Region 7: Creative Sector Flex Fund

The Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) is a grant initiative launched by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) in the 2023-2024 cycle and continued for the 2025-2026 cycle. Developed in response to evolving needs within Pennsylvania’s arts sector, the CSFF aims to support small, dynamic arts organizations across the state. This fund replaced the earlier Entry to Program Stream and Program Stream initiatives under Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA). The PCA developed the CSFF after consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, including state leaders, grantees, and community voices, in an effort to align state funding practices with current industry needs and the PCA’s strategic vision. The grant provides $5,000 in unrestricted support to eligible organizations, allowing them to address administrative, programmatic, or project-based needs. The primary purpose of the CSFF is to ensure that small arts organizations with annual revenues between $10,000 and $200,000 can apply funding in the most impactful ways to support their missions and benefit their communities. The flexibility built into this funding model reflects an intentional shift away from rigid, program-specific funding mechanisms, acknowledging that needs vary across organizations and contexts. The CSFF is open to nonprofit arts organizations that meet the revenue threshold and operate in Pennsylvania. For the 2025-2026 cycle, applicants in Region 7, which includes Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill Counties, will apply directly through the PCA rather than through Berks Arts, which previously managed the program for this region. It is emphasized that from September 1, 2025, PCA is the sole point of contact for new CSFF applications in these counties. Organizations already funded in the 2024-2025 cycle should continue working with Berks Arts for final reports, which are due by January 31, 2026. The application window for the 2025-2026 cycle runs from September 1, 2025, through October 31, 2025. All materials and updates related to Region 7 applications will be hosted on the PCA’s official website. To support applicants, PCA provides documentation templates such as a sample 501(c)(3) letter, Form 990, and Certificate of Registration. Ineligible applicants are encouraged to consult other funding opportunities listed on the PCA’s grant application portal. The CSFF is a recurring program, and organizations can expect similar funding opportunities in future cycles. While the application process itself is not deeply detailed in the source, it is clear that standard nonprofit documentation is required. Questions regarding the program may be directed to Amanda Lovell at PCA. In addition, Berks Arts offers continued support through their equity-driven approach, prioritizing accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in all programming. Berks Arts does not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other identities, reinforcing a commitment to equitable funding practices. No formal evaluation or review criteria are outlined in the provided source, nor are scoring rubrics or performance metrics. However, the requirement for organizations to provide specific documentation implies a review of organizational standing and capacity. Given the fund’s scale and targeted audience, PCA likely emphasizes administrative completeness, mission alignment, and community impact in its review process.