About Us
CONGRATULATIONS CYCLE #9 NONPROFIT 
GRANT RECIPIENT, BIG APPLE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS! 

Click here to learn about Cycle #24 artist mini-grant winner, Raymond Enriquez.
Click here to learn about Cycle #24 artist mini-grant winner, Ko Smith.






























The following are excerpts from their proposal:

The mission of Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts, Inc. is to make a positive difference in the lives of New York City youth by providing musical, visual and enrichment experiences, assisting them in achieving their potential as they develop confidence, cooperation, leadership, responsibility and high standards of excellence and character.

We offer all of our programming free of charge to the general public. Because we target historically underrepresented communities, where most residents are low-income, we choose to offer our programs for free as to not alienate families who cannot make financial commitments. As such, we have to participate in heavy fundraising so we can keep our programming going. We don't charge for supplies or anything. Participation is 100% free of charge.

Main Programs / Services:
  • Summer Enrichment 2021 provides arts activities for youth ages 5 to 13. They learn to play a marching horn or percussion instrument, engage in arts and crafts, arts projects, self defense and step classes, physical education, and a writing project where they collaborate to become a published author, each contributing a chapter to the book.
  • BALAA Beauties is an all girls initiative that provides opportunities for girls ages 5 to 18 to explore the arts in creative ways. The girls participate in dance workshops, empowerment activities, character development activities, and leadership training. 
  • BALAA Brawns is a male mentorship program designed to sever the pupil to prison pipeline in New York City. Open to boys ages 9 to 18, members are matched with male mentors, and have the opportunity to participate in mentorship retreats, sports outings, empowerment workshops and other male bonding activities.
  • The Empire Marching Elite (TEME) is a New York City Community Marching Band. It presents traditional HBCU style marching arts in the Big Apple and provides opportunities for members to seek marching band scholarships to HBCUs. 
  • BALAA Performing Arts, or BPA, includes all of our performing arts programs other than The Empire Marching Elite. From Jazz Band to Step Team, BPA provides opportunities for members to explore various genres of performing arts. 

The grant funds will be used to purchase supplies needed to continue our programming. From craft supplies, to instrument repairs, we are working toward providing unique arts-centered experiences to the youth in our community.

























































Integrity: Arts & Culture Association is honored to approve 
Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Art's Funding request and we wish 
them continued success in their highly purposeful mission.






Your nonprofit organization may be the next grant winner! Click here to apply. 

There is no specific type of artist that we focus on or primarily support. Creative expression comes in a wide variety of artistic disciplines and genres. We are looking for passion and excellence in your craft. Tell us why your work is important to you and how you hope it will impact others. 
Where Eagles Soar (Isaiah 40:31)
Website: www.balaa.org

Congratulations to Big Apple Leadership Academy 
for the Arts on a successful grant application!