American Traditions Vocal Collection was awarded a Bridge Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2025. The Bridge Grant provides funding for operating support to nonprofit arts organizations, many of which were negatively affected by COVID-19. As part of this year’s Bridge awards, 204 entities in 44 counties will receive more than $2.6 million in funding.

“These grant dollars will allow arts organizations in Georgia to focus on their primary mission to bring art and cultural events to their communities by relieving the burden of certain operating expenses,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to help our arts organizations continue to foster economic and cultural vitality in their communities.”

Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from arts organizations from across the state, including performing arts centers, museums, galleries, amphitheaters, and music festivals. Bridge Grants are available to arts organizations for eligible operating expenses like rent, utilities, programming expenses, and marketing. 

“This grant will help the ATC with much-needed operating support. Our organization has grown exponentially under our feet over the last few years, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Executive Director, Mikki Sodergren. “This Bridge Grant will help us to reach more students and our community as we continue to share our love of classic American song through our outreach programs, concerts and our annual, international vocal competition.”

Funding for these grants is provided through appropriations from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Rescue Plan (ARP). 

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience, and knowledge.