The United Cultural Fund (UCF) is the annual fundraising effort of the Broome County Arts Council (BCAC) which raises and distributes funding for unique, exciting, and necessary artistic endeavors, county-wide.

BROOME COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL RAISES $274,777 FOR THE 2024 UCF CAMPAIGN: PRESS RELEASE

“Being a recipient of a UCF grant has allowed the Binghamton Downtown Singers to fulfill our mission in two ways. First, we are able to keep our ticket costs low while still being able to have a professional orchestra. Additionally, the funding we have received helps us not only share our tradition of performing the Messiah annually but allows us to perform new or less-heard works at our spring concert, expanding not only the choir’s abilities but also exposing our audiences to music they may not be familiar with.”

— Julie Drozdowski, Downtown Singers Board of Directors Co-Chairman

“The United Cultural Fund of Broome County is absolutely vital to the health of the Binghamton Philharmonic. Without this valued assistance, the Philharmonic could not serve the greater Binghamton community with regard to educational activities, outreach opportunities, and cultural enrichment in the way that is most effective. In addition, even though the Philharmonic is a non-profit organization, it is an economic generator in the region, invigorating downtown businesses like restaurants and parking services, and employing staff and musicians, who in turn, bring their expertise to people of all ages through teaching and mentorships throughout the area.”

— Daniel Hege, Music Director, Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra

“The Binghamton Theater Organ Society’s non-profit mission is to preserve and present the publicly owned theatre organ in the Broome Co Forum Theater. UCF support through BCAC allows us to bring in world class musicians like Dennis James. Mr James brings decades of experience and study to the art of silent film accompaniment, delighting audiences and showcasing the versatility of the organ. He travels extensively and we are fortunate that the UCF grant enabled us to book quality performers.”

— Nancy Wildoner, – Nancy Wildoner President, BTOS

“EPAC has relied on the continued support of the Broome County Arts Council for 20 years! Since 2003 EPAC has received over $380,000 in grant funding from the United Cultural Fund. This financial support has been crucial to sustaining this community organization and allowing EPAC to succeed for 25 years now. Thank you Broome County Arts Council!”

— Joe Foti, EPAC Executive Director

“The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton, with the support of the Broome County Arts Council, performed music from the American Songbook to an enthusiastic packed house in its recent Spring Concert.”

— Theresa Lee-Whiting, Madrigal Choir Board Member

“The funding we received from the United Cultural Fund was imperative to creating the Live Character Tour for the Phelps Mansion Museum. We wouldn’t have been able to get the project off the ground so fast without the support of the UCF. We are so grateful for this incredible fund that supports such important artistic projects. The Live Character Tour is now a permanent fixture at the Phelps Mansion Museum and open to the public throughout the year all thanks to the United Cultural Fund!”

— Jennifer E. Corby, Phelps Mansion Museum Executive Director

“The United Cultural Fund grant has played a pivotal role in bolstering our First Friday art exhibits and enabling us to provide essential staff support for our free admission nights. This support has not only enriched our cultural offerings but also strengthened our commitment to fostering inclusivity and engagement within our community.”

— Jessica Locke, Discovery Center Arts, Culture, and Education Coordinator

Now in its 37th year, the United Cultural Fund is a unique community resource whose financial benefits are a
two-way street. Past recipients have returned more than $4 million to Broome County’s economy and supported about 1,500 full, part-time and contracted jobs.

Broome County Arts and Cultural organizations received UCF grants in 2024

over $275k

raised for UCF in 2024

1,500

full, part-time and contracted jobs supported by UCF

HISTORY

The United Cultural Fund (UCF), one of 40 United Arts Funds (UAF) nationwide and the only one in upstate New York, was established in 1987 at the request of Broome County Government and several major foundations to offer an accountable, centralized way to support important nonprofit arts organizations of unique value to this community. Since 1987, the Broome County Arts Council (BCAC) has continued to manage this essential financial resources for arts programming by organizing the UCF fundraising campaign, advising prospective applicants and application review panelists, convening allocation panels, reviewing grant recommendations, approving awards, and overseeing compliance with the terms of UCF grant contracts.

IMPACT

General Operating Support (GOS)

GOS Grants provide arts organizations full autonomy over their programming and heighten their ability to bring new, community-oriented and culturally enriching art experiences to Broome County.

Project Grants

Project Grants fund specific efforts by smaller, local organizations and/or independent artists, presenting these parties the ability to fully realize high-quality events.

In 2023, BCAC’s United Cultural Fund campaign awarded 8 large arts organizations much-needed general operating support and 14 smaller arts organizations and individual artists Project Grants.

COMMUNITY

Broome County Arts Council believes that a broad range of voices at all levels of our funded organizations, and diverse art forms representative of all backgrounds and experiences, are essential to driving an authentic, inclusive, and sustainable community impact through art. The United Cultural Fund works hard to support education, offer health and hope, honor culture, drive the economy, and foster inspiration in Broome County.