The City of El Paso wants to help more locals during the pandemic by offering micro-grants to local artists, non-profits, and small cultural organizations. Our community and nation are still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and that lone stimulus check was months ago. Now more than ever, people need help to get by and the City of El Paso is trying to help. The Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) Cultural Funding Program has enacted a temporary micro-grant program to help local artists, small non-profits, and cultural organizations. El Paso is known for the diverse community of local artists who help beautify the city and boost the economy. Our region's unique culture is also highlighted through various organizations that help keep the city's customs and traditions alive. The Cultural Affairs and Recreation Director Ben Fyffe discussed why it was so important to the department to help people in the arts and cultural sector of the city:

“El Paso’s artists and non-profit cultural organizations are a major part of our vibrancy and one of the many drivers of our local economy. MCAD is committed to supporting the recovery of El Paso’s creative sector that traditionally generates $103 million impact into our regional economy.”

The micro-grant program will allow artists to apply for a one-time micro-grant of $1,500 and small non-profit organizations a one-time micro-grant of up to $3,000. To apply, applicants must attend a mandatory online orientation before they can apply. To apply for one of the micro-grants, please visit the El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department website. People can apply on a rolling basis until all the funds in the program are gone. For more information on the micro-grants, please call the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department at (915) 212-1770.

More From KLAQ El Paso