By: Richard L. Smith
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Union County On Stage awardees! School & Community Grant is a vital component of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados' 2023 Theater Initiative, aligning with his Chairman's theme of "Building a Stronger Union County."
The initiative's primary goal is to bolster arts-based education and enjoyment across Union County, recognizing the importance of preserving arts programs amidst budgetary challenges.
Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados shared his motivation behind this theater initiative: "Arts funding often faces early budget cuts. I aimed to support and advocate for arts funding in schools and organizations, showcasing our local talents.
Your dedication to the arts and your commitment to enriching our community through creative expression are truly commendable.
I have every confidence that each of the recipients will showcase remarkable talent and passion, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our county.
Congratulations to all the recipients, and thank you for enhancing Union County's cultural landscape."
This initiative, designed to offer substantial support to performing arts programs throughout Union County, welcomed applications from all Union County high schools and tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. It represents a significant investment in the local arts scene.
The Union County On Stage! The Grant Program consisted of two categories, with a total grant allocation of $53,875.00: the school grant, which encompassed all Union County high schools with a total grant fund of $29,775.00, and the community grant, open to local tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in Union County, with a total grant fund of $24,100.00.
The grant recipients are as follows:
**Union County On Stage! School Grant**
- Berkeley Heights, Governor Livingston High School: $2,000.00
- Clark, Mother Seton Regional High School: $2,000.00
- Cranford, Cranford High School: $1,775.00
- Elizabeth, Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy: $2,000.00
- Kenilworth, David Brearley High School: $2,500.00
- New Providence, New Providence High School: $1,500.00
- Rahway, Rahway High School: $2,500.00
- Roselle, Abraham Clark High School: $2,500.00
- Scotch Plains, Academy of Performing Arts: $2,500.00
- Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High Schools: $2,000.00
- Scotch Plains, Union Catholic High School: $2,500.00
- Summit, Summit High School: $1,500.00
- Springfield, Jonathan Dayton High School: $2,000.00
- Union, Union High School: $2,500.00
**Union County On Stage! Community Grant**
- Elizabeth, United Way of Greater Union County: $2,000.00
- Elizabeth, Trinitas: $2,000.00
- Elizabeth, Jewish Family Services: $1,100.00
- Plainfield, Neighborhood House Association: $2,000.00
- Plainfield, Catalyst Theater Company Productions: $2,000.00
- Plainfield, Queen City Film & Television Workshop: $1,500.00
- Rahway, UCPAC: $2,000.00
- Roselle, Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble: $1,500.00
- Roselle, Boxwood Learning Center: $2,000.00
- Summit, Stony Hills Players Theater: $2,000.00
- Summit, Vivid Stage: $2,000.00
- Union, Nanababies: $2,000.00
- Union, Premier Stages at Kean University: $2,000.00
All applicants and programming covered by the grant are based in Union County, with the grant funds supporting activities scheduled to take place in Union County during the Fall/Early Winter of 2023.
