The Burlington County Commissioners have approved more than $125,000 in grants to support 20 local organizations with arts programs and events planned for the coming year. The funding aims to help groups provide activities such as exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and educational programs.
“The arts are an important part of Burlington County’s culture, economy and the high quality of life that residents enjoy here,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “These grants allow art groups and other nonprofits to continue to operate and provide valuable programs, events and performances that enrich life in our communities.”
Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel added: “Burlington County believes in the arts and the benefits they bring to our communities and residents. The art exhibits, concerts, festivals and programs these grants help support are essential to Burlington County residents’ quality of life and sense of community. We have also seen first-hand how these investments in art and culture create jobs, business activity and community development.”
The grant recipients were chosen based on recommendations from an independent peer review panel. Grants will be used for general operations, advertising, special exhibits, classes, performances, among other activities.
Two organizations received grant funding for the first time this year: St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Mount Holly and the Burlington County 4-H Leadership Council.
All 20 applicants received awards through a program established over forty years ago that relies on aid from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Among those receiving funds are Bridge Players Theater Company ($8,000), Burlington County 4-H Leaders Council ($2,000), Burlington County Footlighters ($6,000), Golden Eagle Band ($2,500), Haaf Family Arts Foundation ($5,000), In FACT Inc. ($7,000), Lyceum Arts ($9,000), Main Street Mount Holly ($6,000), Medford Arts Center ($9,000), Mill Race Village Arts & Preservation Inc. ($7,000), Moorestown Theater Company ($9,000), Roebling Museum ($9,000), Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church ($2,000), Servicios Latinos de Burlington County ($6,000), South Jersey Pops ($6,000), West Jersey Chamber Music Society ($4,500), West Jersey Music Academy ($9,000), Whitesbog Preservation Trust ($9,000) and Willingboro Arts Alliance ($2,500). Activities supported range from music instruction for students with disabilities to mural creation downtown.
In addition to distributing local grants each year since its inception over four decades ago—supported by state-level arts funding—the county organizes its own series of cultural events such as summer concerts and seasonal festivals.
For 2026 there is a planned celebration marking the United States’ 250th Anniversary scheduled for June 14 in downtown Mount Holly.
Burlington County covers 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. It operates under a Board of Commissioners made up of five at-large members with Eve Cullinan serving as county administrator. The county includes three cities among its forty political subdivisions—comprising cities boroughs and townships—and offers resources like Historic Smithville Park (312 acres) featuring forests meadows streams wetlands; it also recognizes contributions by local women through annual awards programs; further information about upcoming events can be found via the Parks seasonal program guide or main site.
