Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA)

Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF)

Update 8/1/25: The PA Council on the Arts’ 2025-2026 Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) guidelines and application timeline have been updated. Please review guidelines below.

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The Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) is a grant program of Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), that provides support to eligible applicants that provide consistent, annual levels of artistic programming and/or arts services in Pennsylvania.

    • Amount: $5,000

    • Source: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA)

    • Eligibility: Arts organizations located in Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties with average annual revenues between $10,000 - $200,000

    • Application Window: September 1 - October 31

    • Grant Activity Period: January - December

    • Notification Date: November 30

    • Eligible uses of funds are flexible, including the support of applicants’ administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses.

    • Read the Guidelines:

    • Eligibility Checklist:

      • Complete the eligibility checklist in advance to ensure your organization qualifies for the grant and has all the necessary application materials prepared. This checklist is included within the application form on Submittable and must be completed before submitting your application.

    • Submit Your Application:

      • Erie Arts and Culture will accept applications to the Creative Sector Flex Fund from September 1 to October 31, 2025. Complete your application online through the Submittable platform.

    • PPA Partner Staff Review: Applications are reviewed for eligibility.

    • Advisory Panel Review: Eligible applications are evaluated based on criteria such as community value, participation and engagement, and stewardship.

    • Notification: Applicants will be notified of the status of their applications, award amounts, and grant award agreements on November 30.

  • Virtual information sessions will be held to assist applicants. Specific dates for these sessions will be announced on our social media pages and via email.

    • The PCA has retired Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts’ (PPA) Entry to Program Stream and Program Stream grant programs to align better with industry trends and their strategic plan goals.

    • For additional grant opportunities, visit the PA Council on the Arts' Apply for a Grant page and EAC's Grants page.

Ready to apply? Use the button below to access the application via Submittable.

Please note, the application is only visible during the application window.

Questions? If you have any questions or need more detailed information, please contact our team at info@erieartsandculture.org.