By Andy Dahn

NORMAL – The deadline to apply for funding through the Town of Normal’s Harmon Arts Grant Program is fast approaching.

Arts-related programs, events and projects in the community have until May 14 to apply for grants, which Assistant City Manager Sally Heffernan said can have a large impact on the town’s arts.

“The average grant is about $2,000,” Heffernan said. “So we’re looking forward to perhaps seeing some new organizations apply this year, but we always get some very good programs funded through the Harmon Arts Program. We’re very excited.”

So what does the program look for in its applicants?

“Established organizations who have annual programming but perhaps want to expand that program and add something new,” said Heffernan. “Or organizations that want to make their programs more accessible to seniors, children, low income folks. That’s what we particularly like to see the grants used for.”

Heffernan said any amount helps the community.

“We assisted Home Sweet Home Ministries last year with an art project they do for people that are living in their homeless shelters,” said Heffernan. “They hire teachers to come in and hold classes and then they do an exhibition of the artwork. That was a minimal grant, but it allowed them to do something to help their clients.”

Recipients will be notified in early June, before being approved by Normal’s city council on June 15. Application information can be found at www.normal.org.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].