NJ: Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion Program – CAFE
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Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion Program – CAFE - NJEDA Open in new Tab Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion Program – CAFE We are currently focused on reviewing applications from Round 1 to ensure a fair evaluation process. Once these reviews are complete, we will contact applicants directly with any necessary next steps and proceed to reviewing applications from Round 2. In exciting news, Governor Murphy has signed new legislation aimed at enhancing the CAFE Program. You can view the legislation here which includes changing the program from a competitive to a rolling application, expanding the eligibility, and easing Work First NJ program requirements. A decision on reopening CAFE applications will be made after assessing the outcomes of both Round 1 and Round 2. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work through this process. The Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program provides tax credits to incentivize broad scale capital projects for arts and cultural venues in New Jersey. The CAFE program focuses on development and rehabilitation of cultural arts facilities as a key component of the state’s economy. AMOUNT The CAFE Program awards tax credits via a competitive application process up to 100% of eligible project costs. Minimum project size is $5 Million. Maximum award is $75 Million. GOALS The CAFE Program aims to: – Elevate arts and culture as a key sector within the state’s economy. – Attract visitors to the state and local communities. – Increase the number of first-rate art and cultural experiences for residents and visitors. – Promote equitable engagement with the arts for underrepresented groups and underserved communities. The tax credits are transferable and can be sold. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for this program, the applicant must be a cultural arts institution which will have ownership or lease space in the cultural arts facility, and will operate the facility. In addition, the project must also be open to the public. Cultural arts institution may include government entities, not-for-profits whose primary mission is arts and culture, or a for-profit business receiving a federal or state rehabilitation tax credit. Projects where construction has commenced prior to submitting an application are not eligible, unless the Authority determines (clarified in NJEDA Board Memo May 13, 2025) that the cultural arts project would not be completed without an award of tax credits under the program. APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY AWARD SIZE FEES APPLICATION DETAILS The application period is currently closed. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS To receive a tax credit through the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion Program, a project must meet the following criteria: Minimum project size is $5,000,000. Applicant must be a cultural arts institution, which will have ownership or lease space in the cultural arts project and will operate the facility for at least 5 years after its construction. The proj