CFSA has supported the arts since its founding in 1980. As one of only seven community foundations to receive a 2:1 challenge grant in 1986 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), CFSA embraced the opportunity to establish the Endowment for the Arts Fund to support the work of small- and medium-sized arts organizations based in rural communities. Since 1987, 366 unrestricted operating grants have been distributed, totaling $636,390.
The 2023 Endowment for the Arts grant round awarded funding to two rural nonprofits: Central School Project and Bisbee Radio Project, both based in Bisbee, Arizona.
Central School Project is an arts facility with the three-fold mission of providing affordable creative space to working artists, preserving the historic Central School building, and fostering an appreciation of the arts in the Bisbee community. Central School Project also supports and collaborates with individuals and organizations to further cultural awareness in the community and makes its resources available to the community for various programs and activities while preserving the building built in 1905.
“We are committed to our community here in Bisbee, and with the support and funding from the CFSA Endowment for the Arts grant, we will continue preserving our building, maintaining studio spaces, and bringing opportunities to artists of all ages and levels of accomplishments,” shared Laurie McKenna, Director of Central School Project. “We are grateful for the support we receive from the CFSA Endowment for the Arts Fund! We are able to expand our art cart initiative, which is a source of fundraising and outreach.”
The Bisbee Radio Project is a nonprofit that is dedicated to enhancing art, entertainment, culture, and education through radio. The Bisbee Radio Project is volunteer-driven, with volunteers managing all aspects of the radio station, including live broadcasting, studio-to-transmitter technology, library and database maintenance, and more!
Sandy Tilcock, Administrative Manager at Bisbee Radio Project, shared, “We are deeply grateful for the receipt of a 2023 Endowment for the Arts grant from the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. It is an honor and will allow us to enhance our role as a cultural and informational resource for the diverse and creative Bisbee community.”