CANTON -- TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, is asking for the public’s help to fill a $50,000 gap in state funding.

Due to a change in the grant cycle at the New York State Council on the Arts, TAUNY is facing a six-month gap in operating support.

“The change in grant cycle is a response to administrative needs at the state level and we anticipate our relationship with NYSCA will resume in 2016,” TAUNY Executive Director Jill Breit said.

“In the interim, TAUNY must raise $50,000 to continue uninterrupted service in the final months of 2015,” Breit said. “The funds we would normally have had from NYSCA support many of the public's favorite TAUNY programs and projects. This includes selling regional art work, honoring North Country people with Heritage Awards, and offering children's programming for the holidays.”

TAUNY's Board of Directors is asking the public to participate in Bridge the Gap, a challenge now through Oct. 14 to raise the necessary $50,000. Gifts in any amount will help reach the goal, Breit said.

Participants may contribute online (tauny.org), by mail, or by stopping in person at The TAUNY Center at 53 Main St. in Canton.

Several TAUNY supporters have stepped forward to offer challenge grants, Breit said.

Between now and Sept. 25 at midnight, for every donation made an additional $50 will be given to TAUNY, up to $2500.

“NYSCA has provided partial support of TAUNY general operations and special projects since our founding in 1986,” Breit said.

“Throughout TAUNY's history, NYSCA has been a very important funding partner.”