There are a few ways to answer that question! Here are the short answers.
According to NYSCA: “The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) supports a statewide regranting system called the Decentralization (DEC) Program. Local decision-making is the basic principle of the Decentralization Program in supporting a wide range of community-based professional and avocational arts programs in diverse communities throughout the State, and in helping support the work of individual artists. The goal of Decentralization is to support the continued development of local arts and cultural resources responsive to community cultural needs.”
According to GCCA: “Decentralization Grants are public moneys made available to Columbia, Greene, and Schoharie counties through a competitive process administered by Greene County Council on the Arts*. DEC Grants are available to not-for-profit organizations legally registered in Columbia, Greene or Schoharie County, and/or collectives or individuals in partnership with a non-profit. DEC Grants provide funding for cultural and art programs taking place in the community.”
According to the Margaret, the Community Arts Grants Coordinator: “DEC is a grant program for arts and culture that exists to support underserved artforms and communities, as well as new and innovative programming. Outreach and local decision making is key, and the program is designed to reflect the interests of the communities it serves!”
Funding is available in three categories, Community Project Support, Arts Education, and the Individual Artist Award. Each category serves a different purpose, and each has its own guidelines and restrictions. To learn more about each category, visit the “Upcoming Grants” page.
* The Decentralization Program is administered by the Greene County Council on the Arts, made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.