Creative Sector Flex Fund
Re: Updates on the Availability of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Creative Sector Flex Fund
On behalf of Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, please see the following update regarding changes to the availability of the Creative Sector Flex Fund in this region, which includes Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, and Potter counties.
As of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) program will discontinue statewide. In its place, the Creative Asset Program will provide new, direct, flexible support for small-to-mid-sized arts organizations with average annual revenue between $100,000 - $2 million. Eligible applicants will apply directly to Pennsylvania Creative Industries, which will publish program guidelines for the Creative Asset Program in December 2025.
This information is being shared now to help with planning and budgetary activities going forward.
Attention Current CSFF Applicants: The future discontinuation of the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) does not impact the availability of the program in the current year (FY 2025-2026). Pending passage of the Commonwealth budget, Elk County Council on the Arts will distribute information regarding the status of FY 2025-2026 CSFF applications, as well as instructions for and requirements pertaining to those applicants approved for CSFF funds. Additionally, as FY 2025-2026 grant award agreement materials will outline, CSFF grantees will be required to submit final report materials to Kylee Mader by January 31, 2027.
Questions
For general questions regarding an application to the current (FY 2025-2026) CSFF program, contact Kylee Mader - kylee@eccota.com
For general questions about the CSFF program, contact PA Creative Industries’ Director of Access to the Creative Sector — Amanda Lovell - alovell@pa.gov
For general questions about the Creative Asset Program, contact, PA Creative Industries’ Director of Arts Organizations and Arts Programs and Grants Liaison. — Ian Rosario - irosario@pa.gov,
Background
Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ governing Council recently adopted a new strategic framework, alongside an updated agency mission to empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce. The agency vision is that Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.
To maximize progress on its mission and ensure all the agency’s work is aligned, Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Council adopted five key areas around which to focus its resources: asset development, workforce development, community development, visibility, and policy.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming months, Pennsylvania Creative Industries will be publishing new and expanded opportunities for the Commonwealth’s creative sector, including the Creative Asset Program. You can sign up for news here and access new program guidelines on Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ website.
Creative Sector Flex Fund
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.
This grant program incorporates the current needs of the field by offering grantees the flexibility to use $5,000 grants in ways that ensure the most significant impact for their organizations and communities. Eligible use of funds are flexible, including the support of applicants’ administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses..
As the PPA Regional Partner, ECCOTA is able to provide funding in Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, and Potter Counties.
Please note: The PCA has retired Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts’ (PPA) Entry to Program Stream, and Program Stream grant programs. The decision to retire these programs resulted from the PCA’s consideration of conversations, feedback, observations, insights, research, and data review with state and industry leaders, panelists, grantees, and community members. The goal of this retirement is to enable the PCA to provide a funding avenue that better aligns with industry trends and the goals of our strategic plan.
How to Apply
Applications are open from 9/1/25 and will close 10/31/25*
*Please note: No extensions will be granted.
All attachments and documentation are mandatory. Missing or incorrect documentation will disqualify your application from panel consideration. Please read all guidelines. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed.
If your organization is not eligible for the Creative Sector Flex Fund, please visit the Pennsylvania Council On The Arts Apply for a Grant page, for additional information on opportunities that may suit the needs of your organization.