CREATIVE SECTOR FLEX FUND
About the Creative Sector Flex Fund
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) introduced a new grant program, the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF), in 2023-2024, and is offering the program again for the 2025-2026 grant cycle. The CSFF is designed to address the changing needs of dynamic PA arts organizations with average annual revenue between $10,000 - $200,000.
This grant program incorporates the current needs of the field by offering grantees the flexibility to use $5,000 grants in ways that ensure the most significant impact for their organizations and communities.
Eligible uses of funds are flexible, including the support of applicants’ administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses.
Please note: The PCA has retired Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts’ (PPA) Entry to Program Stream, and Program Stream grant programs. The decision to retire these programs resulted from the PCA’s consideration of conversations, feedback, observations, insights, research, and data review with state and industry leaders, panelists, grantees, and community members. The goal of this retirement is to enable the PCA to provide a funding avenue that better aligns with industry trends and the goals of our strategic plan.
How to Apply for the Creative Sector Flex Fund
***Attention: Nonprofit organizations operating in Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill Counties***
—> As of September 1, 2025, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) will be the point of contact for the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) 25-26 grant cycle. Berks Arts will NOT be managing any new applications for 2025-26.
The 2025-2026 CSFF Application for Region 7 (Berks, Schuykill, Lancaster Counties) will be open September 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025. All pertinent information can be be found at the PA Council on the Arts website at the following link: 2025-26 CSFF Grant Info
2024-2025 CSFF grantees located in the aforementioned counties should continue to contact and report to John Ruggles at Berks Arts regarding CSFF grant questions and final reporting requirements due on January 31, 2026.
General questions regarding the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) program and the CSFF may be directed to Amanda Lovell at the PCA.
To prepare your application materials, please refer to this list of required information.
If your organization is not eligible for the Creative Sector Flex Fund, please visit the PCA website’s Apply for a Grant page, for additional information on opportunities that may suit the needs of your organization.
Sample Documentation
Questions?
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions.
For all other questions regarding any of the PCA grants, please contact ppa@berksarts.org.
Statement of Equitable Funding
Berks Arts continues to support diverse and vulnerable populations, understanding that we should always inform our work through a lens of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Berks Arts does not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, religion, color, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.