Sing for Hope has been awarded a $73,890 grant from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA). This is the second year of a three-year multi-year grant, demonstrating the DCLA's ongoing support for Sing for Hope's mission.
This funding will allow Sing for Hope to continue bringing the transformative power of the arts to older adults in NYC through its Creative Aging initiative. Sing for Hope partners with various facilities, including hospitals, social adult day programs, and healthcare sites, to offer curated and interactive performances and arts events led by professional Artist Partners.
The Creative Aging initiative aims to combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults, using music to create connection and spark joy. With this grant, Sing for Hope will be able to bring at least one event a month to ten facilities, for a projected total of 120 events reaching a minimum of 2,400 individuals.
This funding benefits the older adults served and supports Sing for Hope's incredible roster of professional Artist Partners. Much of the grant will go towards artist fees, ensuring these artists are fairly compensated for their valuable work.
Sing for Hope is proud to be part of the City's largest-ever investment in the cultural sector, with nearly 1,100 organizations receiving support through the Cultural Development Fund. This funding is a testament to the vital role that arts and culture play in communities, and Sing for Hope is proud to be contributing to a more vibrant and connected New York City.
“Simply put, there is no New York City without the cultural sector that strengthens our communities, drives our economy, and makes us the creative capital of the world. And the work that goes into making our cultural sector thrive starts with the 1,000+ nonprofits that we’re proud to support through the Cultural Development Fund,” said DCLA Commissioner Cumbo.
“This year, we’re rolling out new reforms that will expand investments in low-income communities, we’re bringing back city support for cultural programming that break down barriers to access, we’re increasing support for individual artists, we’re offering greater stability to the groups who rely on our funding to deliver cultural programs for New Yorkers — and we're doing it all with a record investment from the city, thanks to Mayor Adams and our partners on the City Council. Congratulations to all of this year’s CDF recipients!”
"Sing for Hope is incredibly grateful to the DCLA for this continued support of our Creative Aging initiative," says Lis Chrinos, Director of Arts in Public Health. "This funding allows us to continue our vital work bringing creativity and engagement to older adults through the arts, combating social isolation, and fostering a sense of community."
The FY25 CDF funding — which is awarded annually by DCLA using a competitive, peer-evaluated grant process — includes $51.9 million from the New York City Mayor’s Office and $7.4 million from members of the New York City Council. Funding from the CDF supports a wide range of cultural organizations across the city.
