaga County
Summer Concert Series I $5,500
The Syracuse Orchestra celebrates summer, Central New York, and the nation’s birthday during our Summer Concert Series. Enjoy free, full-orchestra concerts in July that highlight historic and contemporary music from American composers – from patriotic themes to Broadway & movie themes and popular tunes. Family-friendly and all ages welcome! - Westcott Community Center, Onondaga County
Westcott Art Trail I $4,500
The Westcott Art Trail is a long-standing celebration of local artists and the uniquely diverse Westcott neighborhood. Celebrating its 25th year, this event welcomes artists and attendees of all backgrounds. Visitors explore the neighborhood by foot or car, discovering artists demonstrating and selling work in a variety of mediums while enjoying live performances by talented local musicians throughout this vibrant community experience. - Hopeprint Association, Onondaga County
BareRoots Music Festival I $5,000
BareRoots is dedicated to building bridges within the Syracuse community by celebrating our rich and diverse local culture. Through a dynamic mix of music, art, and shared experiences, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive space where neighbors, friends, and creatives can come together. Our mission is to foster connections, inspire collaboration, and strengthen the bonds that make Syracuse unique, empowering everyone to play a role in shaping the cultural heartbeat of our city. - Pakistani Community of CNY, Onondaga County
79th Pakistan Independence Day I $2,000
The Pakistan‑origin community has lived in Syracuse and greater Onondaga County for more than four decades, and our event aims to bring this dispersed community together in celebration of culture and connection. We will gather at Syracuse City Hall in August to honor Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, followed by a cultural exhibition also featuring cuisine, performances, arts, and community recognition. With an expected attendance of 150+ people, the event also welcomes the broader Syracuse community. - India Community Religious and Cultural Center, Onondaga County
[1 ] Spring Festival + [2 ] Semi Classical Indian Music Concert I $2,500
ICRCC organizes an annual vibrant and culturally rich Spring Festival, in the first week of June. The event features a diverse array of performances, showcasing talents from the Indian community, with adults as well as children as young as five presenting a variety of dances that highlight India’s rich heritage. Astha Shukla is a New Jersey-based Indian vocalist and musician specializing in Hindustani classical, semi-classical, and bhajans. Astha gave a performance in Syracuse in 2017, which was very well received. We have reached out to her, and are expecting a concert in fall. - Village of East Syracuse, Onondaga County
Community Weekend I $2,302
Two day community weekend featuring an ice cream social, community concert & fireworks. Goals are to provide a fun, safe environment for everyone in the community that attends the event. - Technology Alliance of Central New York, Onondaga County
Maker Faire Syracuse I $5,000
Maker Faire Syracuse is an event that features local makers, This event is a family-friendly celebration featuring all kinds of making and creating from traditional arts & crafts to high tech creations. Our Faire is the largest STEAM event in Central New York. This will be our fifth annual event. - InterFaith Works, Onondaga County
Building Bridges Community Festival I $3,000
InterFaith Works celebrates the cultural richness of the CNY community with its Building Bridges Community Festival, now in its 26th year! The Building Bridges Festival is a free, family-friendly atmosphere that features exciting and culturally diverse performances, food trucks, free ice cream, family arts and crafts, hands-on STEM activities, lawn games, and so much more! - Redhouse Arts Center, Onondaga County
Babelfest 2026: A Festival of New American Plays I $5,750
The 2nd annual Babelfest will continue to bring fresh, original voices to Central New York, highlighting underrepresented playwrights and innovative new works. By connecting our audiences with local and national talent, the festival fosters dialogue, strengthens community, and continues to position CNY as an emerging player in the broader theater landscape. - Westcott Street Cultural Coalition, Onondaga County
Westcott Street Cultural Fair I $6,000
The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is a one-day festival celebrating the diversity of the neighborhood through music, dance and art. - Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation, Onondaga County
CNY Jazz in the City I $4,000
CNY Jazz in the City is a free, mobile public health concert series. - Fayetteville Free Library, Onondaga County
Third Annual Fayetteville Art Festival I $2,150
The annual Fayetteville Art Festival is a community event, sponsored by the Fayetteville Free Library, allowing local authors and artists to present their work to the public. The festival provides an opportunity to engage with and purchase art and books created by our local authors and artists. It is a time to bring our community together to celebrate the many talents found within it. - Festival of Music, Onondaga County
Summer Series 2026, Young Artists Concert I $3,500
Festival of Music is a five concert series. April a benefit concert featuring world renown classical guitarist Eliot Fisk. Summer series Tribute to The Harlem Renaissance, Young Artists Concert, On Broadway. Winter concert a fully staged opera Amahl and The Night Visitors. This grant submission specifically for our Young Artists Concert. Three exceptional musicians from SCSD will perform as soloists with our Festival Orchestra. Performers receive honorarium. Working with Rory Edwards SCSD Fine Arts Director. - Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment, Onondaga County
FORCE CommUNITY Outreach Day and Cultural Festival I $4,250
FORCE CommUNITY Outreach Day at Cannon Street Community Center promotes community engagement through cultural arts, education, and training during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 7, 2025. The event features live music, Cultural activities, hands-on workshops, family activities, and showcases local businesses and nonprofits, fostering unity, resiliency, and preparedness. - 727 Instrumental, Onondaga County
Party in the Square I $3,000
This event series produces 4 weeks of events that bring a diverse lineup of musicians, genres, vendors and food vendors to downtown Syracuse in Clinton Square. The events are free to attend, on a bus route, accessible and family friendly. Each event has a dedicated genre of music. - Festival Latino Americano, Onondaga County
Festival Latino 2026 I $5,000
The Latino festival is a FREE family event. Great opportunity to learn about the Latino/Hispanic community in Syracuse and Onondaga County. Come and enjoy great music, delicious food, and beautiful culture! Travel to ten different countries under one tent! - End Antisemitism Now, Onondaga County
Annual Jewish Film Festival I $3,800
The Syracuse Jewish Film Festival is an annual event (3rd year) presented by End Antisemitism Now and the Jewish Community Center to shine a light on Jewish filmmakers and Jewish stories. Each film will be shown on a dedicated evening at the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse in Dewitt, NY and be followed by a panel discussion with the Director. All films are open to the public and all community members. - Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, Onondaga County
Klezfest 2026 I $5,000
Annual Celebration of Jewish Culture in CNY. Emphasis on Klezmer music, ethnic food and Jewish spirit. Open to everyone in CNY with entertainment for all ages. - Syracuse Shakespeare-in-the-Park, Onondaga County
Summer Season in Thornden Park I $3,500
In June 2026 we will present 6 free public performances of King Lear in Thornden Park. In August we will present 6 performances of The Taming of the Shrew, also in Thornden Park. - Village of Solvay, Onondaga County
Solvay Geddes Field Days I $5,000
The Annual Solvay Geddes Field Days Fun Music, Rides Fireworks and Food. - Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Onondaga County
Showcase Sunday Series 2026 I $3,250
Showcase Sunday is a vibrant, community event series celebrating local talent, culture, and neighborhood unity. This free, family gathering brings together music, art, and community in a joyful, inclusive atmosphere for all ages. Events feature a dynamic lineup of performers offering a platform for creativity, self-expression, and inspiration. - CNY Pride, Onondaga County
CNY Pride Festival 2026 I $3,500
The CNY Pride Festival is the largest LGBTQIA centered festival with a 75 mile radius of Syracuse, and one of the largest pride festivals in NYS.