What happens when creativity meets community? In this episode of GrantTalk, Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch and author of The Queen of Grants, sits down with Patty Eljaiek, Grants Coordinator for the Huntington Arts Council, to uncover how arts funding transforms lives, fuels local economies across Long Island, New York, and empowers artists to keep creating.
The Huntington Arts Council
Founded in 1963, the Huntington Arts Council serves as the official arts coordinating organization for the Town of Huntington. It is also the primary re-grant site for the New York State Council on the Arts in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The council provides grants across all artistic disciplines, including:
- Performing arts
- Visual arts
- Film and media
- Music
- Public art
- Literature and arts education
Their mission is rooted in arts advocacy; supporting individual artists, arts organizations, and the broader community.
Grants for Artists and Organizations
During the conversation, Patty highlighted the wide range of funding opportunities available through the Huntington Arts Council. These include Artist Fellowship Grants for individual artists, general operating support for smaller arts organizations, and arts education grants that fund both in-school and community-based programs. The council also offers micro grants, providing accessible support to artists and organizations who may be newer to the grant process.
While each of these opportunities is competitive, the council places a strong emphasis on mentorship. Applicants are encouraged to schedule one-on-one calls to review eligibility, application criteria, and program alignment. As Patty Eljaiek explained, “Our mission is all about arts advocacy—for the artists, for arts organizations, and for the community.” For those seeking additional opportunities beyond the council, GrantWatch lists thousands of funding sources in its Arts and Culture category, connecting artists and organizations nationwide with the resources they need to thrive.
The Broader Impact of the Arts
Beyond creativity, arts funding fuels economic development. As Patty shared, attending an arts event often leads to additional spending at local restaurants, shops, and businesses, making arts a vital driver of community growth. In Patty’s own words: “The arts are incredible drivers of economic prosperity. They fuel not just creativity, but also local businesses and community growth.”
Equally important, the arts provide an outlet for self-expression, connection, and youth engagement. Programs like in-school arts education and after-school collaborations give children creative opportunities that build confidence, literacy, and community involvement.
Huntington Arts Council on GrantWatch
Patty emphasized how GrantWatch.com helps connect artists and nonprofits to funding opportunities they may not know exist. By simplifying complex eligibility criteria, GrantWatch ensures more organizations can apply for the right opportunities and gain access to funding.
- Artist Fellowship Grants for individual artists
- General Operating Support for smaller arts organizations
- Micro Grants that provide accessible support for both artists and organizations
Advice for Artists Who Apply for Grants
“We don’t ask you to write a dissertation. We just want you to answer the questions in your own words.”
For artists hesitant about applying, Patty encouraged persistence:
- Answer questions directly and briefly on applications
- Engage with funding sources by phone or email
- Seek mentorship and training to strengthen proposals
- Apply consistently—if one grant doesn’t fit, another one will
“Mentorship is key. Every applicant has the chance to schedule a call so we can guide them through the process.”
Final Thoughts
Libby Hikind and Patty Eljaiek close the episode by underscoring the importance of the arts as both a creative outlet and an economic engine. With resources like the Huntington Arts Council and GrantWatch, artists and organizations can find the tools and funding they need to thrive.
To learn more about the Huntington Arts Council, visit huntingtonarts.org. For thousands of grant opportunities across 60 categories, explore GrantWatch.com.
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About GrantWatch
Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest advanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 10,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 60 funding categories. Additionally, it serves nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, tribal governments, and individuals seeking grant funding.
GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants.
