Community Art Subsidy Program

What the program does

The Community Art Subsidy Program helps reduce financial barriers that might prevent young people from taking part in arts opportunities. SAF may provide partial or full financial assistance toward eligible experiences offered by participating organizations.

Assistance depends on available funding, program guidelines, and eligibility. Applying does not guarantee funding. When funds are limited, SAF gives priority to young people trying an arts program for the first time.

What it covers

• Tuition and registration for arts classes, camps, and workshops
• Tickets to youth-friendly performances and arts events

Programs in visual art, music, dance, theater, photography, design, media, and robotics or STEAM qualify when they're run by an SAF partner or an established Rochester-area provider. Supplies, transportation, and costs already covered by another scholarship are not included.

Award amounts

• Up to 100% of covered costs for families who qualify, or up to 50% for families just above the income line
• Up to $300 per program, and up to $600 per young person each year
• SAF pays the arts organization directly, so families don't pay up front

Who is eligible

Young people ages 5 to 18 (or grades K to 12) who live in Monroe County, and whose family meets any one of these:

• The young person attends a Rochester City School District school
• The household receives SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Temporary Assistance, SSI, HEAP, or free or reduced-price school meals
• The family lives in public housing or uses a Section 8 voucher, or the young person is in foster or kinship care or experiencing homelessness
• Household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines

Families just above the income line can still apply and explain their situation. Youth with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to apply.

What you'll need

No documents are needed to apply. Have the young person's age, grade, and school, your ZIP code, and the program's name, dates, and cost. SAF may ask a small number of approved families for one document showing how they qualify.